Back to School Activities and Craft Ideas for Kids

Introduction

The start of the school year is a fresh beginning — and what better way to ease kids into it than with fun, engaging, and creative activities? Whether you’re a parent preparing for the first day or a teacher setting the tone in the classroom, these back-to-school activities and craft ideas are perfect for helping kids feel excited, confident, and connected. From icebreakers and organization hacks to themed art projects, this list will spark joy and build momentum for a great year ahead.

1. First Day of School Traditions

Start strong with memorable rituals that mark the occasion:

• DIY “All About Me” Poster: A fun craft where kids draw or paste photos of their family, hobbies, and goals.
  
• Back-to-School Interview: Use a printable Q&A sheet to capture their age, favorite food, and what they want to be when they grow up — great to look back on each year.
  
• First Day Photo Frame Craft: Decorate cardboard frames with the year, name, and fun school-themed stickers for first-day photo ops.
  

Classroom Icebreaker Activities

Help students get to know one another with simple, interactive games:

• Name Bingo: A twist on traditional bingo where each box includes prompts like “Find someone who has a pet” or “Find someone who loves pizza.”
  
• Friendship Bracelets: Use beads and elastic to create symbolic friendship pieces.
  
• Classmate Scavenger Hunt: Kids walk around asking fun facts like “Who’s been on a plane?” to fill their checklist.
  

Goal-Setting & Vision Boards

Instill early motivation with future-focused projects:

• Goals Chart: Kids list academic and personal goals for the year.
  
• Vision Board Collages: Use magazine cutouts and stickers to represent their dreams.
  
• Wish Jar: Each student writes a hope or wish for the school year and adds it to a communal jar.

• Memory Box Decorating: Personalize a box that kids can fill with keepsakes throughout the year.

Back-to-School Themed Crafts

Get crafty with hands-on art projects:

• Pencil Toppers: Use felt or foam to make little animals or emojis that attach to the tops of pencils. Follow this tutorial step by step to make your own back to school pencil topper.
  
• Backpack Tags: Let kids design their own backpack tags with colorful card stock, washi tape, and laminate.
  
• Apple or Bus Paper Plate Crafts: Turn paper plates into school buses or shiny apples with paint and construction paper.
  

• DIY Bookmarks: Kids create custom bookmarks with markers, ribbons, and glitter.
  
• Back-to-School Storytime: Read themed books like “The Kissing Hand” or “First Day Jitters” and discuss.

Set kids up for success with customized supplies:

• DIY Homework Station Boxes: Decorate shoeboxes to hold pencils, glue, and other supplies.
  
• Magnetic Chore Charts: A visual aid for tasks at school or home.
  
• Notebook Covers: Kids design and label the front of their notebooks using scrapbooking supplies.
  

Group & Collaborative Projects

Create a sense of classroom community:

• Class Mural or Banner: Everyone contributes a drawing or handprint.
  
• Puzzle Pieces Project: Each child decorates a piece to connect into one large classroom puzzle.
  
• Kindness Chain: Add a link for every kind act, creating a growing chain throughout the year.
  

Are You Ready for Back to school Season?

Starting a new school year can be full of excitement, nerves, and lots of new faces. These back-to-school activities and craft ideas help create a warm, welcoming environment while fostering creativity, confidence, and friendship. Whether at home or in the classroom, use these ideas to kick off the school year with purpose and positivity.