DIY Reading Club: How kids can start an after school book club or any club (run by kids for kids!)

Hello my Omschooligans! Today we're starting a group and I'm so excited! We call it the Omschool Tree Fort Reading Club and it works very much like the old after school clubs kids used to participate in, like Brownies or Cub Scouts. Only less formal. But just as much fun! Here's how to start an after school kids book club, by and for kids only! 

✨ Teacher Omi’s Childhood Club Memory ✨

"I remember a club I was in at age 7. We met in a lady's basement. We took turns bringing snacks. One girl named Faith always brought fudge. I loved that. We each had a simple craft box with crayons and scissors. We took turns being club officers, made crafts and learned how to set a table properly. I recall we put on a little play using toys in their basement. My part was to ride the Wonder Horse (in every basement back then) to alert villagers. Of what, I forget. Nothing fancy, don't even know if it was organized or just one mom's idea.  But I thought it was the best thing ever!"

— Omi

Omschool Tree Fort Reading Club

Not familiar with after school clubs? Maybe that's because they existed more in my memory and imagination and in books I read (The Three Investigators with their awesome headquarters!) And maybe that's because now, we parents and  grandparents get more involved than we really need to. We tell kids how to plan, organize and run it. And that robs it of the creativity, ingenuity and enjoyment. So my goal, in helping you kids start a book club (or any kids club) is to set the wheels in motion and let the you keep it running. 

Adult Supervision

Adults may help, encourage or provide resources, but kids clubs should be run by kids. They can be based on shared interests or just within neighborhood groups. Less is more with kids clubs, as in as much freedom and as little adult input as possible. Adult supervision is advised only to keep an eye on things so they run smoothly. Not to interfere. Even if there are disagreements, children need to be allowed to work them out as much as possible. Can you tell Teacher Omi always wanted to start a lot of clubs when she was young? 

Organizing the book club

• Discuss your idea with parents and get their permission. 
• Limit numbers but don't exclude. If you have 12 kids in your immediate neighborhood, then invite all 12. Or maybe you'll decide to invite friends from school. Don't let it get too big or it will be hard to manage. 8 is a good number. 
• Make invitations. You might want to get with your best friend to work on this. 
• Host an initial meeting to
• explain the format and 
• decide which books to read
• choose day, time and place to  meet

Group Tasks

• Write some basic rules. My grandkids wrote a motto and rules for their homeschool with things like
• Share. 
• Take turns. 
• Listen and don't interrupt. 
• Be kind. 
• Create a calendar. 
• Design a clubhouse, if you can. You can use your tree fort or play structure. Or a backyard tent. Check out the Encyclopedia Brown book series for a simple DIY clubhouse idea. OR
• Meet at different member's houses. If the clubhouse won't work, then take turns hosting meetings in backyards or basements. This divvies up responsibilities so one person doesn't' do it all. 
• Assign officers. Don't vote. It never goes well. Everyone gets a turn to fill each role. 
• Project leader: conducts meetings and keeps everyone on task in a not bossy way. 
• Materials manager: organizes supplies and keeps track of what is needed. 
• Record-keeper: takes meeting minutes and reads back what was decided. 
• Financial secretary. Collects dues and makes purchases of supplies. 
• Communication specialist: sends out memos of upcoming events. 
• Collect meeting dues. Keep the amount low, like $.50. This is what supplies are purchased with. Try as much as possible to use recycled materials to be earth-friendly. Ask families to donate supplies. Or you can skip this part and just use donated materials. 
• Each person should bring a craft box to meetings with
• markers or colored pencils
• scissors
• glue stick
• tape
• notebook
• colored paper
• Serve snacks. Each members brings one to share. If you're making a book-based snack craft, the one responsible brings supplies.
• Start with a brief agenda. Follow Robert's Rules of Order. Then spend the most time doing group activities (make a group snack or craft project) or discussing books. Here's the fudge recipe from the basement club, circa 1971.  

