MARVELOUS MUSTANGSStarting a Boys Only Book Club at McCrary Elementary School

Why start a boys only book club? Lack of role model at home Lack of interest in reading Female teachers- not sure what to

recommend or how to relate Little time or opportunity for self-

selected reading

We started a boys only book club in 2012-2013

Meetings every other Monday evening (5:30-6:30)

Adult males were welcome, but not required

We continued the meetings in 2013-2014

What has made this club a success?

Grant money used for t-shirts Boys chose the color and design Boys brainstormed a list of names for the

club, then voted on one Gave the boys ownership Makes them feel part of a “club”

Our Shirts

Shirts

2012-2013 Given to any boy

who attended at least one meeting

2013-2014 Given to boys

after attending 3 meetings

Also earning a button for their lanyard after attending 5 meetings

Record keeping for shirts

What has made this club a success?

Grant money used for book selection At one meeting, boys get on laptops and

use my Follett account to search for books that they would like to add to the collection (could be done with Amazon, Scholastic, etc.)

Books selected by boys in the club

Books selected by boys in the club

Books selected by boys in the club

What has made this club a success?

Novel studies Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs in 2012-13 Hard Luck by Jeff Kinney in 2013-14

What has made this club a success?

Snacks provided by staff members

Some struggles

Recruiting men! Most of our male staff helps (greatly

appreciated!) National Honor Society Churches Use husbands of teachers, etc. Great dads, grandfathers!

Some struggles

Getting boys to remember meetings! Announced during morning announcements Reminder slips sent home Wearing my shirt on meeting days

Some things to consider…

Graphic novels and comic books?

Some things to consider…

Behavior tied-in?

What do the meetings look like?

Always different! Sometimes start with announcements Sometimes involve the novel study Sometimes ordering books READING- always time for self-selected

reading

What do the meetings look like?

Self-selected reading and discussions with adult male role models

How often do you come to the CWM media center?

Only when my class goes

Once each month

Once each week

Only when my class goes

Once each month

Once each week

More than once each week

2012-2013 2013-2014