A bookmark is the quintessential accessory that every reader needs, so help your students to make a personalized version to keep in their books. Supply the children with an array of pre-cut bookmarks out of different colors of construction paper and allow them to decorate their bookmarks with decorative elements such as crayons, markers, stickers and glitter. Once they are completed, you can laminate the bookmarks to add extra durability. Add flair by punching a hole at the top and thread a yarn tassel or colorful ribbon through the hole so that the tassel or ribbon will stick out above the book pages.
Take a look back at some of the recent book covers that you have read in your class or at a library story time and share these with your students. Talk about what they like best on a cover, such as bright colors or interesting pictures, and what they don’t like. Provide your students with a piece of construction paper (folded in half to look like a book) and have them create their own book cover. They can make their own version of a favorite book or make up a book of their very own. Be sure to encourage them to add their own name to their cover as the author.
For a quick and easy follow-up craft project after a library story time, print off a variety of coloring pictures from the internet that depict scenes from the story. This will be easier if you are using a popular book that has resource materials online. Encourage the students to remember what colors were used in the book illustrations and create their own versions.
Follow up your next book by encouraging your students to choose their favorite character and create a craft stick version of that individual. Set up a table with markers, paints, plastic eyes, and yarn for hair and let the students use their imagination. Once the craft is finished the children can share their projects with the class and explain why they chose their character.