It is back-to-school time again. That can mean readjusting wake up and sleep schedules and routines from those “lazy days” of summer. It also means a trip to our favorite store with our list of school supplies. There are ways for your child to give those school supplies his or her own special touch. You may also save some money in the process, and have a lot of fun along the way. Here are some ideas found on Pinterest and from PBS Parents.
Pencil Case
Here is an easy idea! Begin with a Ziplock bag. Use Duct tape to cover the bag across from side to side. Don’t cover the top! There are so many colors and designs of Duct tape now so your child can choose something to suit their personality. When the bag is covered, use the zip at the top as the opening for your pencils, erasers, or anything else that you need.
Bookmarks
There is nothing more frustrating than having to stop reading in the middle of a favorite book except perhaps losing your place when you have the chance to read again. Here are some ways to keep that from happening!
Begin with a jumbo-sized paper clip. Then choose a button, game piece, or picture glued onto card stock, Glue the decoration to the front of the paper clip at the top. (Fusion glue or a glue gun work well for this). Let the clip dry on wax paper. While you wait, make another one! These are fun to share!
Another easy bookmark idea is to cut a sheet of cardstock in a rectangular shape. Let your child draw, paint, or cut out a design (think snowflakes). Then cover their creation with clear contact paper. A custom bookmark.
Book Covers
For this project, you can use a paper grocery bag. Begin by talking off the handles, if there are any. Next, find the seam of the bag and cut through it. Next cut off the bottom of the bag. Lay the bag flat on the table with the store logo up (that will be inside). Lay your book in the center of the bag, and mark with a pencil the top and the bottom of the book. Remove the book and fold the top and bottom of the bag where the lines are. Now, put the book back on the cover centered from left to right. Fold the bag over the book so that the edges line up. If necessary, trim the excess so that you have several inches of paper on the inside covers of the book. Tuck the front and back covers into the pockets formed by your paper bag. If it is snug, that is all you need to do. If not, use some tape to secure the cover.
Next is the fun part! Decorate your book cover with drawings and designs. If you are using this for all of your books, make sure to include the title or subject on the outside. It will be easier when grabbing books on the way out the door in the morning. Also, write your child’s name on the inside flap.
Remember to check out the Kid-to-Kid Bookclub, and all of the great “SSR” books in the store. Have a great school year and Happy Reading!