  🍫 Faith's Friendship Fudge 🍫

  "Named in sweet memory of basement club days and wonderful friends! Pair it with the book No Such Thing as a Witch by Ruth Chew"

  Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  Instructions

  1. Prep: Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment or foil; grease lightly.
  2. Mix: Whisk sugar, cocoa, and salt in a heavy saucepan. Stir in milk and butter.
  3. Boil: Cook over medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a rolling boil, then stop stirring. Cook to the soft-ball stage (234°F).
  4. Cool: Remove from heat. Drop vanilla in the center without stirring. Let cool until warm to the touch (approx. 110°F).
  5. Beat & Pour: Vigorously beat until thick and matte-like. Fold in nuts if desired, pour into the pan, and let set completely!

  — From Teacher Omi’s Kitchen (remembering how much work this was to make, reminds me what a labor of love Faithful Faith's fudge treats were!
• End with a wrap-up, clean-up and projected plans for the next meeting. 
• Keep it simple. 
• Keep following this blog for book club suggestions. 

What to do if someone isn't acting in a way that respects all. 

• Let's hope that doesn't happen but if if does always, always try working it out in a positive manner. 
• Have a group meeting and discuss what's happening. Don't finger-point. The project leader should moderate and not get involved. 
• Try to find a mutually acceptable resolution. 
• Suggest a change of scenery or a break time. 
• Eat a snack! People aren't at their best when they are hungry. And Faith's fudge could sweeten any problem! 
• If it gets out of hand, ask an adult to step in. 

Next up: book report alternative ideas and reading response journal activities. 

 

DIY Summer reading club with interactive reader's workshop activities and book-based crafts and snacks

Hello my Omschooligans!  Are you a book worm? Then you'll love what Teacher Omi has planned for you today! A few days ago, we at the Omschool Tree Fort launched a DIY summer reading club. The first topic was Book-based Science Magic Experiments. The lesson plans provide multisensory ways to interact with books, using craft snacks (or edible crafts), science based magic tricks and companion book selections. We call these Book BAGS (books, activities, games and snack crafts).  Today we'll show how to build a DIY summer reading club with interactive reader's workshop activities, ELA and book-based crafts and snacks. Use these as homeschool or summer enrichment reading lesson plans to engage reluctant readers and book worms who can't keep their noses out of books, alike! 

ELA: Multisensory and Interactive (the geek speak)

I'm a former special needs and Montessori teacher. So I teach reading as part of the umbrella of ELA (English language arts). My reading lesson plans encompass skills of RWSL (reading, writing, speaking and listening). Book-based activities focus on cross-curricular connections, multisensory VAKT (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile) reading tasks and HOTS (higher-order thinking skills) interactive literature-based activities. In laymen's terms, book activities you can see, hear, touch, smell and taste! And a student book club, also referred to as a reader's workshop, is the perfect vehicle to achieve this. 

DIY Summer Book Club & Interactive ELA Activities Outline

I. Core Concepts & Goals

• Target Audience: Students, reading groups, homeschool, library programs and classrooms 

• Objective: Help students deeply engage with literature through interactive reader's workshop response activities, crafts, and themed snacks.(Montessori-style, hands-on, multi-sensory, and cross-curricular).

II. Interactive Reading & Book Club Activities

• Book Club & Parties

  • Organize student-led reading clubs in which students choose books and host focus groups. 

  • Complete different reading response journal activities. Keep reading for a printable format. 

  • Create interactive book report alternatives. See list below. 

  • Coordinate book-themed snacks and foods, games and craft projects to meaningfully engage with literature selections. 

  • Set up a classroom "coffee shop" to give older students a grown-up book club experience.

• Readers Theater & Performances

  • Readers Theater: Chorale-style reading emphasizing voice, inflection, and projection while seated.

  • Puppet Shows: Create character puppets for storytelling or let students write original scripts.

