I’m a big believer that craft projects, particularly those focused on back to school themes, can be a fantastic way to get kids pumped for the new year! It’s no secret that many children struggle with the transition from summer to the start of classes, but by engaging them in fun and creative activities, you can make this process much smoother. One approach I’ve found effective is to involve your little ones in prepping for the school year, which can help build excitement and anticipation.
And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good excuse to delay the end of summer? To that end, I’d like to share some awesome activities you can do with your kids to get them back in the school spirit! Not only are these projects a great way to create something together, but they’re also an excellent way to wrap up the summer season and prepare for the mental and emotional demands of the upcoming academic year.
If you’re looking for some free and mess-free activities to enjoy with your kids, I’ve got you covered! Be sure to check out my latest printables, which are perfect for wrapping up the summer and getting ready for what’s ahead.
Apple Popsicle Stick Frame
The start of a new school year is an occasion to cherish. Why not elevate its significance by crafting personalized apple popsicle frames that will treasuredly preserve each child’s first-day memories? With just a few simple materials, you can design one-of-a-kind picture frames that your kids can help create. And as a bonus, these adorable frames make for a wonderful way to relive those special moments in years to come. Your little ones will surely love being involved in the process!
DIY Back-to-School Time Capsule
As the warm days of summer quickly fade away, it’s time to start thinking about the impending return to school. With just a moment’s notice, the carefree days of vacation will give way to backpacks, bookbags, and busy schedules. To help your little ones ease into the new routine, why not try crafting some special memories that can be treasured for years to come?
This simple yet thoughtful jar activity is the perfect way to capture the highlights of the school year – a delightful keepsake that will transport you right back to those bygone days.
DIY Crayons In Silicone Molds
If the back-to-school season is just around the corner, and you’re searching for creative activities to keep your kids engaged before the new academic year begins, consider introducing them to the world of melting crayons in silicone molds. This easy-to-follow tutorial empowers your young ones to unleash their creativity by combining colors, without breaking the bank.
What’s more, if you’ve accumulated a stash of broken or leftover crayons, this project becomes an eco-friendly way to repurpose and reduce waste, making it an excellent solution for parents looking to save resources.
Glitter Dipped Pencils
Transforming the ordinary back-to-school experience into an extraordinary adventure, it’s time to unleash your child’s creativity with a fun and engaging crafting activity. Introducing glitter-dipped pencils, a simple yet impressive DIY project that allows kids to express their personal style and take pride in their unique creations.
By choosing their favorite color of glitter, they’ll be thrilled to show off their customized masterpieces to friends and family, making the new school year an exciting and memorable one.
DIY Back-to-School Photo Frame
Get creative with your kids this back-to-school season by crafting a customized photo frame that’s uniquely yours. Imagine a charming school bus-shaped frame, the perfect way to display memories of your little ones’ first day of school or any special moment from their academic year. And the best part? This fun project is incredibly easy to make, allowing you and your kids to have a blast while expressing your creativity.
DIY Back to School Coloring Page Bookmarks
Unleash the creative potential in your mini artists at home by combining their love for reading with their passion for coloring! With these easy-to-make back-to-school bookmarks that resemble coloring pages, you can turn reading breaks into an exciting and interactive experience. As your kids take a moment to relax and recharge from all that reading, they’ll be delighted to have the opportunity to express themselves through art. The result?
A refreshing fusion of literacy and creativity that will make reading breaks something to look forward to!
DIY Pokemon Pencil Holder
Embrace the nostalgia of childhood with your little ones by introducing them to the world of Pokémon. Bring back fond memories of catching and training creatures with this engaging craft, which lets you create a one-of-a-kind Pokémon-themed pencil holder together with your kids. Allow them to select their favorite character or get creative and design their own unique Pokémon to proudly display their stationery.
Flashcard Handprint Apple Craft For Kids
Kick-start your back-to-school season with a delightful twist – a fun and creative activity that’s sure to bring a smile to both you and your little ones’ faces. Create a heartfelt handprint art piece using colored card stock, scissors, and a few other simple yet essential supplies. This engaging craft is the perfect way to ease into the busy school routine, allowing you to bond with your child while having a blast together.
Tiger Corner Bookmarks
Make learning a joyful experience for your kids by creating fun tiger corner bookmarks together! As the school year approaches, get ready to inspire a love of reading in your little ones. With these easy-to-make bookmarks, you’ll not only be providing a practical tool for their book-filled adventures but also fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment as they take ownership of their creative process.
School Bus Shaped DIY Card
Kick off the new school year with a unique and fun gift that goes beyond toys. Create a customized bus-shaped card as a thoughtful way to celebrate this milestone. All you need is some cardstock, scissors, glue, and a free bus template. Have your kids jot down their goals for the year or what they’re most excited about. This special keepsake will serve as a reminder of their aspirations and create lasting memories. For more inspiration, check out our School Theme Word Search printable.
