Month: March 2014

Did you know that March 3rd is National Read Across America Day?! Encouraging children to start reading at an early age is a great way to get them started on the road to success! Reading not only helps develop comprehension skills, but also helps to expand vocabulary and inspire creativity.

In honor of this exciting day, we’ve created this easy DIY bookmark for kids. Here are two simple and fun kid-friendly methods for creating personalized bookmarks that are sure to make reading more fun!

Supplies for DIY bookmarks:

• Flower templates (Daisy Template, Tulip Template)
• Cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Method 1:
  Markers
• Method 2:
  Construction Paper

Directions for DIY bookmarks:

Method 1
This method uses marker to color in the bookmark.

1. Cut out bookmark shape from cardstock. For this project, cut out a 2 ¾” X 6” rectangle.
2. Download and print template. Color in the flower and cut.
3. Glue to the bookmark and voila! A beautiful bookmark to make reading more fun. Personalize it by adding your name, initials, or a favorite quote!

Method 2
This method omits the coloring and instead uses construction paper to add color.

1. Cut out a 2 ¾” X 6” rectangle from the cardstock for the bookmark shape.
2. Download and print template on cardstock. This way, when you cut out the shapes it will act as a stencil.
3. Trace cutout shapes on construction paper.
4. If you are using the daisy template, cut out one skinny strip of paper for the petals. Fold in half before tracing, so you can cut out half the work. To make the daisy stem, either draw a skinny rectangle with marker or cut out a strip from green colored paper. There is no need to trace a template for this part, as it may be too thin for little hands to maneuver.
5. Once your shapes are all cut out, glue down using glue stick.

It seems every year around March 17, the world gets a bit greener and Irish pride is on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Whether you are celebrating tradition or simply celebrating for the fun of it, there’s one symbol that’s bound to pop up in St. Patrick’s Day festivities: the shamrock. But how did this tiny little plant become such an important symbol in this Irish celebration? Read on for the history of this fun-filled holiday and get into the festive St. Patrick’s Day spirit by slipping one of these beauties into your clothes, crafts, and even into your cocktails!

What is a shamrock?

The shamrock, derived from the Irish word seamrog meaning “little clover”, refers to the sprigs on a clover plant. Although the 4-leaf clover may come to mind when we think of luck, most shamrocks are have only 3 leaves! The 4th leaf grows scarcely and is said to bring luck to those who find it. There is no defined clover which signifies a shamrock, but many officials claim it is the simple white clover that bears the shamrock name. Other 3-leaved clovers which can be considered shamrocks are the lesser clover, red, clover, and black medick.

Significance of the Shamrock

The significance of this plant is said to be derived from the period during the 5th century when Saint Patrick was helping to spread Christianity in Ireland. It is said he used the 3 leaves of the shamrock to describe the holy Trinity. Additionally, during the English takeover of Ireland, Irish citizens proudly wore shamrocks on their clothing to display their Irish pride and strength.

Today, St. Patrick’s Day celebrators – both Irish and Irish-for-the-day – show off this historically significant plant as they wear green and give out kisses to their Irish friends.