As teachers, we know the importance of reading. We try so hard to remind our students to read at home when they walk out of our classroom. We encourage them to read over the weekend in competition with video games and technology. Beyond our constant verbal encouragement, we can perhaps provide something that is very easy to make, cute, and special to students. In addition to all of these things, it also encourages positive behavior within the classroom setting as well. Win, win! Right?!
A colleague of mine introduced me to this idea of customizable bookmarks when he was walking around school. He carried his "custom" and "limited edition" bookmarks hanging out of his front shirt pocket. Students were always interested and would question him about which kind he had that particular day. Once they had the bookmark in hand, they immediately wanted to show it off and read right away. This man has an inspiring love of reading and his student library nearly takes up his entire classroom. So, of course, when he was passing these VIP bookmarks out to certain students I was intrigued. I then received one on my podium and it has been a new treasure of mine that I have facing out into my classroom audience daily. Anytime they look at my desk, he stares back at them...willing them to read.
So, are you eager to create your own unique and VIP worthy bookmarks that your students go crazy over? Are you interested in using them as a behavior incentive that inspires students to read? Then, check out my video tutorial. I promise you, it truly is so easy.
Be sure to laminate your bookmarks before you pass them out so they can stay amazing for years!
I hope this tip was helpful for you. If you are interested in seeing any of my colleague's ideas in action, check out his TPT store: The Recess Quarterback
(If you're in need of standards-based novel study activities click here.)
*Pictured Above: One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia is a fantastic read that discusses racial injustice and the civil rights movement that continued on after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. If you are interested in using this book as a novel study, I encourage it to be whole group so that discussions can occur together in the safe space of your classroom.*
Educationally yours,
Lisa Casella
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