Back to School Bookmarks Craft

Teachers: Are you looking for a simple paper craft you can make to say "Welcome back!" to your students this fall? Look no further. Bookmark crafts are a great way to reward students for completing their summer reading list or for encouraging them to make reading a priority this school year.

How to make it

1. Using a pencil, draw an apple shape onto a piece of red cardstock/poster board, then cut out with scissors. You can also make rectangular shaped bookmarks or use scissors with a fun edge to make them extra fancy.
2. Use the hole punch to punch a hole near the top of the apple, or along a short side of a rectangular shaped bookmark.
3. Cut off a piece of twine approximately 6 inches long (eyeball it). Poke one end through the hole and pull all the way through, meeting the ends. Tie a small knot about an inch off the end of the pieces of string.
4. Get creative! Use your fine tipped sharpie to draw back to school images on the rectangular shaped bookmarks and seeds on the apple. Be sure to write a message, too! We suggest: "A good book is a treat for your brain!" Or, if you know the names of the children you will be giving these bookmarks to, write their names.
5. Add the sweet treat: Poke the stick of a Dum Dum down through the same hole where you tied the twine so that the Dum Dum is sitting against the front of the bookmark. Then, secure the stick to the back of the bookmark with a small piece of tape. (Don't worry; it doesn't have to hold for long. The recipient of this paper craft will surely eat it right away!)

These bookmarks would also be great treats to go in a prize box or a birthday party goodie bag.