Bookmark Charm

I'm a little obsessed with bookmarks lately.  There's just something about this simple accessory that makes the whole experience of reading more lovely.  Curling up on the couch with a new book, a hot cup of coffee, my favorite quilt, and a bookmark at the ready to help me get started again next time--love it. I used to think they were silly.  Why not just dog-ear the page?  Just stick a post-it in there. My boys taught me to love bookmarks instead.

They have quite a collection.  Harry Potter with the maroon tassel embellishment (and Dumbledore), the digital timer bookmarks, the ones they've received from their school librarian...they place them in their books so carefully when reading time is up.  They actually get upset if they can't find the one they're loving at the moment. It's quite sweet to watch.

We got them each a Nook for Christmas.  After about an hour of reading the first book they downloaded (Warriors #3 and Mark of Athena--they're series kids for sure) there was such bewilderment and squawking over how they would be able to get back to the right place without their beloved bookmarks.  We showed them how to use the digital bookmark in the Nook, and they carried on happily, but it reminded me of something. This simple little object, the bookmark, was and is a part of their experience of turning the pages and of being a reader. I don't ever want them to lose that.

The Nook? They love technology and it makes them happy, but so do actual books.  Books aren't going anywhere in this house, where the shelves in their room are overflowing and storage solutions are a regular topic of discussion and we debate the merits of whether a particular book is a keeper or a classroom library donation for mom.  Where intricate pop-up books and their fabulous Mythology book with envelopes containing little notes and stories (and an actual Pandora's box!) live between the pages. We still need bookmarks around here, kept in a little bin on top of their bookcase when not doing their job.

Here's a little freebie set of bookmarks for you, if you're so inclined to share them with your students.  I love these little punk kids (from The Enlightened Elephant):

I shared a snowman set a few weeks ago with the same text, but I'd forgotten that I purchased this clipart and decided to do version 2.  My oldest loves the one on the left with the mohawk. Click on the pic to download the Google doc.  Print on card stock, laminate, and give to your kids as they crack open that first book of the New Year. Maybe your kids love bookmarks, too?

#edugood photo of the day:

The view outside of my classroom at dusk. So pretty.