Free Printable Back to School Bookmarks to Color for Kids

Start the school year with a fun coloring activity with these free printable back to school bookmarks for kids to color and tuck into their favorite books!

These bookmarks are a cute and simple way to get kids excited about reading and a brand-new year of learning. Whether you need an easy first-day-of-school activity or a fun little surprise for a book lover, they are quick to print and use. They double as back to school coloring pages.

This printable set features kid-friendly school designs with bold outlines that are easy for children to color. You’ll find school-themed details like books, pencils, stars, a backpack, a school bus, an apple, a schoolhouse, and more. The designs are simple enough for preschoolers and kindergarteners, but still fun for elementary-aged kids who love coloring their own school supplies.

These free printable bookmarks are also budget-friendly and easy to prep. Just print the PDF, set out crayons or markers, and let kids decorate their favorite designs. Once they are finished, they can use them in library books, chapter books, reading logs, homework folders, and more. They also make sweet little first-day-of-school gifts for students, teacher welcome gifts, classroom prizes, and back-to-school party favors.

What’s Included

This printable set includes four black-and-white back to school bookmarks to color on each page. There are 3 pages in total, so 16 bookmarks. Kids can color one bookmark to use right away or decorate the whole page and share it with friends, classmates, or siblings.

Supplies Needed

• Printable PDF file
• Regular printer paper or cardstock
• Crayons, colored pencils, or markers
• Scissors or a paper cutter
• Optional: hole punch, ribbon, yarn, tassels, stickers, or laminating sheets

Cardstock is a great option if you want the bookmarks to feel sturdier and last longer. However, regular printer paper works well, too, especially if you are printing a larger batch for a classroom.

How to Save and Print the Back to School Bookmarks

1. Click the “Get It Here” button below to grab the PDF file.
2. Save the file to your computer or device.
3. Open the PDF in a reader and print it on regular printer paper or cardstock.
4. Let kids color the bookmarks with crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
5. Cut out each bookmark along the border using scissors or a paper cutter.
6. For best results, print at high quality so the lines look crisp and clean.
7. Optional: Laminate the finished bookmarks to make them more durable for daily use.

Optional Bookmark Upgrades

Want to make them extra special? Try one of these easy ideas:

• Punch a hole at the top and add ribbon, yarn, or a tassel.
• Laminate them after coloring so they hold up better in backpacks and book bins.
• Let kids write their names on the back and the school year for a personalized keepsake.
• Add star stickers, washi tape, or glitter glue around the border.
• Tape one to a new book for a simple back-to-school gift.
• Pair one with a pencil, eraser, or mini pack of crayons for a cute student surprise.
• Use them as rewards for reading goals, classroom participation, or completed assignments.

Age Recommendations

These coloring bookmarks are great for preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and younger elementary-aged kids. Since the outlines are bold and easy to see, they work well for kids who are still developing fine motor skills.

Fun Ways to Use These Coloring Bookmarks

• Use them as a first-day-of-school activity. Set them out on desks for students to color as they settle into the classroom.
• Add them to a classroom reading corner. Kids can decorate their own bookmark and use it during independent reading time.
• Include them in back-to-school gifts. Pair a bookmark with a new book, crayons, or small treat for an affordable student gift.
• Use them for a library visit. These are free printables to bring along before checking out new books for the school year.
• Make them part of a reading challenge. Kids can color a new bookmark when they finish a book or reach a reading goal.
• Set up a bookmark decorating station. Add crayons, markers, stickers, ribbon, and tassels so kids can personalize their designs.
• Use them for quiet time. They make a great screen-free activity for the first week of school or after-school downtime.

These free back to school printables are a fun way to combine coloring, creativity, and reading in one activity.

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