Pencil Mason Jar Craft
Embracing the joys of back-to-school season can be as simple as getting creative with your kids’ school supplies storage. For those who delight in helping their little ones choose their new notebooks, backpacks, and pencils for the year, this mason jar craft is a must-try! Not only does it provide a unique way to store all those fresh supplies, but it’s also an opportunity to bond with your kids and make some unforgettable memories.
After all, there’s something special about having handmade school supplies that makes them truly one-of-a-kind.
Dollar Store Portable Homework Station DIY
Transforming Homework Time: Portable Caddy to the Rescue! Are you tired of juggling multiple school supplies and materials while trying to keep your kids focused on their homework? Do they enjoy moving around the house or have a dedicated workspace that needs some extra support? Look no further! This clever portable caddy is here to simplify back-to-school life, making it easy to move from one spot to another.
Whether you’re preparing for a weekend getaway or just need to create a comfortable workspace at home, this handy solution has got you covered.
Cute & Easy DIY Notebook Cover
Are you hooked on creating one-of-a-kind planner and notebook covers like I am? This delightful DIY project is sure to capture your imagination – and that of your kids! As the school year approaches, this crafty endeavor will have everyone buzzing with excitement. What’s more, it comes bundled with a treasure trove of free templates to make your creative juices flow.
Easy Apple Suncatcher Craft
Get ready to take your back-to-school excitement to new heights with a delightful apple suncatcher craft! Not only will it have kids buzzing with anticipation to reunite with friends, but it also offers a fantastic opportunity for learning and skill-building. By crafting this charming piece, children can develop their understanding of fruits while honing their fine motor skills. Watch as their creativity flourishes like the sun shining through the suncatcher’s glass surface!
DIY Teacher Gift Craft
Help your kids surprise their teachers with a heartfelt gesture that’s both meaningful and easy to create. A handmade ‘Thank You’ jar filled with reasons why being taught by their educator is the best thing ever! This thoughtful project is perfect for encouraging students to express their gratitude and develop a sense of appreciation for their teachers.
Paper Plate Apple Lacing Activity for Preschoolers
Immerse your preschooler in a world of creative learning with lacing crafts, an engaging activity that not only hones their fine motor skills but also sets the stage for future academic success. For those who haven’t yet experienced this delightful endeavor, be prepared to witness your child’s cognitive and physical development blossom!
Paper Pencil Name Craft
Looking for a fun and educational back-to-school craft to enjoy with your kids? A simple yet effective idea is to create customized pencil names together! This activity not only encourages creativity but also helps develop spelling skills as children learn to arrange the various pencil pieces in the correct order. And who doesn’t love combining fun with learning?!
If you’re looking for more ideas, be sure to check out our related free printable, ‘I Spy School Game’, perfect for a delightful morning or afternoon activity.
Minion Bookmark
Want to create a special bond with your kids over their favorite books? Why not craft a minion-themed bookmark that will become their new best friend! This fun project is perfect for getting them excited about reading again, especially as they head back to school. Gather all the necessary materials and get ready for some quality crafting time with your little ones.
Toilet Paper Roll Crayons
Incorporating creativity and imagination into daily life is a great way to encourage kids to think outside the box. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to do this is by repurposing household items into fun and functional crafts. Take toilet paper rolls for instance, which are often overlooked but can be transformed into adorable crayon holders with little face designs.
This project not only provides a creative outlet for kids but also serves as a useful desk organizer for their pencils or crayons.
DIY Felt Pizza Bookmark
Get ready to create an adorable felt bookmark that’s perfect for any young bookworm! This no-sew pizza-themed project is a fun and easy DIY endeavor that will bring a smile to any child’s face. We all know that a charming bookmark can spark a love for reading, so let’s get started and craft one together!
Yarn Wrapped Cardboard Pencil Craft
As the back-to-school season approaches, there’s no shortage of creative ways to give your child’s school supplies an extra touch. One such activity is wrapping cardboard pencils with yarn, a fun and engaging project that’s sure to bring a smile to their faces. Not only will they enjoy making these unique pencils, but they’ll also be proud to use them in class, adding a personal touch to their learning experience. The best part?
This craft is easy to replicate, requiring minimal materials and supervision.
DIY Confetti Pencils
As the summer sun begins to wane, why not bring a splash of color and joy into your little ones’ lives by making confetti pencils together? This fun and easy DIY project requires just six simple materials, yet yields a truly unique and uplifting result that’s sure to brighten up even the most mundane days.
Marble Painting Craft For Kids
While encouraging creativity in children is often a straightforward endeavor, there’s something uniquely special about activities that bring out their imagination. A simple yet effective way to do so is by creating an apple masterpiece that resembles a marble painting. This fun and engaging project requires only fundamental materials, making it accessible for the whole family to enjoy together. Just grab the necessary supplies and get ready to spend quality time with your loved ones!
