Ideas for
Back to School Crafts

Both teachers and parents are on the look-out for ideas for Back to School crafts this time of year.

Children are naturally excited about going to school for the first time, so channel that enthusiasm into producing these adorable crafts.

If you find your child a little nervous about starting school, making these crafts may help calm those nerves as you talk about what to expect.
 

Ideas for Back to School Crafts - Teachers

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Welcome your students to a new school year (or their first!) with these fun Back to School crafts.

Backpack Tags:
Even the littlest students typically bring a backpack to school, and this craft will let everyone know who it belongs to!

1. Take a photo of each child the first day and attach it to a piece of white cardstock. Write their name somewhere on the card as well. 
2. Have children decorate their card with crayons, markers, stickers, etc. 
3. When they are finished, laminate or place between sheets of Con-Tact paper. 
4. Punch a hole in the top and attach to their backpacks with ribbon.

Bookmarks:
With all the books you'll be reading this year, your students will need this handy bookmark to keep their spot.

1. Have several of each Ellison-die cut letters for students to choose from.
2. Help children (if they need it) to choose the letters that are their first and last initials.
3. Place the letters vertically on the sticky side of a piece of Con-Tact paper.
4. Sprinkle confetti, sprinkles, or hole-punched circles on top of the letters to decorate.
5. Stick another sheet of Con-Tact paper on top.
6. Cut around the letters to make a rectangle.
7. Punch a hole in the top and tie a ribbon or yarn through.

Who Am I?:
This is a fun "get to know each other" craft.

1. Give each child a paper plate. 
2. Have them decorate the paper plate to look like their face using a variety of materials: yarn, fabric, googly eyes, markers, construction paper, etc.
3. Next, have children dip their hands in paint and place handprints on piece of white paper. When dry, cut out around handprints.
4. Have a simple clue sheet that you help students fill out, asking such questions as: What color are your eyes? What color is your hair? Are you a girl or boy? What do you like to do?
5. Glue face, handprints, and questionnaire on large sheet of construction paper.
6. Have other children try to guess who's picture is who - or display for parents to see if they can find their child's!

Ideas for Back to School Crafts - Parents

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Get your kids ready to go Back to School (or to school for the first time!) with these fun craft ideas:

Decorate a Backpack:
Get your youngsters ready for their first day with a decorated backpack.

1. Start with a plain, canvas backpack.
2. Choose decorating materials that will display your child's unique personality:
   

• Patches
• Buttons
• Latex craft paint
• Plastic jewels
• Pipe-cleaners (especially the glittery ones!)

     3.  Have fun decorating!

Pencil Toppers:
All children love to have supplies that they've designed. Try these for a fun alternative to plain #2s.

1. Cut 2 sheets of craft foam into the shape you'd like your topper to be (circle, heart, triangle, etc).
2. Glue the 2 pieces together over the pencil eraser.
3. Decorate the topper however you'd like - googly eyes, pom-poms, etc.

 
Gift for the Teacher:
Your child's teacher will appreciate this gift, made especially for them.

1. Start with an empty, clean soup can.
2. Cut a piece of decorative fabric long enough to wrap around the can.
3. Glue the fabric along the top of the can (to cover any sharp edges).
4. Roll a piece of putty along the middle of the can.
5. Stick colored pencils all along the putty to cover the entire can.
6. Wrap and tie a piece of white ribbon around for decoration.
7. Now you've got a unique pencil holder to give to the teacher!