Summer is the perfect time for kids to dive into the magical world of books. With school out and long sunny days ahead, there's ample opportunity to foster a love for reading in children. And reading is also a great way to keep your kids entertained and learning on rainy days.
Now imagine if you could...
... make reading more fun and engaging for your kids this summer.
... encourage them to explore new worlds and stories through books.
... and spark their creativity and imagination with a simple craft project!
If any of this resonates with you, you're going to love this post!
Yes, because I'm going to show you how to make fun and easy summer reading bookmarks for kids using some simple materials and printables. These bookmarks are perfect for adding some personality and flair to your kids' summer reading adventures. They are also a great way to keep track of their reading progress and goals.
Whether your kids are into fantasy, mystery, adventure, or anything in between, there's a bookmark design for them. And the best part is, they can customize them to their liking with their own colors, stickers, and embellishments.
So grab your scissors, glue, and printables, and let's get started on making some awesome summer reading bookmarks for kids!
How to Make Summer Reading Bookmarks
Creating custom bookmarks isn't just about keeping track of reading accomplishments; it's like adding a splash of magic to your child's literary adventure! When kids get to personalize their own bookmarks, they embark on a creative journey that takes their reading experience to a whole new level. Not only does it make reading more fun, but it also instills a sense of ownership and excitement in them.
How wonderful is that?
So, moms, let's dive into the world of DIY bookmarks and watch your little ones' imaginations soar this summer!
What You'll Need to Make Your Summer Reading Bookmarks
To create these delightful summer reading bookmarks, you will require the following essential materials:
Create Your Summer Reading Bookmarks in 10 Easy Steps
Making these summer reading bookmarks is super easy and fun.
Just follow these 10 easy steps 🤩
Step 1 - Gather Materials
To start with, gather all the necessary materials. You will need colorful cardstock or construction paper, scissors, markers or colored pencils, and any additional decorative items like stickers or glitter.
Step 2 - Choose a Design
Ask your child what they would like their bookmark to look like. It could be their favorite animal, a beloved character from a book, or simply something that represents summer, such as a sun or a beach ball.
You can recycle your old coloring pages, or even use old books or magazines. Or you can simply print these inspiring designs I've already created for you.
Let everyone imagination run wild!
Step 3 - Measure & Cut
Take the cardstock or construction paper and cut it into rectangular strips, about 2-3 inches wide and 6-7 inches long. These dimensions can be adjusted based on personal preference.
If you want to use old coloring pages or images from books or magazines, you'll probably want to cut your rectangles out of these pages a little smaller than your cardboard, which will give a nice colored border.
Step 4 - Decorate
Now comes the fun part! Encourage your child to decorate the bookmark using markers or colored pencils. They can glue or draw their chosen design, add patterns, or write inspiring quotes about reading.
You can glue two bookmarks back to back to make them sturdier and more colorful.
You can also trim the edges to make them round or scalloped.
Let their creativity shine through!
Step 5 - Personalize It
To make the bookmark more unique, your child can add their name or initials. This will give them a sense of ownership and make the bookmark feel special.
Step 6 - Get Crafty
If your child enjoys adding extra embellishments, let them go wild with stickers, glitter, or even pressed flowers.
These small touches will make the bookmarks truly one-of-a-kind.
Step 7 - Laminate (optional):
If you want the bookmarks to last longer, consider laminating them. This will protect them from wear and tear, ensuring they can be used throughout the summer and beyond.
Step 8 - Add an Extra Punch
Punch a hole at the top of each bookmark and thread a ribbon or yarn through it. Your child can also add some beads or charms to make them more decorative.
Step 9 - Share With Friends
Encourage your child to make extra bookmarks to share with their friends or siblings. It can be a fun activity to exchange bookmarks and recommend books to each other. And it also makes for wonderful homemade gift.
Step 10 - Use and enjoy
Finally, encourage your child to use their new summer reading bookmarks whenever they pick up a book. It will help them keep track of their progress and add an element of excitement to their reading routine.
By engaging children in the process of creating their own bookmarks, you not only encourage their creativity but also instill a sense of pride in their reading habits. These personalized bookmarks will become a cherished memento of their summer reading adventures.
So, grab some colorful materials, set aside a creative afternoon, and make fun and easy summer reading bookmarks with your child. Let their imagination soar as they embark on literary journeys, armed with their unique creations.
Happy creative reading!
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends and family who love reading and crafting.
And if you have any other ideas for making summer reading bookmarks, leave a comment below and let us know 😉
