One of the best ways to help students transition back into the classroom is through creative and fun back-to-school crafts. Crafting can be a wonderful way to ease this transition, helping kids feel more at home in their new surroundings while also stimulating their creativity. Whether you’re a teacher looking to break the ice on the first day or a mom wanting to make the start of the school year special, you’ll find plenty of ideas here to spark joy and imagination. These projects not only spark enthusiasm for the new year but also give students a sense of ownership and pride in their workspaces. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, these crafts are easy to make, budget-friendly, and sure to bring a smile to your little one’s face.

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1. Back To School Craft| Personalized Name Tags

This back to school craft is great way to help kids feel recognized and included from the get-go. Using colorful paper, markers, and stickers, kids can design their name tags to reflect their personalities. This activity not only allows them to showcase their creativity but also makes it easier for teachers and classmates to learn names quickly.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Cut the paper into the desired name tag size.
  2. Have each student write their name in bold letters.
  3. Let them decorate their tags with colors, stickers, and any other embellishments.
  4. Laminate the name tags for durability.

2. Back To School DIY Pencil Holder Craft

Keeping desks organized can be a fun task with this back to school craft. Using empty cans or jars, paint, fancy duct tape, and some decorative items like buttons or glitter, kids can create unique holders for their pencils and pens. This craft helps teach the importance of organization while also adding a personal touch to their workspace.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Clean the jars or cans and remove any labels.
  2. Let students paint or decorate the outside with stickers, markers, or ribbons.
  3. Once dry, students can use their personalized holders to store pencils, markers, and other school supplies.

3. Create Custom Notebooks

Plain marble notebooks can be used for this back to school project. All you need are some supplies and a little bit of creativity. Provide kids with stickers, letter stickers, washi tape, markers, scissors, quotes, magazine pictures, regular pictures. Really whatever you think you need to make the book their own. Your kids will now be excited to use their notebook and look forward to each time they get to take them out of their desk.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Choose the items you want to place on your notebook.
  2. Arrange them to your liking
  3. Hot glue items on that are not stackable themselves.
  4. Enjoy your new personalized notebook.

4. Back-to-School Banners

A welcoming banner can be a fun and positive back to school craft for the new school year. Using butcher paper, paint, markers, and other fun materials kids might want to use. They can create a classroom with messages like “Welcome Back” or “Let’s Learn Together.” It cane hung in the classroom or outside the classroom. This will create a festive atmosphere that celebrates the start of a new academic year!

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Cut out a large enough sheet of butcher paper for all the kids to use. You can of course make more than one sign.
  2. Let students work together and create a banner for the new school year. They can use their names, Welcome Back, their grade. Be creative!
  3. Use the letter templates.
  4. Hang the banner at the entrance or in a special spot in the hallway.

5. Memory Jars

Memory jars are a fantastic way to capture the highlights of the school year. Each child can decorate their own jar and throughout the year, they can add notes about memorable moments, achievements, and fun experiences. At the end of the year, they can look back and reflect on all the wonderful memories they’ve made.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Decorate the outside of the jar with paint markers, stickers, and any decorations you may want.
  2. If you create anything with construction paper such as shapes, use the hot glue gun to place them on the jar securely.
  3. Tie a bow around the top and you are ready to write memories on the post its. Then place them in the jar to read at a later date.

6. All About Me Posters

What better back to school craft then an all All About Me poster. This is a perfect way to help kids introduce themselves to their classmates. Provide large sheets of paper and a variety of art supplies, and ask each child to create a poster that includes their name, favorite activities, and a fun fact about themselves. Display these posters around the classroom to create a sense of community and belonging.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. If you purchase an all about me template, simply print fill out and color.
  2. If you decide to DIY, then take and extra large piece of construction paper. Decorate with things you like.
  3. Cut out a person from skin color construction paper. Make your face and decorate body with colors and clothes to your liking. Glue onto the background you made.
  4. Use yarn to make hair and glue on goggly eyes.
  5. Hang up around the classroom.

7. DIY Back To School Bookmarks

Creating a book mark is a great way to get kids excited about reading. And a fantastic activity for the start of the year when you are introducing the routines of the reading block. Use colorful card stock, ribbons, and stickers, and kids can create their own bookmarks to use throughout the school year. This craft is not only fun but also promotes good reading habits.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Cut out a piece of card stock to be bookmark size.
  2. Decorate with stickers, name, fun tape and ribbon.
  3. Go ahead and read your book- make sure to place the book mark there when you take a break!

8. Get Yo Know Each Other Friendship Bracelets

Crafting friendship bracelets is a timeless activity that can help kids bond with their new classmates. Using embroidery floss and beads, kids can create bracelets to exchange with friends. This activity fosters friendship and gives kids a tangible reminder of the connections they’ve made.

Materials:

Instructions:

Watch this video on how to easily make your friendship bracelet.

9. DIY Stress Balls

A perfect back to school craft to help kids manage their back-to-school jitters, or anytime they may need them throughout the year. Having their own personal stress ball will support sensory breaks, anxiety and help with fidgeting. Use balloons and flour or rice, kids can create their own stress-relieving tools. Decorate the balloons with markers to add a bit of fun. These stress balls can be a helpful tool for kids to use throughout the school year.

Materials:

Read this post for more information on how to make stress balls.

Conclusion

Crafting is a fantastic way to make the transition back to school smoother and more enjoyable for kids. These activities not only stimulate creativity but also foster a sense of community and belonging. By incorporating these crafts into your classroom or home, you can create a positive and engaging environment for the new school year. Ready to get started? Gather your supplies and watch as your kids’ faces light up with excitement and creativity. Happy crafting!

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I'm 40 years old and a mom of 2 three year olds and a first grader. I am also a Special education teacher. My passion has always been to help people, which is why I started this blog.