Book clubs can be a wonderful way to gather with like-minded parents and spark some great conversations!
Thinking about starting a book club?
Tracy Talavera and Erika Ellis joined me on the podcast to talk in-depth about their unschooling book club. Listen in!
Here are a couple of the many great tips they shared:
Consider starting the meeting off with an ice breaker. Ask questions that will help you get to know each other—and their kids. Questions like, “Name three favorite personality traits of each of your children.” Or, “What things do your children love?” Or, “What we are interested in and what we have been learning without school?
As you’re reading, bring any quotes, memes, podcast audio snippets etc that you come across that relate to the book/chapter being discussed. Other voices can help extend the conversation and might help someone understand a point even more deeply. Connections abound!
I thought I’d share some questions that might help spark some conversations. Or get your own creative juices flowing! I’ll add questions for more books soon.
The Unschooling Journey: A Field Guide Discussion Questions
1. What spurred you to begin exploring unschooling? Was there a specific moment that heralded your call?
2. As you transitioned from the ordinary world to the special world of unschooling, what was your whale?
3. What stage do you think you’re in right now?
4. On your road of trials, what has been the most challenging learning or parenting idea for you to explore so far?
5. Have you been tempted to abandon unschooling? If so, how did you move through that uncomfortable time?
6. Which is your favourite illustration? What thoughts and feelings does it evoke for you?
7. Was there a passage that stood out for you or inspired an “a-ha!” moment?
8. Can you share a story about a time when you found the magic in the mess?
9. What does living joyfully mean to you?
10. Are you ready to embrace your role as hero?
And here’s an illustration of the different stages of the journey that I put together—you’re welcome to share it to spark some interesting discussion.
{ Header photo, fanned book, by Caio Resende from Pexels. }