  • Radio Plays: Simulate a student radio station (e.g., WRDR, BOOK, READ) using sound effects and book-themed fake commercials.

• Digital Media & Film Projects

  • Book-to-Film: Assign roles (director, properties, scenery, makeup) to act out, film, and upload book-based skits.

  • Literature-Based Music Videos: Build photo slideshows or presentations set to a curated playlist using photos or student-drawn illustrations.

III. Reading Incentives & Fundraising

• Incentive Programs

  • Participate in group reward initiatives like Pizza Hut's Book-It program.

  • Reward reading milestones by giving books as prizes.

• Charity Fundraisers

  • Tie reading goals to charitable donations (e.g., donating money per completed book or hour read) to teach giving back.

IV. Recommended Resources & Links

• Program Printables & Activities: Education.com (DIY Summer Reading Camp program)

• Charity Reading Program: Reading is Fundamental (via the One More Story program)

• Teacher Blogs & Lesson Plans:

  • Kidz Literature

  • Free Lesson Plans 4U

  • Free Printable Lesson Plans

Harry Potter Magic Science Experiments with literature selections for Omschool Book Club

 

Hello my Omschooligans! Here are the Omschool Tree Fort, we're starting a summer reading program! Our first subject is Science Magic Experiments. These are based these off the Harry Potter book series. So you could use these to celebrate a Harry Potter birthday party or just for fun summer party. I've included free printable book club materials plus science experiments and kitchen chemistry activities to coordinate with the books. Children's literature selections are given for follow up to each of the science experiments. Some are stories for younger children but that doesn't mean older children won't enjoy them!) 

Wizard Magic & Kitchen Science: An Apprentice's Guide

• Introduction: Explore fun chemistry magic tricks inspired by Harry Potter and other fantasy themes. Designed for teachers and homeschool parents to engage students with hands-on kitchen science experiments.

---

Activity Outline

1. Eerie Ectoplasm

Ectoplasm is really the outer surface of cytoplasm, but in paranormal speak, it's the stuff that comes out of someone's mouth to show a spectral presence. Gross, right? Well you can make play ectoplasm with these super simple kitchen science experiments. 

• The Science: Mix equal parts Elmer's school glue and liquid laundry starch, working together with fingers until it forms a rubbery putty. Trapped air causes it to burp when folded, proving that air takes up space and has pressure.

• Literature Connections: Read Dr. Seuss's Bartholomew and the Ooblek or The Cat in the Hat Comes Back.

2. Spirit Writing (Invisible Ink)

• The Science: Use lemon juice as invisible ink with a cotton swab or toothpick. Hold the paper over a warm light bulb, candle, or flame to make the ghostly message magically appear.

• Literature Connections: Perfect for mystery units! While classic vintage series like Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys frequently feature secret codes and hidden messages, you can also check out modern middle-grade mystery adventures like Steven K. Smith's Spies at Mount Vernon (from The Virginia Mysteries series), which incorporates spycraft, ciphers, and invisible ink.

3. Rubber Bones

• The Science: Scrub a chicken bone clean and soak it in white vinegar for 24 hours. The vinegar breaks down and dissolves the hardened calcium and mineral deposits, leaving the bone flexible.

• Literature Connection: Read William Steig's The Magic Bone.

4. "Unbreakable" Plastic Bag

• The Science: Fill a Ziploc bag with colored water and gently push a sharpened pencil completely through it. The plastic polymer stretches and seals around the hole to prevent spills.

• Literature Connections: Teach the song "There's a Hole in the Bucket" or read Basil Brush Gets a Medal.

5. Wizard Magic Fire Shield

• The Science: Adults-only experiment. Coat a bandanna in rubbing alcohol, squeeze out excess (leave damp), and hold a match to the tip. The alcohol burns quickly at a low, combustible heat that leaves the cloth untouched. (Discuss real-world applications like Sterno or Cherries Jubilee and other flaming desserts).

