The obvious first step in getting children excited about reading is to expose them to interesting, well-written books. Because the Book Club program revolves around lively discussions, books that deal with important and often controversial issues make the best choices. In addition, most Book Club teachers use themes to organize their reading instruction. This may mean that the books in the classroom library are thematically related to those that the students are reading in their small groups. Or it may mean that each small group is reading a different book, but all of the books share a common topic or theme. Book Club can increase your options for interdisciplinary instruction when you select books that develop themes from your social studies, science, or other curriculum areas. Book Club provides opportunities for many different reading experiences. Many Book Club teachers begin each day by reading aloud. Then the students read a section in the books that they're discussing in their small groups. They might do this reading independently, with partners, or in some other format, depending on their needs and skills as well as the teacher's instructional goals. It's important that all students -- not just the best readers in the class -- read high-quality literature. In too many cases, less able readers have been left to practice reading skills while others read real books. Book Club teachers have used partner reading, choral reading, teacher read-alouds, audiotapes, parent readings, and Chapter One assistance to include all members of a diverse classroom in the experience of good literature. They've found that every student has something to contribute to a book discussion when given the opportunity and appropriate support.