Next Chapter Book Club: A Model Community Literacy Program for People with Intellectual Disabilities

The groundbreaking, nationally recognized Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) provides rewarding learning and social opportunities for hundreds of people with intellectual disabilities. This new guide shows you how to use the innovative NCBC model to set up a successful book club where members read aloud together, improve literacy or read for the first time, and make lasting friendships as they discuss books every week at their local coffee shop or bookstore. Developed in 2002 by Tom Fish and his colleagues at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, the NCBC program now boasts more than 100 clubs. Clubs include five to eight members--all ages and literacy levels are welcome--and discussion is facilitated by two trained volunteers. Much like other book clubs, NCBC members choose how they want to structure their club and which books they want to read. All aspects of sponsoring, organizing and implementing a book club in any community are covered. Facilitators learn how to manage their group, use strategies to initiate or improve reading skills, and encourage social interaction. NCBC also provides ongoing training and support to facilitators. A handy CD-ROM included in the book provides several dozen key forms and templates, such as Member and Facilitator Intake Forms, End-of-Book Survey, and Scale of Literacy Skills. The enrichment of the NCBC experience continues to exceed the expectations of everyone involved; no club has ever disbanded! In addition to improving their reading skills and making friends, participants become connected to their community because they go regularly to a social meeting place where all kinds of people gather. Don't wait to set up a book club in your neighborhood--Next Chapter Book Club tells you how. It's easy and fun. Teachers, parents, social service providers, and prospective members will want a copy.