Setting Up a Bookclub for English Learners
Reading, Discussing and Enjoying Books Together
A bookclub is a great way to increase your enjoyment of reading, practise your English and talk about books with others. Here’s how to set up a bookclub for English learners, with advice for different levels.
Decide on the Level of the Book
Choose a book that matches the level of the group. Reading the book should be comfortable but there should be a few words per page that are new for you.
There’s advice on finding your level here.
If your group has different levels, choose a book a little below the highest level so that everyone can follow the story.
Unless you’re a very high level, read a graded reader, not a regular book written for native speakers. It will be too difficult and you will lose motivation. Graded readers are perfect for learners and are written by experts in language learning. They will help you improve your English in a fun and manageable way.
Setting up the Bookclub
Decide how often to meet – once a week or every two weeks is a good starting point.
A1+ – Meet with classmates or friends who want to practise English. Keep the group small (3–5 people).
A2 – Form a group with 4–6 people so that everyone has a chance to speak.
B1 – Larger groups (6–8 people) can work well, as discussions can be more in-depth.
B2 – You can have a bigger group (8–10), but make sure everyone gets a turn to speak.
How to Read the Book
Read shorter sections if your level is low and longer sections if your level is higher. If available, listen to the audiobook while you read.
A1+ – Read short sections (one or two pages) before each meeting.
A2 – Read one chapter per week and write down any new words.
B1 – Read longer sections and think about the themes of the book.
B2 – Read a full chapter or more and be ready to share opinions on characters, themes and writing style.
Discussion Ideas
A1+ – Talk about favourite characters, simple story events and words you have learnt.
A2 – Discuss the plot, describe characters and predict what will happen next.
B1 – Talk about themes, characters’ motivations and connections to real life.
B2 – Discuss deeper meanings, style and compare the book to others you’ve read.
Use some of these simple questions to guide your discussion:
- What did you like about this part of the book?
- Was there anything you didn’t understand?
- What do you think will happen next?
- How do you feel about the characters?
- Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
Running the Meetings
Encourage everyone to participate, but don’t worry if someone is shy at first. The important thing is to enjoy reading and practising English.
Feel free to adjust the structure of your meetings depending on your group’s preferences – sometimes casual discussions can be just as valuable as formal ones!
A1+ – Take turns saying one thing you liked about the book.
A2 – Each person shares one new word they have learnt.
B1 – Choose a discussion leader each week to ask questions.
B2 – Have a debate where you discuss your opinions on, and interpretations of, the book.
Bonus Tips on Having a Good Discussion
Create a Comfortable Atmosphere
Make sure everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. A relaxed, friendly environment encourages participation. You might want to start the discussion with a casual chat about something unrelated to the book to help everyone feel at ease.
Encourage Everyone to Speak
Encourage quieter members to share their thoughts. Ask open-ended questions (not just yes/no question) and give everyone a chance to contribute. Some people may be hesitant, so ask specific questions like, “What did you think of the main character’s decision here?”
Ask Thought-Provoking Questions
Ask interesting questions, especially if your English is a higher level. Questions about characters’ motivations, themes and how the story relates to real life can generate deeper discussions. For example, “Why do you think this character did that?” or “What do you think the author wants us to learn from this story?”
Stay on Track but Be Flexible
It’s good to stay on topic, but if the group talks about something related to the book and it’s interesting, let it happen. Sometimes, talking about a new idea can lead to fascinating insights.
Use Visual Aids
Bring in relevant pictures, maps or quotes from the book to help illustrate points or make the discussion more engaging. For example, show an image of a location described in the book. This can encourage more discussion.
Summarise and Review
At the end of the meeting, summarise the main points discussed. You could ask everyone to give one final thought or reflection about the book to wrap up the conversation on a positive note.
Be Open to Different Opinions
Encourage a respectful atmosphere where differing opinions are welcomed. If someone disagrees with a point, encourage them to explain why. This can lead to an interesting exchange of ideas.
Plan Ahead for Future Meetings
If you’re discussing a series or planning multiple meetings, keep everyone engaged by giving them a preview of the next book or chapter to read. This helps maintain enthusiasm between meetings.
Share Your Favourite Moments
Ask everyone to share their favourite scene or quote from the book. This helps everyone reflect on what stood out to them and gives you insight into the most impactful parts of the story.
Keep the Discussion Fun
Remember, the book club should be a fun, enjoyable experience. While it’s important to dive deep into the text, it’s also essential to maintain a sense of enjoyment. Don’t stress if the discussion doesn’t always follow a strict academic approach – it’s the shared experience of reading together that matters most.
These tips will help create a dynamic and engaging book club experience where everyone feels involved and excited to keep reading.
Final Thoughts
A bookclub is a fun and flexible way to practise English. You can adjust the reading speed, discussion style and book choice to suit your group. Most importantly, enjoy the experience of reading together!
Stories to Improve your English
My books are special versions of classic stories written in simple English. They help you learn English by using vocabulary and grammar at your level, so you can enjoy reading without feeling lost. These books are great because they improve your vocabulary, reading skills and confidence in a fun and natural way.
