Building a Love of Reading with Scholastic Book Clubs
Hey friend—let’s talk books. 📚💛 If you’ve ever wondered how to get kids genuinely excited about reading without adding more to your plate (or your budget), this is one of my favorite tried-and-true tools. Whether you’re a parent cheering on a little reader at home or an educator building a classroom community, Scholastic Book Clubs have been a simple, joyful win for us.
One of my favorite tools for nurturing a genuine love of reading—both at home and in the classroom—is Scholastic Book Clubs. Whether you’re a parent, an early childhood educator, or (like many of us) both, Book Clubs can be a simple, joyful way to build excitement around books while also supporting children’s access to high‑quality reading materials.
Creating a Culture of Reading Excitement
When our Scholastic Book Club catalogs arrive, the energy is excitement. Students each get their own catalog and we all go through it at our own pace. Children eagerly circle the books they love and excitedly share with one another:
“I have this book!”
“This one looks soooo awesome!”
These moments matter. They turn reading into a shared experience—social, joyful, and full of anticipation. Children aren’t just choosing books; they’re talking about stories, characters, and ideas. They’re seeing themselves as readers.
Keeping Families in the Loop
Clear communication makes Book Clubs work smoothly for everyone. I keep the process simple and predictable for families:
The order due date is sent in text
Catalogs are sent home with students
Parents receive a friendly text reminder right before the due date
I sometimes email digital catalogs as well, making it even easier for families to participate
Participation is always optional. I want Book Clubs to feel like an invitation, not an obligation.
Supporting the Classroom—Without Spending Personal Money
One of the biggest benefits for teachers is the ability to earn free bonus points when families place orders. Over time, those points really add up.
Thanks to Book Clubs, I’ve been able to:
Gift free books to students as Christmas presents and graduation rewards
Build a strong, well‑rounded classroom library
Host a March reading contest where students can earn a free book
Purchase a classroom set of small whiteboards we use regularly
Keep our Little Free Library stocked with both new and gently used books for children to borrow
Providing meaningful gifts and learning tools—without dipping into my personal funds—feels like a win for everyone.
Celebrating Book Delivery Day
When our book box arrives, it’s a celebration. We open it together and explore the new titles as a class. There’s nothing quite like seeing children’s faces light up as they spot familiar favorites and discover new stories.
Books ordered by families are sent home, while classroom books are proudly added to our library. I intentionally keep the focus on collective joy—how exciting it is for our classroom community—rather than comparison or jealousy. This approach helps every child feel included and valued.
A Gentle Reminder for Parents and Educators
Scholastic Book Clubs are a tool, not a requirement. Families participate in different ways and at different times, and that’s okay. What matters most is the message children receive:
Books are exciting. Reading is joyful. Stories are worth sharing.
If you’re curious about trying Book Clubs in your own classroom or home, I encourage you to keep it light, flexible, and centered on joy. There’s no pressure—just an open invitation to fall in love with books together. And honestly? That shared excitement is where the magic really happens. 💕