Promoting Positivity and Enjoyment with Reading

By Cody Hogan, Book Club Coordinator in Primary

A book club is not a new concept, but you may be surprised at the amount of children these days who have never heard of brunch before! Book Brunch is a club that is new to Year 6 this year and its aim is to create a pressure-free and friendly environment where students can enjoy their break time together and engage with some old-fashion printed literature. If, while they enjoy their brunch, they can also develop their literacy and stretch their imaginations, then that's a big plus! Presented all together like that makes it sound quite daunting, but a bit of positivity and some good books can have a surprisingly powerful impact.

The first step in starting up any successful club is figuring out the where and when. Book Brunch is a once a week, 30-minute session that takes place during regular snack time. We meet up on a sunny balcony outside the library with some turf and cushions for sitting on, all of which are crucial to creating the open atmosphere that a book club needs. Then, of course, comes the question of what to read. Thankfully, the Caxton library stocks a wide selection of young-adult fiction that we took great advantage of this year. What's more, students even collaborated to decide on some fresh titles to order for the school collection and enjoy together.

The benefits of Book Brunch go beyond the books themselves. Research shows that people who participate in book clubs are exposed to a richer variety of perspectives, deeper comprehension skills, and a strengthened appreciation for reading. Book Brunch not only encourages literacy but also fosters discussion, critical thinking, and social connections—all elements that enhance a student’s growth beyond the pages of a book.

With Book Brunch, the goal is simple: to turn reading into a moment of enjoyment rather than obligation. By pairing books with a relaxed setting and good company, we hope to show students that stories are meant to be shared and celebrated. Whether they arrive eager to share a great new book find, or simply curious to see the quality of the cushions, every new bruncher is welcome. As we head into a new school year, I look forward to seeing how the next group of brunchers will expand their horizons beyond the borders of the Book Brunch balcony, one book at a time.