As educators, we are always on the lookout for engaging activities that not only spark creativity but also enhance learning experiences. Creating DIY bookmarks using a bookmark template — StoryboardThat has some great templates, and having students create their own bookmarks in the classroom is an excellent way to achieve both objectives.
Let’s discuss why bookmark making is a valuable classroom activity and provide a list of creative and easy-to-follow DIY projects that cater to various styles, such as origami, felt, yarn, or paperclips. These projects can be easily adapted to suit different age groups and skill levels, ensuring that every student can participate and enjoy the process.
Why Bookmark Making is a Great Idea for Class
Crafting bookmarks encourages students to explore their artistic side, experiment with various materials, and boost their self-expression and confidence. In addition, it can inspire a love for reading and improve literacy skills. The process of cutting, folding, gluing, and other precise movements involved in bookmark projects can strengthen fine motor skills that are essential for writing and everyday tasks.
Besides, by using everyday items found in classrooms or stationery stores, students learn the value of resourcefulness and discover how to create something unique and functional from simple materials. Moreover, working on bookmark projects promotes collaboration and the sharing of ideas, fosters a sense of community and teamwork, and develops social interaction skills within the classroom.
Creative and Easy-to-Follow DIY Bookmark Projects
1. Origami Corner Bookmarks
Origami bookmarks are an excellent way to introduce students to the art of paper folding while creating practical and attractive page markers.
Materials:
- Square pieces of paper (colored or patterned)
- Markers or colored pencils (optional)
Instructions:
- Provide students with a square piece of paper and demonstrate how to fold it into a corner bookmark using the steps outlined in our previous response.
- Encourage students to customize their bookmarks with drawings or patterns, making each one unique.
2. Felt Animal Bookmarks
Creating felt animal bookmarks helps students develop their cutting and gluing skills while producing charming page savers.
Materials:
- Felt sheets
- Scissors
- Glue
- Googly eyes (optional)
Instructions:
- Instruct students to draw an animal shape on a piece of felt and cut it out.
- Show them how to cut a rectangle-shaped slit on the bottom of the animal shape for the page corner to slide through.
- Encourage students to decorate their animals with additional felt pieces or googly eyes.
3. Yarn Tassel Bookmarks
Yarn tassel bookmarks are a creative way for students to repurpose leftover yarn, developing their fine motor skills in the process.
Materials:
- Yarn
- Scissors
- Cardboard or a book for wrapping the yarn
Instructions:
- Demonstrate how to wrap yarn around a piece of cardboard or a book to create the desired thickness for a tassel.
- Explain how to carefully slide the wrapped yarn off the cardboard or book and tie a separate piece of yarn around the top of the looped yarn.
- Show students how to cut the opposite end of the looped yarn to create the tassel and trim the ends evenly.
4. Bookmark Templates and Stencils
Teachers can include bookmark templates and stencils in their lesson plans as a starting point for students, in addition to the DIY bookmark ideas mentioned earlier. This allows a consistent size and shape while encouraging creativity and personalization.
Instructions:
- Choose a pre-made template from a resource like StoryboardThat, or create your own stencil using cardstock or other sturdy material. You can also have students design their own templates as part of the creative process.
- Provide students with the selected template or stencil and instruct them to trace the shape onto their chosen material (e.g., paper, felt, or cardboard). Students can then cut out their bookmark base using scissors.
- Encourage students to personalize their bookmarks using various materials and techniques such as drawing, painting, gluing on embellishments, or adding yarn tassels. This step allows them to express their creativity and make their bookmarks unique.
By incorporating these creative and easy-to-follow DIY bookmark projects into your lesson plans, you can provide students with an engaging and educational activity that promotes creativity, reading, and skill development. Happy crafting and learning!