Back to School

The first days and weeks of school can be exciting and terrifying, all at once.

Arming yourself with a nice selection of successful introductory art lessons, 15 minute fillers and “getting to know” you exercises can help ease you and your students into the school year.

Here we have listed our favorite back to school ideas, lessons and activities (including some helpful articles for both teachers and parents).

We hope you enjoy them!

A Box of Crayons

Inspired by the book “The Crayon Box That Talked“, this lesson will show children that when we all work together, the results are much more interesting and colorful.

Ages: 5-8 yrs, 8-11 yrs

Grades: K-2, Grades 3-5

Levels: Primary, Junior

A Drawing Adventure

Students will create drawings based on an imaginary journey. This is a great warm up activity or 15 minute end of class filler. It will get your students’ creative juices flowing!

Ages: 5-8 yrs, 8-11 yrs

Grades: K-2, Grades 3-5

Levels: Primary, Junior

A Unique Drawing Experience

Students (and teacher) will see how with just one set of directions, everyone in the classroom will come up with very unique works of abstract art.

Ages: 5-8 yrs, 8-11 yrs, 11-14 yrs

Grades: K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8

Levels: Primary, Junior, Middle School

Scribble Art. This lesson requires planning and problem solving, much like a math problem or science experiment. KinderArt.com

Advanced Scribble Pictures

This lesson requires planning and problem solving, much like a math problem or science experiment. Students will see that scribbles can become much more.

Ages: 5-8 yrs, 8-11 yrs, 11-14 yrs

Grades: K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8

Levels: Primary, Junior, Middle School

Art Education, Why is it Important?

Reasons to support the argument for arts in the classroom.

Art Savers

Kids can roll up their work and slip it inside of these personalized tubes.

Art Supply Safety for Kids

Some art supplies and art activities can be unsafe unless caregivers follow simple guidelines for selecting and storing materials and teach children how to use them properly.

Avoid Extra Curricular Overload

Talent shows. Science projects. Homework. Dance class. Basketball practice. Violin recitals. Book reports. When is enough too much?

Back to School Bulletin Board Ideas

Here are five great bulletin board ideas designed to get your students involved in the fun!

Children and Art. They Go Together

Robert Beeching’s commentary on the importance of art in a child’s education.

Classroom Party Ideas

Have you been asked to be in charge of the next classroom party at your child’s school? No problem.

Creating the Mood of Creativity

I have found that even though making art is sometimes an active physical activity it doesn’t hurt to define the time or enhance the mood for creativity.

Store art supplies and artwork where kids can reach them.

Creative Spaces for Kids

Here’s how to set up a creative space for your kids at home whether you have an entire room to spare or just the kitchen table, these tips are for you.

Fall Leaf Magic Marker Watercolors

Kids will use watercolor pencils or washable markers to create leaf-themed works of art.

Ages: 5-8 yrs, 8-11 yrs

Grades: K-2, Grades 3-5

Levels: Primary, Junior

First Week of School Icebreakers

The first days and weeks of school can be exciting and terrifying, all at once. Arming yourself with a few “getting to know” you exercises can help ease you and your students into the next school year. Below we have listed some ideas contributed by you, our readers. If you have an Icebreaker Idea to share, visit our Contributor’s Page.