• Literature Connections: Read the classic ballet story The Firebird, the Aztec legend of Quetzalcoatl, or the myth of the Phoenix.

6. Haunted Beans (Mexican Jumping Beans)

• The Science: Use authentic jumping beans (containing a live worm that reacts to body heat) or improvise by heating popcorn to watch it "escape" like a lively sprite.

• Literature Connections: Tie in the fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk, the Greek myth of Pandora's Box, or The Popcorn Book by Tomie dePaola.

7. Magic Color Chromatography

• The Science: Touch various black markers (water-color vs. permanent) to damp paper towels and watch the ink blobs diffuse and separate into an array of colors, proving that black is a combination of many colors.

• Literature Connection: Read A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni.

8. Fleeing Magic Fleas

• The Science: Fill a pie tin with water, add black pepper, and sprinkle red pepper to watch them repel each other. This demonstrates how the pepper disturbs the meniscus (the molecular surface tension of water).

• Literature Connections: Read The Flea's Sneeze by Carla Firehammer or West African Anansi the Spider folk tales.

9. Genie in a Bottle

• The Science: Freeze a glass bottle, place a dime on top, and watch as the melting frost inside expands and forces trapped air out, causing the dime to lift and clink back down.

• Literature Connections: Read Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp from Arabian Nights or the stories of Scheherazade from One Thousand and One Nights.

10. Magic Moon Sand 

The magic trick here is that sand will stick together instead of "sprinkling" like normal sand. It can be shaped and formed into structures like wet sand, then smoothed down and rebuilt. 

• Mix 4 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of baby oil (or coconut oil) in a large bowl. Use your hands or a whisk to blend until the texture resembles damp sand—it should be moldable but crumble easily. Add a few drops of food coloring to the oil for colored sand. 
  Variations and Tips
  Taste-Safe Option: To make this safe for mouthing toddlers, substitute the baby oil with vegetable, canola, or coconut oil. Additionally, bake your flour on a sheet pan at 350°F for 5 minutes and let it cool completely before mixing, which kills any natural bacteria. 
  Sand & Cornstarch Alternative: For a different texture that behaves more like real beach sand, try a ratio of 5 parts play sand, 3 parts cornstarch, and 1 part baby oil. 
  Add-Ins: Enhance the sensory experience by stirring in vanilla extract for scent, or food-safe glitter and sprinkles. 
• Literature Connections: 

  Sand Cake by Frank Asch

  • The Story: Bear and his papa go to the beach, and Bear decides to bake a delicious sand cake. He decorates it with shells, seaweed, and stones, and even tries to "bake" it in the sun.

  • The Connection: It is a whimsical, playful story about molding and imagining things out of sand, making it a delightful read-aloud while the kids are busy squishing and shaping their moon sand.

Recycled homemade bird feeders, bird seed treats and free printable bird lesson plans

Hello my Omschooligans!  Do plastic milk jugs overflow your recycling bin? They certainly do here at the Omschool Tree fort! So how about we make some simple homemade crafts to repurpose and reuse recycled milk jugs? And value added, our furry and feathered friends will love your recycled milk jug craft projects. But first, here are free printable bird activities and coloring pages to enjoy! 

Free Printable Bird Coloring Pages

• Audubon for Kids: Offers various nature-themed activities, including DIY crafts and art projects like making migration-friendly window decorations.

• Columbia Audubon Society: Provides high-quality, printable bird illustrations, such as the Costa’s Hummingbird, created to combine science with creativity.

• Homemade Gifts Made Easy: Features a gallery of 56 free printable bird coloring pages, ranging from simple outlines for young children to realistic species drawings for older students and adults.

• ABCmouse: Offers a large collection of bird-themed printables, including "color by addition" and "color by sight" worksheets, as well as various bird species.

• Crayola: Provides a variety of free animal-themed coloring pages, including birds.

