As the start of a new school year approaches, there’s a buzz of excitement in the air. The first day of school is a magical time, full of new beginnings, fresh school supplies, and the joy of reuniting with friends.
For kids, it’s also a great way to get into creative back-to-school activities that make the transition fun and engaging. Whether you’re a preschool teacher, a parent, or just love crafting with kids, there are endless school craft ideas to explore.

From adorable pencil toppers to vibrant construction paper creations, crafting is a fun way to get kids of all ages excited about the new school season. Imagine the joy on their faces as they create apple crafts using tissue paper or transform popsicle sticks into charming school bus crafts.
These projects add a personal touch to their school day and also help in developing those important fine motor skills and building hand-eye coordination. Plus, who can resist the charm of googly eyes on a school project?
Creating themed crafts for the start of the school year can turn even the most hesitant little learner into an eager student.

Think about decorating a study area with DIY name tags or crafting bulletin board decorations using washi tape and different colors of construction paper. These activities are a perfect craft for the first week of school and can make the classroom or home study space vibrant and welcoming.
Crafting offers endless possibilities and is an easy way to make school time lots of fun. Whether you’re preparing for an open house, planning a social studies lesson, or simply looking for an easy back-to-school craft, there are plenty of creative ways to make this school year memorable.
From pencil crafts that add a personal touch to school books to fun school activities like making backpack charms, these projects are not only enjoyable but also affordable, with many supplies available at the local dollar store.
So, grab your fabric markers, construction paper, and washi tape, and let’s dive into some of the best ideas for back-to-school crafts. These fun crafts will ensure that school starts with a burst of creativity and excitement, making it a great craft-filled start to the school year for everyone involved!
Back to School Crafts for Kids
Back-to-school crafts are fun and creative activities that help kids get excited for the new school year. From DIY pencil toppers to colorful bulletin board decorations, these crafts are a great way to personalize school supplies and develop important skills. Perfect for kids of all ages, these easy and affordable projects make the start of school both memorable and fun!
Celebrate the start of school with this delightful apple card craft! Ideal for making welcome cards for teachers or friends, this craft uses vibrant colors and simple techniques. It’s a sweet and thoughtful way to kick off the new school year.
Add a personal touch to your school supplies with this charming back-to-school pencil craft! Using a few simple materials, kids can create their own unique pencil decorations. It’s an easy and fun way to get ready for the new school year.
Keep your desk tidy and stylish with this fun cardboard school bus pencil holder craft! Kids will love transforming simple cardboard into a bright yellow bus that holds their pencils and supplies. It’s a practical and creative project that’s perfect for back-to-school time.
Get ready for school with this adorable free printable backpack craft! Perfect for kids of all ages, this easy-to-make project combines coloring, cutting, and gluing, making it a fun way to spark creativity and excitement for the new school year.
Create your own mini notebooks with this fun and easy DIY craft! Perfect for jotting down important notes or doodling, these personalized mini notebooks are a great back-to-school project. Kids will love designing and assembling their unique creations, making school time even more special.
Get crafty with this fun and easy popsicle stick pencil craft for kids! Using simple materials like popsicle sticks and paint, children can create their own oversized pencil decorations. This delightful project is perfect for getting into the back-to-school spirit and adding a creative touch to any space.
Add some tropical flair to your reading with this colorful papercraft toucan bookmark! Easy to make and super cute, this bookmark craft is a fun activity for kids and a great way to keep their place in school books.
Capture and cherish those first-day-of-school memories with this delightful DIY back-to-school photo frame craft! Kids will enjoy decorating their own frames with school-themed embellishments, making it a perfect keepsake to celebrate the start of the new school year.
Add some tropical flair to your reading with this colorful papercraft toucan bookmark! Easy to make and super cute, this bookmark craft is a fun activity for kids and a great way to keep their place in school books.
Organize your art supplies in style with any one of these DIY colored pencil holder crafts!
Using simple materials, kids can create a vibrant and functional holder for their pencils. It’s a perfect craft for back-to-school and keeps your study area neat and colorful.
Create your own mini chalkboard with this fun and easy craft! Perfect for doodling, writing notes, or playing school, kids will love making and using their personalized chalkboards.
It’s an engaging project that adds a creative touch to learning and playtime.
Explore and learn with this exciting school bus discovery bottle! Filled with small, engaging items, this sensory bottle is a fun and educational craft for kids. It’s a great way to spark curiosity and celebrate the back-to-school season.
Mark your place in style with this adorable apple bookmark corner! This easy-to-make craft is perfect for back-to-school and helps keep your books organized.
Kids will enjoy creating these cute and functional apple-themed bookmarks.
All aboard for fun with this creative paper plate bus craft! Kids will love transforming a simple paper plate into a colorful school bus using paint and craft supplies.
This easy and engaging project is perfect for celebrating the start of the school year.
Capture precious memories with this adorable first day of school printable book craft.
This keepsake book is a fun way for kids to document their first day and look back on their school year. It’s a wonderful activity for parents and children to enjoy together.
Hop into reading with this adorable frog hug bookmark! Kids will love creating these cute and fun paper bookmarks that wrap around their favorite books. It’s an easy and engaging craft that adds a playful touch to reading time.
How to Tie Shoes For Kids - DIY Cardboard Lace Up Shoe to Practice
Help kids master the skill of tying their shoes ready for the new school year, with this DIY cardboard lace-up shoe! This hands-on craft provides a fun and practical way for children to practice tying laces, making it an educational and enjoyable activity.
Brighten up your reading nook with this cheerful "Today is a Great Day to Read a Book" printable poster! Perfect for inspiring young readers, this vibrant poster is an excellent addition to any study area or classroom.
Unlock your child's inner artist with this handy "How to Draw an Apple" step-by-step printable! This easy-to-follow guide helps kids learn to sketch a perfect apple, making it a fun and educational craft for back-to-school or any art project.
Crafting is a fantastic way to kick off the school year with creativity and excitement! Whether it’s designing personalized pencil holders, creating charming apple bookmarks, or making fun and functional school supplies, these back-to-school crafts offer something for every age and skill level.
They not only help kids get into the school spirit but also provide opportunities to develop fine motor skills and express their artistic side.
So, gather your supplies, get those little hands busy, and enjoy the process of making these delightful crafts.
From decorating DIY notebooks to creating colorful school bus pencil holders, there’s no limit to the fun you can have. These crafts are sure to make the start of the school year both memorable and enjoyable. Happy crafting and here’s to a fantastic new school year!
Back to School Printables
You might also enjoy these fun printable back to school activities
- Free Printable Back To School Color by Number & Letter
- Complete The Picture Free Printable Back To School Worksheets
If you enjoyed these fun back to school crafts and activities for kids, please go ahead and share this blog post with friends or on social media like Pinterest. Thanks so much!

Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.

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