Looking for engaging first day of school activities or easy first week of school activities? These back to school bookmarks include ready-to-use color designs and printable bookmarks to color, making them perfect for student gifts, early finishers, literacy centers, classroom rewards, or a calming coloring activity during those busy first days of school.

This set includes 10 back-to-school and reading-themed bookmark designs in two versions: full-color bookmarks that are ready to print and use, plus bold black-and-white doodle bookmarks that students can color and personalize. The completed resource contains 10 designs in both color and black-and-white formats.

⭐ These back-to-school bookmarks offer a fun and meaningful way to welcome students, celebrate a new school year, and encourage reading all year long!

Included in this download:

10 Summer-Themed Bookmarks (2 Versions Each: Color + Black-and-White)

1. Back to School
2. Best Year Yet
3. A Bright Year Ahead
4. Ready for a Great Year
5. Booked for Success
6. Whooo’s Ready to Learn?
7. A Fresh Start
8. Books are a Treat
9. Turn the Page
10. Color Your World

⭐ Guidelines are included for easy cutting!

⭐ For best results and durability, print these bookmarks on cardstock.

These activities are perfect for…

• back-to-school gifts for students
• first day of school activity
• first week of school activity
• calm coloring activities
• encouraging independent reading
• early finisher activities
• classroom rewards or prize boxes
• literacy centers
• book buddies
• unexpected “just because” treats

Ways to Use These Bookmarks in Your Classroom:

Back-to-School Gift from the Teacher

Welcome students with a colorful bookmark or let them choose a black-and-white design to personalize. These make thoughtful, inexpensive back-to-school gifts for students.

First Day or First Week of School Activity

Add the coloring bookmarks to your first-day or first-week plans for a creative, low-pressure activity students can complete while settling into their new classroom.

Calm Coloring Activity

Use the black-and-white doodle bookmarks as a quiet coloring option during arrival, transitions, indoor recess, or other busy moments during the first week of school.

Early Finisher Activity

Keep the coloring bookmarks available for students who complete their work early and need a meaningful activity.

Classroom Rewards or Prize Box

Use the bookmarks as simple rewards for positive behavior, classroom participation, reading accomplishments, or academic achievements.

Literacy Center Activity

Place the black-and-white bookmarks in a literacy center for students to color before using them with their independent reading books.

Encourage Reading

Give students a bookmark to use during independent reading and help build excitement about books from the beginning of the school year.

Book Buddies

Pair students with reading partners and invite them to select matching or coordinating bookmarks for buddy reading.

“Just Because” Surprise

Brighten a student’s day with a cheerful bookmark and an encouraging message.

The best part?

These bookmarks are versatile, meaningful, and easy to prepare. They encourage reading, provide a fun back-to-school coloring activity, and give teachers an affordable student gift without adding extra prep to an already busy schedule. Simply print, cut, and enjoy!

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