Build a Better Book Study: Tips to Help You Lead a PLC That Creates Change

I’m a big fan of book studies. I’ll admit that I am biased. I’ve been known to read a book cover to cover in 24 hours, and of course as a writer, I love the way that great literature, especially with stories, can drive home concepts. But I’ve been surprised in recent years that book studies are becoming less popular.

For quite a while the back to school routine for staff has always included the inservice trainings and many districts have included a variety of topics all lumped together before the kids come back to school. While these absolutely have their place, change happens as a process, not an event, so some of our harder topics and concepts such as diversity work or being trauma informed really do require information and application and book studies, when done well, fit the bill perfect.y. Here are my top tips for leading a book study that will create real change, PLUS a few books you might want to consider for your building or district.

Know your audience. When I’m working with an organization, I always survey the staff to assure that I have as much preliminary knowledge as possible. This can be more challenging to do internally, which is why I recommend getting someone external to assist, but it can be done. Gauging people’s skill, knowledge and comfort levels are all good things to know.

Define your goals. This is the one almost everyone skips. Someone reads a great book that inspires them and they want everyone to get the same joy or knowledge, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into anything other than a little break room conversation. Do you want to increase positive student interactions or decrease discipline referrals? Do you want staff to gain new skills or make use of the ones they have? Be clear so you know what people will get.

Choose the right book. Don’t bore people or waste time barely scratching the surface. The right book will make or break your book study. If you can remember your college days, literally no one enjoys being forced to read, so especially when the book study is not optional, make sure you get something engaging. When in doubt, choose a book that’s less technical and supplement as needed. Trust me, boring books are not the way to go.

Set participants up for success. Be organized and flexible. Give people enough time to enjoy what they read and build in some catch up time because I promise you, life will happen.

Personalize the learning. The best part of the book study is the shared learning within the group. Include individual reflection time and lots of ways to share and express personal takeaways. Make sure that every staff member has a way to apply what they learn in real life and not just that they can answer questions about content.

Here are a few books I’ve read or reread recently and they are all super book study friendly. Would you like MY help with your book study? Click here to send me an email so I can do all the heavy lifting for you. Have a book you think should be on my list? Chime in on the comments and let me know.

What Happened To You? Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey

Boundaries with Teens Dr. John Townsend

Why Do They Act That Way? David Walsh

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

The Connected Parent Karyn Purvis, PhD and Lisa Qualls (This is technically for parents, but lots of good content)

Help For Billy Heather Forbes

Drag ‘Em Kicking And Screaming: 7 Steps for At-Risk Student Success Elizabeth White, Calvalyn Day, Reginald White (For paperback copies, send me a message for a quote)

The 5 Love Languages Gary Chapman (There are multiple versions of this as well)

Check out a few more book options here.