Bird Lesson Plans & Activities

• Audubon for Kids: An extensive resource for home educators, featuring activities like "What’s That Beak For?" (exploring beak adaptation) and interactive migration games.

• The Homeschool Daily: Provides a comprehensive "Bird Unit Study" that includes printable graphic organizers, emergent readers for early learners, and "Beak & Feet" matching cards to teach anatomy and function.

• BirdNote in the Classroom: Offers adaptable lesson plans for various grade levels, including activities like the "Bird Beak Buffet" (hands-on food exploration) and nature journaling prompts.

• Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance: Includes fun, interactive games such as "Bird BINGO" and "Owl Listening" activities to teach bird calls and sensory biology.

• Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: Offers specific lesson plans like "First Flight with Raptors," which introduces biology concepts through birds of prey. 

Homemade Recycled Milk Jug Bird Feeders

I. Project Overview

• Goal: Repurpose and reuse plastic milk jugs into functional bird feeders.

• Benefits:

  • Reduces waste in landfills.

  • Supports wildlife and the local ecosystem.

  • Great craft activity for Earth Day, National Bird Day, or general nature education.

II. Supplies Needed

• Clean, rinsed, and dried plastic milk jugs.

• Permanent markers, stickers, or fabric paint (for decoration).

• Sharp scissors like you use in the kitchen.

• Bird seed (generic bulk seed is inexpensive).

• Optional additives for "special treats": citrus rinds, apple peelings, fruit seeds, stale popcorn, bread, crackers, nuts, and peanut butter. 

  
  
  

• Bright red yarn or ribbon for hanging.

III. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Jug: Ensure the milk jug is thoroughly washed, rinsed, and dried.

2. Create the Window:

   • Draw a window on the side opposite the handle, approximately 2.5 inches from the bottom.

   • The window should measure about 4 inches on all sides.

   • Carefully cut out the window using scissors.

3. Add Drainage: Poke 5 small holes in the bottom of the jug to allow for drainage and air circulation to keep birdseed dry.

4. Decorate: Use permanent markers, stickers, or fabric paint to create nature patterns.

5. Fill: Add approximately 1.5 inches of bird seed to the bottom of the feeder.

6. Hang:

   • Use bright red yarn or ribbon to hang the feeder in trees or from poles (avoid utility wires).

   • Or, make a clean cut through the handle near the base so it can you can "hook" it over a tree branch.

   • Alternatively, place on a porch rail and secure with a nail through the bottom.

IV. Target Audience & Groups

• School groups, libraries, day cares, and scout troops.

• Homeschool

• Vacation Bible School, summer camps, and nature centers.

• Elderly groups (easy to construct and requires minimal space).

Beach Day craft projects, beach-themed snack crafts, books and printable beach dioramas

Hello my Omschooligans! Teacher Omi here with a beach day unit of lesson plans for summer fun (and learning!) in the sun. And you know me--I'm all about recycling, repurposing and reusing. Today's beach craft activities feature craft projects from your recycle bin. Make DIY beach toys, sand castle molds and gardening tools from recycled plastic  milk jugs. Next, enjoy a menu of beach themed snack crafts you can make yourself. You'll love the Teddy Graham sunbather! Enjoy these with some beach themed books. Then use free printable beach dioramas and coloring pages to make a shoebox habitat diorama! Use these for homeschool, vacation Bible school craft projects, summer school, camp, scout troop, 4H group and day care kids crafts. 

DIY Beach & Garden Tools from Recycled Milk Jugs

Supplies Needed

• 2 clean plastic milk jugs per child

• Permanent marker

• Sturdy scissors (child-safe Fiskars scissors work well)

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Instructions

1. Gardening Buckets, Plant Starters, or Sand Pails

• Draw a line around the base of the milk jug, approximately 3 inches from the bottom.

• Carefully poke a hole on this line with your scissors.

• Cut along the line all the way around to remove the top half of the jug.

