I’m lucky; my kids love school. It means heading back to school is exciting and fun for all of us–they can’t wait to see their friends and I can’t wait to go grocery shopping alone. (Alone! With no one asking me for anything. It’s amazing, people.) But getting back into the swing of homework can be a little challenging. That nightly reading assignment can be tough, especially for early readers. You know, when it takes multiple lifetimes for them to sound out each word and you’re wondering if you’ll ever make it to the end of the year, let alone through September.
Early reading can be discouraging for kids, meaning they’re not always thrilled to be doing it every day. To make the whole process a little more fun, I’ve made some free printable punch card bookmarks.
Kids can punch out a star each time they read, and then when their bookmark is completely punched, they earn a reward.
Hopefully it will encourage them to want to read each day, and help you track how much they’ve read (am I the only mom who cannot seem to fill out that dang reading calendar every month?) If you pick the right rewards, you may even be able to make reading enticing for the most reluctant readers.
I made two printable pages for you, each with bookmarks in three different colors. One page has room for 20 punches on each bookmark, because usually teachers require kids to read 5 days/wk (or 20 days each month). The second page has room for 7 punches on each bookmark, which might be better for younger kids who will do better if they are rewarded a little more often.
To assemble, print the bookmarks onto cardstock or other heavy weight paper. Cut out a bookmark, punch a hole in the top, and add ribbon. Ready!
You can download the weekly version (with room for 7 punches) by clicking here.
You can download the monthly version (with room for 20 punches – 5 days/wk) by clicking here.
Kathy E. says
This is an absolutely wonderful idea! I wish I had thought of it when I was teaching elementary school! It’s great for parents and teachers too. Just be sure to use a unique punch (like a star or heart) so those punches are always valid. I’ve had some “stinkers” in class who would have tried to punch their own cards. Thank you for this!
Nina says
You are not the only one that can’t fill out the monthly calendar! I L.O.A.T.H.E those. They don’t make reading fun but a requirement. I refused to do probably 4 or 5 months last year hah. I really hope there’s an alternative to this year because I can’t stand them.
These bookmarks are cute!
Felicia says
Fantastic idea!!! My son used to love to read all the time until 1st grade when it became homework and mandatory. Now he dreads it. ? So hopefully this will bring back his love of reading again! What rewards do you give to your children? Thank you for always sharing great ideas (especially practical, easy-to-do ones!!)!
Gloria says
This is a great idea. I’m making copies to give to my daughter-in-law to help her keep track of my grandson’s reading progress. Hope this will encourage him to do his reading.
Buffy says
These are great. What kind of rewards do you use at your house? I am always looking for suggestions for rewards that are age appropriate for a 9 and 13 year old.
Thanks
Christopher Sweitzer says
A punch card could be a good way of tracking reading, though I’m not sure how at the moment. However, rewards don’t make reading exciting. Reading books you are interested in and that are on/around your reading level makes reading interesting. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Daniella says
Absolutely love this idea! I would love one for math also for when they practice their math facts. Or for turning in homework!
sandi says
I think this is a great way to keep track of the number of BOOKS the child has read. I’m going to use this with my 5th graders! Great idea Thanks for the freebie!
Stefanie Garcia says
This is a great idea. I remember when I was younger our teachers and the community would offer incentive for reading, it worked for me. Knowing there is incentive at the end of the punch card can be real motivation, especially if it is something the child is really looking forward to.