Back to School Crafts Ideas: Easy and Fun DIY Projects for Kids

backtoschool crafts

As summer winds down, I find myself thinking about the excitement of a new school year. It’s amazing how some colorful paper, glue, and a sprinkle of creativity can ignite that back-to-school spirit.

I love diving into craft projects to mark the occasion—there’s something special about creating personalized items that bring a bit of home into the classroom. Whether it’s designing bookmarks, customizing notebooks, or even fashioning a one-of-a-kind pencil holder, these crafts set the tone for a fun and organized year ahead.

What I enjoy most is tailoring crafts to fit all ages. A simple project can do wonders to soothe those first-day jitters for the little ones, while more complex tasks can be a fantastic outlet for older students to express their burgeoning identities.

August and September become months filled with the joy of making things with our hands, setting the stage for learning and growth.

Key Takeaways

  • Crafting injects a personal touch to the excitement of starting a new school year.
  • Tailored craft activities cater to students of all age groups, fostering expression and fun.
  • Homemade crafts enrich classroom environments, blending decoration with practicality.

Back-to-School Photo Prop

Back-to School Photo Prot
Photo: pinterest.com

Paper Crayon Name Tag

Paper Crayon Name Tag
Photo: pinterest.com

Yarn Wrapped Letter bookmarks

Yarn Wrapped Letter bookmarks
Photo: pinterest.com

Yarn-Wrapped Apple Garland

Yarn Wrapped Apple Gaeland
Photo: pinterest.com

Rainbow Crayon Holder

Rainbow Crayon Holder
Photo: pinterest.com

Toilet Paper Roll Crayons

Toilet Paper Roll Crayons
Photo: pinterest.com

Pinwheel Pencil Topper

Pinwheel Pencil Topper
Photo: pinterest.com

Pencil Holder Cabby

Pencil Holder Cabby
Photo: pinterest.com

Paper Plate School Bus

Paper Plate School Bus
Photo: pinterest.com

Pencil Frame

Pencil Frame
Photo: pinterest.com

Paper Bag School Bag

PaperBag School Bag
Photo: pinterest.com

Paper Plate Apple Craft

Paper Plate Apple Craft
Photo: pinterest.com

Monster Pencil Toppers

Monster Pencil Toppers
Photo: pinterest.com

Craft Sticks School Bus

Craft Sticks School Bus
Photo: pinterest.com

First Day of School Crown

First Day of School Crown
Photo: pinterest.com

Felt Pencil Cases

Felt Pencil Cases
Photo: pinterest.com

DIY Homework Caddy

DIy Homework Caddy
Photo: pinterest.com

Craft Stick School Bus

Craft Stick School Bus
Photo: pinterest.com

Apple Stamped Wreath

Apple Stamped Wreath
Photo: pinterest.com

Apple And Pencil Paper Garland

Apple And Pencil Paper Garland
Photo: pinterest.com

3D Paper Apple Book Craft

3D Paper Apple Book Craft
Photo: pinterest.com

Crafts for Every Age

I remember how exciting it felt to start a new school year with a bunch of creative projects. Whether it’s about making a memorable photo frame for your first day or fashioning a personalized pencil case, I’ve got neat ideas for each school journey, from preschool to high school.

Preschool Perfect Crafts

For the little ones, it’s all about fun and games that sneak in a bit of learning.

Preschoolers adore getting their hands messy, so why not try an apple stamping activity? Grab some apples, cut them in half, and let the kids dip them in paint to stamp onto paper—voila, art!

Another hit is paper plate crafts, from simple masks to adorable animal friends. Plus, they’re a great way to develop motor skills.

Elementary Excitation

Now, when first, 2nd, and 3rd graders come home all bubbly with back-to-school stories, they’ll love to wind down with something fun.

For example, crafting a crayon organizer not only adds a splash of color to their desk but helps keep things tidy. Also, a pencil craft could be turning pencils into rockets or wands, sparking joy with every ‘blast off’ or ‘spell cast’.

School bus crafts can bring their everyday ride to life, and a 1st day of school picture frame preserves that picture-perfect moment in a way that’s totally theirs.

Middle School Creations

As kids get into middle school, they begin to appreciate a bit more complexity in their projects.

For example, bookmark crafts are perfect—like a quirky monster bookmark that sticks its tongue out at the reader.

Or, let them create a DIY pencil case, maybe even a fluffy DIY pencil case for that touch of quirky style. These projects encourage a sense of individuality and are super practical for everyday use.

High School DIY Projects

High schoolers, including those who might not admit they still like to craft, can get into some really cool projects.

Why not personalize back to school notebooks? Wrapping them in textured paper or comic strips can transform a dull notebook into a Batman notebook in no time.

And teens into trending decor can try a pencil vase—a chic way to repurpose old pencils. Or consider building a talking crayon box, an interactive organizer that can crack a joke or offer a word of encouragement with the press of a button.

Classroom Decoration & Function

I totally get that walking back into the classroom after summer can feel a bit daunting. But hey, let’s sprinkle some creativity to make that space functional and welcoming!

It’s amazing how a bit of craftiness can transform not just the walls, but also how we learn and teach. If you’re anything like me, a personal touch matters, so let’s dive in!

Functional Crafts

For crafts that serve a purpose beyond looking pretty, DIY Homework Caddies are a game-changer.

Crafting one with some cans, paint, and a lazy Susan revamps my organization game. I keep my pens, pencils, and markers in reach, without desk clutter. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver.

Now, Pencil Toppers from Crafts by Amanda give my writing tools some personality and they’re a hit with the kids. Plus, whipping up a Magnetic Pencil Holder is simple.

Decorate an old tin can, slap on some magnets, and voila, your pencils stick to your locker or whiteboard!

Materials for Magnetic Pencil Holder
– Empty tin can
– Magnets
– Glue
– Decorative paper or paint

Decorative Delights

Shifting gears to decorations, I love making the classroom feel like a home away from home.

Yarn Apple Garlands are cozy and perfect for the autumn season. Just wrap some yarn around cardboard cut in the shape of apples, and there you have it—a warm welcome!

Craft Stick School Bus Friends and the Paper Plate School Bus Craft are just fun.

I mean, who doesn’t want a cute little school bus with smiling faces on the wall? Plus, it’s a great icebreaker for the little ones.

My personal favorite is Yarn Wrapped Letter Bookmarks; they make each book in the classroom feel like it’s calling my name.

“Hello, Wonderful” Apple Craft Ideas
– Paper Plate Apple Craft
– Yarn Apple Garland

There’s something special about a Pencil Picture Frame by The Crafting Chicks.

It tells a story, captures memories, and it’s made from pencils—doesn’t get more school-spirited than that. And, you’ve got to check out “I Heart Crafty Things”; they’ve got a knack for classroom crafts that make you feel right at heart.

I am a mother, wife, daughter, granddaughter, writer, living in Virginia Beach. I love creativity, ideas, crafts, arts, photography, movies, food, coffee, naps, outdoors. I love to make stuff!