• Use the base as a sand pail, gardening bucket, or plant starter.

2. Sand Toy Strainers or Sifters

• Follow the same steps as above to create the bucket base.

• Additionally, poke several small holes in the bottom of the jug to create a sifter or strainer for beach play.

  
  
  

3. Funnels or Sand Castle Molds

• Take the remaining top portion of the milk jug.

• Draw a circle around the top of the jug, about 2 inches down from the mouth.

• Poke a hole on the line and cut around the circle in a  toothed pattern to create your funnel or sandcastle mold.

  
  
  

4. Trowels and Garden Rakes

• Use the remaining piece of the jug containing the handle.

• Trace along the indentation where the handle attaches to the jug.

• Cut along this line to separate the handle piece from the rest of the jug.

• For a Trowel: Trim the top part (above the upper end of the handle) into a v-shaped point.

• For a Garden Rake: Cut a zigzag edge into the bottom of the trowel piece.

5. Handled Shovels

• Draw a circle around the base of the handle where it attaches to the jug, leaving about an inch of space.

• Cut along the circle and remove the top end of the jug.

• You now have a sturdy, handled shovel perfect for the beach or garden. 

  
  
  

More sand castle molds from the recycle bin

• When you purchase a new appliance or gadget, save those pre-formed cardboard or plastic pieces that hold the item secure in the box. These make awesome sand castle molds and best of all, you can toss them if they wet. Or you can recycle them if they are still solid. 
• Use recycled cottage cheese or butter tubs as sand castle molds. Cut them any way you wish! 
• Repurpose egg cartons as to make designs in the sand. We used them for fences, caterpillars and merlons (those square block thingys along the edge of a castle parapet). The possibilities are limited only by your imagination, which Teacher Omi knows is limitless! 
  
  
  

From Teacher Omi's story corner

Round out your beach day adventures with a snuggle and a snack in the Omschool Tree Fort! Here's a list of beach themed books and stories. Keep reading for recipes to make beachy snack crafts to nibble on! 

Sand Play & Building

• A Day for Sandcastles by JonArno Lawson

• The Sandcastle That Lola Built by Megan Maynor – A modern, summery spin on "The House That Jack Built" featuring a giant sandcastle.

• The Sand Castle Contest by Robert Munsch – A fun story about a competition where a sandcastle is built so well it looks like a real house.

• Watch Me Build a Sandcastle by Jack Otten.

Beach Exploration & Adventures

• Beach by Elisha Cooper – Captures the simple magic of a day at the beach and building memories.

• Hello, Ocean by Pam Muñoz Ryan – A beautiful, sensory-rich celebration of a day spent at the shore.

• Come Again, Pelican by Don Freeman – A gentle, beautifully illustrated story about the friendship between a boy and a pelican, capturing the quiet, magical moments of a beach day. (one of Teacher Omi's and Uncle Jakey's favoritest stories ever!) 

• Bluey: The Beach – Join Bluey for a fun-filled day of discovery and shell collecting.

• Llama Llama Sand and Sun by Anna Dewdney – An interactive, touch-and-feel book featuring sandcastles and splashing in the waves.

• Wave by Suzy Lee – A stunning, wordless picture book about a little girl’s first time at the beach and her interaction with the tide.

• At the Beach by Anne F. Rockwell – Highlights classic activities like sandcastle building and seashell collecting.

Sensory & Nature Guides

• Beach Feet by Kiyomi Konagaya – A unique, sensory-focused look at how a child experiences the sand and shore with their feet.

• Sandy Feet! Whose Feet? by Susan Wood – An informative book about identifying animal footprints in the sand.

• Backpack Explorer: Beach Walk by Editors of Storey Publishing – A hands-on field guide for little beachcombers to identify shells, rocks, and shorebirds.

• This Beach is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill – A great story for children who might feel overwhelmed by the sensory experience of a busy beach day.