When young kids graduate from reading shorter books to “chapter books”, they do so with a vengeance. For many it’s a grand achievement, a sign of getting older, of moving up a level, and of kicking it in the big leagues.
For us carers and parents, we notice a difference too. Suddenly bed time stories become longer, and although more enjoyable, we’re often making bargaining agreements.
| “If you don’t hurry up and brush your teeth, you’re only getting one chapter tonight!”
Of course 15 minutes later, you’re onto the 3rd chapter because, “oh please, just one more chapter” is simply a request too good to refuse. But if your child is enjoying reading so much, and so involved with the story that they can’t put it down, it’s really not a bad thing is it?
Given we want our children to connect to reading, to enjoy reading, and to willingly participate in the process, allowing one more chapter at night is really the benefit of achieving the outcome.
Of course, graduating to chapter books does bring a slight downside. Because when you do finally call “lights out” and put the book away for the following night, you now have to remember your page. And if your memory is anything like mine, you’re going to want to write it down.
Plus, whilst a dog-eared book is a sign of a well read book, many of us don’t like folding our pages. So today I’m sharing a fun craft activity to do with the kids to make these DIY Photo Bookmarks. No more forgetting page numbers!
DIY PHOTO BOOKMARKS
YOU’LL NEED:
PVA glue
Coloured card stock
^we used a mixture of glitter card, ribbed card and plain card stock
Scissors
^make sure they’re kid-friendly scissors
Photos
^i used photos from @hopefornannies on instagram and the kids chose their own photos (not pictured). We had them printed at Office Works
Stencils
^we used heart-shaped stencils but any shape would work
TO MAKE:
1. Gather your items on a nice big table and let the kids pull up a stool.
2. Carefully cut our your desired bookmark shape from the coloured card. You can get creative here and cut a few different shapes and sizes to layer onto your bookmark.
3. Glue the coloured card together to assemble the base layer of your bookmark.
4. Whilst the card is drying, select the photo you’ll be using on your bookmark and trim to fit to size.
Tip: you’ll want to cut your photo to be smaller than the bookmark.
5. Offset your photo and glue onto the coloured card, leaving half of the photo free to be flipped up. This will be the “clip” that slips over the page of your book to mark the page.
NOTES:
We used coloured card and shapes to make these fun photo bookmarks. However as always, it is open to interpretation. You could easily go without the photos, or make traditional rectangular bookmarks to slip among the pages. For a further embellishment, you could punch a hole in the tip of your bookmark and thread through some ribbon.
>>> Are you a page folder or a bookmark-er?
____________________
For more in the Book Week 2014 Series, check out:
Book Week 2014: Connect To Reading
Book Week 2014: Best Book Parade Costumes
Book Week 2014:DIY Photo Bookmarks
Book Week 2014: Press Here by Hervé Tullet
Book Week 2014: Geronimo Stilton Review
This is such a cute idea! Pinning for later.
Thanks for visiting Tarana. xx
My son is learning how to read and write and I am so glad that I have found your blog. I can see so many post about learning and I am so looking around!
#letkidsbekids

Merlinda (@pixiedusk) recently posted…Mozzarella Sandwich
We just had a good laugh over “I love you with all my butt!”
#LetKidsBeKids

Abigail recently posted…Easy Paper Plate Hearts
Lovely idea to inspire more reading and fun to make. My son has fairy recently moved onto chapter books and loving it.

Thanks for sharing #LetKidsbeKids
Karen Bell recently posted…Let kids be kids linky 13/1/15
I am definitely a bookmarker!
These will make such cute Valentine’s presents for grandparents. Am pinning 🙂

Catherine recently posted…Picture books about snow
That is such a good idea Hope and they look so cute!! I will have to give one a go!

Shelley@MoneyMummy recently posted…Where To Get Financial Help For Free
Thanks Shelley, was a fun craft activity to do with the kids. xx

Hope @ Nanny Shecando recently posted…Book Week 2014: DIY Book Parade Costume
I love this idea Hope! We used to make little bookmarks at playgroup. I have always had my eye on a laminator to do a super pro job.

Apologies for not commenting lately either – I often visit your blog via my mobile and it doesn’t seem to let me comment when I do.
Jody at Six Little Hearts recently posted…Tips For Flying With a Baby or Toddler
I’ve had my eye on a laminator for a while too – my creative side is just itching to think of all the things I could make with it!

Hope @ Nanny Shecando recently posted…Book Week 2014: Press Here by Hervé Tullet
with all your Butt!! lol i need that one! thanks for linking for Sunday Brunch

Mums Take Five recently posted…Sunday Brunch 15thAug to 18thAug
Haha it’s a good one isn’t it!

Hope @ Nanny Shecando recently posted…Book Week 2014: Press Here by Hervé Tullet
This is a cute idea. I’m always a bookmark-er. I don’t like those dog-eared books at all!

Norah Colvin recently posted…Just imagine . . . the power of imagination
I’m like you Norah – I just can’t bear the thought of ruining my precious books!

Hope @ Nanny Shecando recently posted…Book Week 2014: Press Here by Hervé Tullet