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One of our favorite rouge-schooling activities (as in not a prescribed assignment in a curriculum or blatant worksheet) is throwing a book party at the conclusion of a read aloud. We clear off the formal dining table, which is our school table and is generally covered with books and related homeschool paraphernalia, and hide the clutter under the table so that we can pretend that the room isn't a disaster. Book parties are special and deserve the "big fancy table", real dishes, and decor!
As we read, the boys often comment on scenes that will be helpful in planning our party - significant meals and/or unique snacks. Occasionally we need to flip through the book to refresh our memories. Not every book is conducive to a full meal, like Maroo of the Winter Caves with characters combating hunger through most of the book. Others provide great opportunities to try new cuisine, such as Children of the Longhouse and The One and Only Ivan. If you are lucky, you can find a companion cookbook to use for your party as we did for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Setting the stage is great fun! I have a serious problem with collecting table linens and dishes (ask my husband, he will verify). I start with the linens that fit the mood, and then enlist the boys in thinking of critical props from the story, such as the ladle in our tablescape for The Prairie Thief and the kite hanging from the chandelier during our The Kite Fighters party. Once in a while, I will surprise them like I did for The One and Only Ivan, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Chasing Vermeer. An invaluable resource for setting the stage has been my local Buy Nothing Project where I post requests for items to complete our book party - without spending extra money.
While we eat, we discuss the book. Who was your favorite character? Is the food good? Should we read the sequel? Would you recommend the book to your friends? Etc. We usually need to summarize the book for my husband, who is a great sport in participating in my whimsical parties.
So, make it special, get the kids involved, and have fun celebrating the conclusion of a great book!
Here are some ideas to get you started...
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