3 Back to School Ideas

During the first week of school, you want to be teaching routines and expectations for your art class. I always like to ease into the school year with some simple, yet creative projects to get to know my students. I am going to share with you three fun Back-to-School ideas that you can try in your art classroom.

1. Creative Backpack

My students used the template created by Hey Art Mama to make these creative backpacks. (I do not receive compensation for linking to this shop.) I love how they all turned out so unique even though they started with the same shape.

Colorful and creatively designed children's backpacks with various patterns and drawings, featuring rainbows, hearts, and unicorns. Ideal for back to school, these backpacks inspire imaginative ideas among young students.

Two sketches of backpacks with aggressive faces; the left is black and white, while the right showcases vibrant colors.

Two drawings of backpacks featuring monster-like designs with eyes, teeth, and various doodles in red, black, and blue.

2. About Me Cell Phones

We used the handouts from The Imagination Box by for this project. (I do not receive compensation for linking to this shop.) The kids decorated a cell phone with pictures about themselves.

Drawing of three smartphones displaying colorful 'All About Me' pages with various personal details and doodles, ideal for Back to School ideas.

Two illustrated profiles of kids on phones. One likes acting, the other writing. Vibrant icons depict their favorites, adding a fun Back to School Ideas flair.

Two engaging 'All About Me' projects in a smartphone design, highlighting hobbies, favorite colors, pets, foods, and drawings—ideal for Back to School activities.

3. My Favorite Things

This is great for the little kids. Use this activity to get to know your students and their favorite things. At the bottom is a space for the kids to write down the art room rules. This is great for the first day of art class for younger kids. Download the FREE handout at my shop!

A child's drawing of unicorns, a rainbow, and a child with "My Favorite Things" and art room rules written below—great for back to school ideas.

A child’s drawing titled "My Favorite Things" features a bunny, library, ice cream, block letters, and stars, all representing fun Back to School ideas.

Handwritten list titled "What are the art room rules?" with rules: "Be kind," "Listen to the teacher," and "Talk quietly." Great for Back to School ideas.

If you like this idea, you may like some of the other handouts and ideas from my shop!

Art History Folded Petals with Personal Responses

6 Art Lessons to Start the Year Right!

Getting to Know You Handouts

My Art ABC Sketchbook

About Me Foldable Squash Book with Video

Back to School Sunglasses: What I Did This Summer

First Day of Art Activity

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4 Responses to 3 Back to School Ideas

Darci says:

July 29, 2019 at 2:03 pm

Thanks for sharing your B2S ideas. I use the cell phone template with my 4th grade as a getting to know you activity. Then they use rulers and draw their own self-portrait selfies. They really enjoy the activity. Wanted to share! I liked the post from BMA also!!! Thanks again.

Robin Jameson says:

August 20, 2019 at 2:00 pm

Love the flamingo picture, very funny )

sandra says:

September 7, 2022 at 5:12 pm

Sou professora de Arte do fundamental I , muinhas crianças adoram atividades praticas e História da Arte. Adorei tudo aqui obrigada

Thara says:

October 17, 2023 at 2:47 pm

Heya.

I do two facts and a myth game each year in order to start with. The first grade then write down their name and favourite colour too. Other activities include a guided tour of the entire school and a photo op. We also discuss goals and expectations with kids and parents. I get them to describe their own feelings. We do timed tours. Parents are welcome to meet the head and have a cup of coffee if they want before they go.