Scholastic is a household name in education, known primarily as the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books. For decades, the company has connected schools, teachers, and families with affordable literature through its unique distribution models. Whether you are a parent looking for the latest graphic novel for your child or a teacher building a classroom library, understanding how Scholastic operates can help you make the most of their resources.
What is Scholastic?
Founded in 1920, Scholastic has grown from a single classroom magazine into a global leader in children’s publishing. The company’s mission is to encourage the intellectual and personal growth of all children, beginning with literacy.
Scholastic is unique because it works directly with schools to bring books to children. By partnering with educators, they create an environment where reading is celebrated as an exciting event rather than a chore.
Understanding Scholastic Book Clubs
Scholastic Book Clubs are a staple of the American elementary school experience. These clubs allow students to purchase books at a discount while helping their teachers earn free supplies for the classroom.
The process usually begins when a teacher sends home a paper flyer filled with age-appropriate book selections. Each flyer is curated for a specific grade level, ensuring that the content is relevant to the student’s age and reading ability.
How to Order from Book Clubs
Ordering has become significantly easier with the advent of online shopping. While you can still fill out the paper form, most parents prefer using the Scholastic website or mobile app.
- Classroom Code: To ensure your order is linked to your child’s teacher, you will need a unique Class Code provided by the educator.
- Online Payment: You can pay securely via credit card or PayPal, which eliminates the need to send cash or checks to school with your child.
- Teacher Rewards: Every time you make a purchase, the teacher earns “Bonus Points” that they can redeem for books, posters, and educational games for the classroom.
The Scholastic Book Fair Experience
The Scholastic Book Fair is a pop-up bookstore event held in school libraries or gyms. It is often the highlight of the school year for many students, offering a wide variety of books, stationery, and educational kits.
Fairs provide a hands-on experience where children can browse titles and choose books that genuinely interest them. Research shows that when children choose their own books, they are much more likely to finish them and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Using the eWallet System
One of the most helpful modern features of the Book Fair is the Scholastic eWallet. This is a digital payment account that parents can fund in advance, allowing children to shop without carrying physical cash.
To set up an eWallet, visit the Scholastic Book Fair website and search for your child’s school. You can set a spending limit, and any unused funds can be spent at the Scholastic Store online or saved for a future fair.
The Scholastic Store Online
While Book Clubs and Fairs are tied to school events, the Scholastic Store Online is available year-round to all consumers. This is an excellent resource for birthdays, holidays, or when a child finishes a series and needs the next book immediately.
The online store carries a broader range of products than the flyers, including specialized teaching tools, workbooks, and parent-child activity kits. It often features “online-only” sales and clearance sections where you can find deep discounts.
Popular Book Series and Brands
Scholastic is the publisher of some of the most iconic series in children’s literature. Knowing which series are popular can help you find books that will engage a reluctant reader.
- Harry Potter: Scholastic is the U.S. publisher of J.K. Rowling’s famous series, offering various editions from paperback to illustrated hardcovers.
- Dog Man and Captain Underpants: Written by Dav Pilkey, these graphic novels are incredibly popular with elementary-aged children.
- Goosebumps: The classic horror series by R.L. Stine remains a favorite for middle-grade readers who enjoy a thrill.
- The Hunger Games: For older readers (YA), Scholastic publishes this influential dystopian trilogy by Suzanne Collins.
- The Bad Guys: A humorous series that uses a hybrid of text and illustration to keep young readers engaged.
How Scholastic Supports Reading Levels
Scholastic uses several leveling systems to help parents and teachers find books that match a child’s reading ability. The two most common systems you will see are Lexile and Guided Reading Levels (GRL).
Lexile Measures: This is a numerical value (e.g., 500L) that measures the complexity of the text. Most standardized school tests provide a student’s Lexile range, making it easy to find books that aren’t too easy or too difficult.
Guided Reading Levels: Often referred to as the Fountas & Pinnell system, this uses letters from A to Z. Level A is for beginning readers, while Level Z is for proficient middle-school readers.
Resources for Teachers and Educators
Scholastic is more than just a bookstore; it is a major provider of curriculum materials. Teachers can access lesson plans, printable worksheets, and professional development books through the Scholastic Teacher site.
The company also produces Scholastic News, a classroom magazine that covers current events in an age-appropriate way. These magazines help students build non-fiction reading skills and stay informed about the world around them.
Tips for Saving Money on Scholastic Books
Buying books can become expensive, but there are several ways to save while shopping with Scholastic. First, always look for the “$1.00 Book” or “Value Books” section in the monthly flyers.
Second, keep an eye out for seasonal warehouse sales. Scholastic often holds in-person warehouse events across the country where books are sold at 50% to 80% off retail prices. These are especially beneficial for teachers looking to stock up on multiple copies of a single title.
Finally, utilize the Scholastic rewards program. If you are a frequent shopper, you may receive coupons or “Book Fair Bucks” that can be applied to future purchases. Signing up for their email newsletter is the best way to stay informed about flash sales.
Conclusion
Scholastic Books provides an essential bridge between the classroom and the home. By participating in Book Clubs and Fairs, you not only provide your child with high-quality literature but also support their school’s educational goals. Whether you are using an eWallet for a school fair or browsing the Scholastic Store for a holiday gift, these resources make reading accessible and fun for children of all ages.
If you found this guide helpful, you may also want to explore our articles on how to help your child with reading comprehension or finding the best educational apps for students to further support your child’s learning journey.