Design Your Own Bookmarks + Free Printable Bookmark Templates

Looking for a simple homeschool activity that combines reading, creativity, and a little hands-on fun? Designing personalized bookmarks is an easy activity for homeschooling families to enjoy together. Even better – it’s one that kids can actually use when they’re finished!

Whether you have younger kids who love coloring, independent readers who always have a book nearby, or older kids and teens who want to create something a little more detailed, everyone in the family can participate at their own level.

All you need are a few basic art supplies and my free printable bookmark templates to get started.

Design Your Own Bookmarks

One of things I love about this homeschool activity is that there really aren’t may rules.

Print the bookmark templates, gather the kids, and pull out whatever art supplies you already have around the house. You could use:

• crayons (although I recommend avoiding crayons if you want to laminate the bookmarks afterwards because the wax could melt and ruin the design/laminator)
• colored pencils
• markers
• stickers
• stamps
• washi tape
• paint
• magazine clippings

Then, let everyone start creating!

Kids can decorate their bookmarks around a favorite book, hobby, animal, place, color, or a completely random design. Add a favorite quote or encouraging message. Draw pictures! Make patterns! Cover the entire thing in stickers if that’s what makes them happy!

I mean, actually using the stickers is way better than collecting them for a day that’ll never come, right? #80sbaby

Everyone’s bookmark will – and should – look different! Once you’re finished, cut out the bookmarks. For extra durability, you can laminate them or glue them onto cardstock (although I recommend printing them ON cardstock from the get-go).

Make It Simpler

For younger kids, skip any writing and let them focus entirely on decorating.

They can color, draw pictures, add stickers, or make their own patterns. If cutting is difficult, an older sibling or parent can help cut out the finished bookmark.

You can also start with one of the reading-themed bookmarks instead of designing one completely from scratch. More on that in a bit!

Explore Further

Older kids and teens can put a little more thought into their designs. They could try creating a bookmark inspired by a favorite book or character, incorporating a meaningful quote, experimenting with lettering techniques, or designing a coordinated set to give as a gift (or sell!).

You could even turn this simple homeschool craft into a quick research activity by investigating the history of bookmarks. When did people begin using them? What were early bookmarks made from?

Pair Your Bookmark With Your Next Book

Of course, now the kids are going to need some books to go with those brand-new bookmarks!

If your family could use a little reading motivation, my free printable monthly reading logs are an easy way to keep track of books and reading time throughout the year.

You could even use my free book summary printables for kids who enjoy recording a little more about the books they’re reading. These are also great for record-keeping!

Free Printable Bookmark Templates

I’ve created 8 free printable bookmarks for this activity.

The first page includes 4 completely blank bookmark templates. The kids can draw, color, add stickers, write a favorite book quote, or design a bookmark inspired by something they’re currently reading. The blank bookmark template gives the kids free-reign of their bookmark design

The second page of the printable set includes 4 reading-themed bookmarks featuring the following text:

• Just one more chapter!
• My happy place is between the pages.
• Read. Imagine. Explore.
• So many books, so little time!

Kids can use the reading-themed bookmarks as they are (black & white) or add their own colors and creative touches. They’re very similar to my other themed printable bookmark templates, but these are more focused on the reading theme and come with the blank bookmarks as well.

Having both options make this printable easy to use with kids of different ages and abilities. Younger kids may prefer coloring one of the finished designs, while the older kids may enjoy starting a completely blank template.

Maybe it’ll be the other way around!

You’ll also find more free homeschool printables and activities inside my Printable Playground.

Family Learning Adventure #4

Designing personalized bookmarks is Family Learning Adventure #4 in our September Family Learning Adventure series!

Family Learning Adventures are screen-free, hands-on activities created specifically for homeschooling families with kids of different ages to explore, create, discover, and learn together. Instead of separating activities by grade level, each adventure can be adjusted so younger kids, older kids, teens, and parents can participate together.

This is one of the simplest adventures in the series, but that’s kind of the point. Homeschooling doesn’t always require an elaborate lesson plan. Sometimes all you need is a printable, a pile of markers, and a little creativity!

Once your bookmarks are finished, put them to work by finding something good to read!

Happy Reading & Happy Homeschooling!

Until next time, stay safe, & enjoy quality time with your family,