How to Make Summer Reading More Fun Plus Bookmarks for Boys and Girls

Summer is the perfect time for the kids to catch up on their reading. There's nothing like a summer afternoon and a good book.  When I was a kid I had health problems and I wasn't that active physically but what was active was my IMAGINATION!  I loved reading and I would let my imagination run wild in choosing what the characters in my books looked like and everything else in the book.  I would sit for literally hours reading my favorite books. It didn't matter if I was inside or outside. I also LOVED, LOVED, LOVED going to my public library. The children's section was in the basement and it was such a fabulous place.  To me the idea of the library letting me go in and come out with as many books as I wanted was so great!

When my children got old enough we would hang out at the library together and bring home armfuls of books. Now that my children have children of their own they are keeping up the tradition of visiting the library. The love of reading is such a great family tradition.

Now how do we make summer reading fun for the kids? How do we get them to read?

Take the kids to the library and help them to discover what type of books speak to them. It may be mysteries (which was what I loved) or  books about sports, dinosaurs, flowers, coding, flower arranging, jewelry making and other fun things.  Make the trip to the library a reward for completing their chores etc. There's a place in the library for everyone in your family, even you.

Ask the librarian what books are popular with the kids in their age group and what their peers are checking out. Librarians can be sooooo helpful and they are there to assist you in any way.

Select a wide variety of reading material every time you go to the library to expose them to more things. Even magazines and comic books. Books about building, art and crafts, astronomy or cooking would definitely be a great way to go. They may have a hidden talent that could be developed this summer.

Find fun places for the kids to read. A designated reading corner with a pillow and blanket would work nicely. Reading to your preschoolers is the perfect way to develop a love for reading and it's great quality time together.  Your kids will always have a great memory of reading with you.

Reading Teepees are cool too. It defines a special place for the kids to read, whether it is inside or outside the house. Great reading memories can be made inside a fun reading teepee.   CLICK HERE TO GET THE DETAILS on making this  No Sew Teepee

Now that you have the kids reading and enjoying it, how about giving them a fun reading reward? We have bookmarks for girls (above) and for boys (below) Kids LOVE bookmarks and how else are they going to mark their place in the books?    

 CLICK HERE  for bookmarks for girls.

We designed these bookmarks in colors that the boys would like.  Who knows…..they might just make reading even more fun! 

CLICK HERE for bookmarks for boys

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How I was able to Successfully Clean Marks, Crayon Marks and Dirt off of My Toys including My Fisher Price Dream Dollhouse and All Accessories

I bought this Fisher Price Grand Dollhouse back in 1996. I have loved it ever since. It has definitely seen it's share of playtime with 8 different grandkids playing with it.  It is still in great condition with the lithos/stickers still looking good. However, sometime along the way one of our "budding artists" decided they would add some of their crayon artwork to the house!  As I looked at it I thought it would never come off and would have to look like that forever. Then I decided to try to clean it with my Simple Green cleaner. (I am not being compensated for mentioning this product in any way whatsoever)  I've used Simple Green to clean toys in the past and it worked really well so I thought I would try it on the dollhouse.  I'm so HAPPY to say that I was able to remove Marks, Crayon Marks and Dirt from the house and the accessories.

Here are our before and after photos:

I was able to get ALL the crayon marks off. I was totally amazed and very HAPPY!!!

It was very easy to get the crayon marks off of the steps and they look brand new! 

These yellow marks were the hardest to get off. Took a little more time and rubbing but they did come off and it looks great below.

These marks almost looked like marker but I can't be sure.

I would definitely recommend getting a bottle of this cleaning liquid, if not just for your toys.  It actually is a great cleaner in other ways too. My husband swears by it!  

I am starting to let go of my Fisher Price toys that I bought in 1996-2000.  Most are in brand new condition-still wrapped in original bags, ever played with or even displayed.  You can find all my Discontinued Fisher Price toys plus a LOT of other mint in box (discontinued) toys in my eBay Shop.

CLICK HERE to SEE ALL  

You can buy Simple Green almost anywhere, definitely a good cleaning investment.

BELOW ARE SOME MORE PHOTOS of the Dollhouse

The floor looks brand new now!  Love the lamp in back of the couch. 

This delightful crib plays music and is such a great piece for the nursery. It even includes the ever popular Rumple Bear toy.

The den is a comfy place for kids and dogs!

Wheeeee! A good push from Dad and the sky's the limit!

The refrigerator door opens as does the oven and cupboard doors.

This brand-new wardrobe, the hat and clothing  is in available in our eBay shop right now.  

Checkers anyone?

Aahhhhh, a place for Mom to relax! 

CLICK HERE to SEE All Our Fisher Price Toys and other mint in package discontinued toys  

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Good Luck Smartie Pants-Slip into the Kid's Lunchbox when it's Test Day, Spelling Bee, Musical Performance etc.

 Here's a lunchbox treat for your little "Smartie"  We've designed some round labels that can be attached to a little bag of Smarties candy. Slip it into their lunchbox for a special surprise at lunch time. It's a great way to let your kids know that you think they are a "Smartie"

PERFECT ON DAYS WHEN THEY HAVE:

MATH, VOCABULARY, SPELLING TESTS

MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

SPELLING BEE

CLASS PERFORMANCE

BOOK REPORTS

SCHOOL TESTING DAYS

AND MUCH MORE! 

Click HERE to purchase a set in 

our Etsy Shop.

It's also the perfect tag for the first day of school. Some may be worried about school and how they may do and this will be a positive way to remind them that they will do GREAT!

These labels are designed for a 2" round paper punch.  Then use a very small paper punch to put two holes in the top of each circle. Thread your twine through it and around the plastic bag of your choice and tie a bow.  That's all there is to it. You could also use yarn or string. Fill the bag with enough treats for your little ones or extra Smarties to share with their friends at school.  Perfect for any day but especially on test day. 

The TAGS come in orange, green, yellow, blue, red and purple. 

I used pretzels bags which are available at any craft store.

  Look in the cake decorating department in your local craft store for

 small clear bags.  You can get a package of 25 Smarties from the dollar store.

Click HERE to purchase a set in 

our Etsy Shop.

To see lots of fun things for the kids, back to school and Teacher Appreciation Click HERE

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