Bookmarks To Encourage Reading, and Gifts Too

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

16 Feb 2008 11:51 AM

Bookmarks can be as simple as cutting a rectangle out of paper. The paper can be gorgeous scrapbook paper, contstruction paper, or even a page torn from a magazine. To make sturdier bookmarks you can use cardstock.

Another option is cut a rectangle out of a cereal or cracker box. Glue paper or even fabric to this thin cardboard and trim the edges. For paper you can use children's drawings, scrapbook paper, magazine cutouts, photographs, stickers, or stationery. If you are making the bookmark for a gift, it's fun to follow the theme of the theme of the book. Grandparents love bookmarks with pictures of their grandchildren, pictures made by their grandchildren, and hand prints.

To encourage children to read, first make a sturdy bookmark. Cover the cardboard with light colored blank paper. Let the child draw a picture of the book cover, a scene from the book, or even their favorite animals or toys. On the back of the bookmark draw straight lines across for the child to write on. You can also glue on lined paper. The child can record their reading times or books read on the bookmark. Kids love to see their progress.

As long as you keep the bookmark flat, you can use just about thing for embellishment. Add some stickers, or ribbon trim, or even pressed flowers. Stay away from things like buttons or charms though. They tend to mark the book.

To make your bookmarks last longer, you can cover them with clear Contact paper. This step is a must if you use pressed flowers. Otherwise the flowers will crumble and possibly even stain the book. If you are using them to track reading hours though, don't cover the back.

Have fun creating!

Also See:

Beaded Bookmarks

Make Bookmarks

Bookmarks For Kids

Learn more about Lauri Griffin

Lauri lives in Colorado with her husband and three sons. Amidst all the laundry and packing of lunches, she tries to keep parenting fun.

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