Tissue Paper Apple Craft For Preschoolers
Get your kids excited for the new academic year while developing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination with this engaging tissue paper apple craft. With just a few simple materials – including tissue paper, cardboard, and glue – you can create a mesmerizing project that will keep your little ones enthralled.
Dr Seuss Handprint Painting Craft
The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss is a favorite among children, and what better way to tap into their enthusiasm than through a fun and creative activity? This handprint craft is an excellent way to get kids excited for the back-to-school season while also producing a special keepsake that you’ll treasure. The joy of creating something together with your little ones is truly unbeatable!
Paper Backpack Craft
Kickstarting the new school year in an engaging way is crucial, especially when it comes to kids. One creative approach is through non-toy gifts that encourage creativity and excitement. For instance, you can make a custom backpack with your child’s name or initials, adding a personal touch to their back-to-school experience. This fun project involves paper crafting, making it an excellent activity for both parents and teachers to enjoy together.
To get started, simply download the free printable template and follow along with this tutorial.
Back to School Bumblebee Treat Bags
As the new school year approaches, it’s not uncommon for kids to feel anxious about returning to the classroom. But with this sweet and easy bumblebee treat bag craft, you can help them buzz off those worries! Simply gather some clothespins, yellow paint, a black sharpie, googly eyes, and a few other basic supplies, then let your little ones get creative and forget all about those pre-back-to-school jitters.
Check out our collection of fun and engaging clothespin crafts and activities for more ideas to make learning fun!
Paper Weaving Craft Tutorial
Developing the art of paper weaving can be an incredibly engaging and creative outlet for children of all ages. Moreover, this hands-on craft serves as an ideal warm-up activity to prepare kids for the upcoming school year. With its comprehensive tips, expert advice, and step-by-step guidance, this project is sure to spark imagination and inspire a sense of accomplishment.
Tissue Paper & Paper Plate Turtle Craft
The art of crafting with free printable templates is a game-changer for parents seeking innovative ways to keep their children engaged during the back-to-school season. Take, for instance, this adorable turtle craft that’s sure to spark your kids’ enthusiasm. With minimal supplies required and endless opportunities for creativity, this project is an absolute must-try!
Craft Stick Pencil Bookmarks
Bring a touch of magic to your reading routine by creating pencil-shaped bookmarks that allow you to leave personalized messages. This fun and easy DIY project is perfect for crafting with kids or enjoying on your own. Simply gather some beloved craft sticks from your local craft shop, and get ready to unleash your creativity!
Handprint Forky Craft For Kids
As you’re finishing up Toy Story 4, why not take a cue from its whimsical charm and create an unforgettable handprint craft with your little ones? The iconic Forky is the perfect protagonist for this delightful back-to-school project. With just six easy steps, you’ll be guiding your kids in making their very own Forky masterpiece. So, grab some materials and get ready to unleash their creativity!
Adorable Felt Animal DIY Pencil Toppers
Make your child’s back-to-school season a delightful experience by introducing them to the joy of crafting with animal pencil toppers. These adorable felt creations not only add a touch of whimsy to their writing routine but also encourage children to develop a love for writing and drawing. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple materials and some imagination.
By incorporating this fun and interactive craft into your child’s daily routine, you’ll be fostering a sense of creativity and enthusiasm that will extend far beyond the school year.
DIY Button Chalkboard for Kids
As the new academic year approaches, it’s essential to get creative with DIY projects that can spark excitement in your little ones. One fantastic idea is crafting a mini chalkboard for them to use. With just a few simple materials – including wood, chalkboard paint, Mod Podge collage clay, and buttons – you’ll be amazed at how easily this project comes together.
Bubble Wrap Painting Apple Craft
Imagine transforming a simple, yet mesmerizing craft project into a delightful addition to your home decor. The concept of utilizing bubble wrap in crafting might seem unconventional at first, but trust us, the end result will be nothing short of enchanting. With only six essential supplies readily available, you can easily create this charming apple-inspired piece that will transport you back to carefree summer days.
As the seasons transition and a new year unfolds, consider incorporating this whimsical craft into your daily routine or using it as a thought-provoking conversation starter with family and friends. Meanwhile, don’t forget to prepare for the impending back-to-school rush by streamlining your scheduling, meal planning, and after-school activity coordination. For added support, I’ve compiled a set of complimentary printables designed to ease the transition into the new academic year.
Free Printables Posts:
Stay organized and on track with our range of printable planning tools, designed to help you streamline your daily routine. Create a customized meal plan for the week with our Weekly Meal Planner, perfect for meal prep enthusiasts or those looking to reduce food waste. For a more visual approach, try our Vertical Calendar Printables, allowing you to view multiple days at once and stay on top of appointments and deadlines.
Alternatively, use our Habit Tracker Printable Sheets to monitor your daily habits and identify areas for improvement.
