Craft Ideas for the First Day of Kindergarten

June 28, 2025

All activities on this site require adult supervision. When using this website, you agree to our terms of use. This post may contain affiliate links. I am an Amazon Associate, a Walmart partner, and a member of other affiliate programs and I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Please read our disclosure policy for details.

a collage of crafts for the first day of kindergarten

The first day of kindergarten marks a huge milestone filled with excitement, nerves, and endless possibilities. There’s no better way to celebrate this important day than with crafts that inspire creativity, calm first-day nerves, and create treasured keepsakes. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these craft ideas for the first day of kindergarten are perfect for welcoming little learners to the new school year.

Basic Shapes School Bus Craft

Crafting with basic shapes is a fun and educational way to introduce young kids to geometry, fine motor skills, and creative thinking. This school bus craft for kids uses simple shapes like rectangles, squares, circles, and even an octagon to build a bright yellow school bus. There are no fancy materials or complicated prep required.

a school bus made out of construction paper using basic shapes on a blue background

Back To School Basic Shapes School Bus Craft

School Bus Paper Plate Craft

This paper plate school bus craft is the perfect back to school activity for little ones! It’s simple, adorable, and so easy to make that kids will love creating their very own school bus and showing it off all day long.

a paper plate cut in half and painted yellow with construction paper details to look like a school bus

Paper Plate School Bus Craft

First Day Of School Photo Frame

This first day of school photo frame craft is the sweetest keepsake you will make all year! It’s easy to put together and absolutely precious. Kids love decorating their very own frame and parents love displaying the finished photo for years to come.

a photo frame that is painted yellow with fingerprint apples and "first day of school" written on it

First Day Of School Photo Frame

Apple Core Paper Plate Craft

This apple core paper plate craft is the cutest back to school activity for little ones! It’s easy to make with just a paper plate and a few basic supplies. Kids will love creating their very own apple core and showing it off all day long.

a paper plate cut and decorated to look like an apple core

Apple Core Paper Plate Craft

Backpack Craft

This Back-to-School Paper Backpack Craft for kids is the perfect way to celebrate the excitement of the first day while helping little learners build fine motor skills, learn about school supplies, and create something they’ll be proud to take home.

a construction paper backpack craft that is on a white background

Back to School Backpack Craft for Kids

First Day of School Apple Spinner

This back to school craft is perfect for little students, just starting on their educational journey. The printable apple craft has a spinning wheel inside where kids can fill in info about themselves.

an apple spinner that says "first day of school"

First Day Of School Apple Spinner Craft For Kids – Non-Toy Gifts

3D Backpack Craft

This printable template for a school backpack craft ensures the finished project is truly eye-catching. Kids can cut, color, and assemble the pieces to create a backpack with real 3D details that stand out.

a 3d backpack that is decorated on a yellow background

3D School Backpack Craft

Pencil Craft

Grab this printable and some craft sticks for the cutest little DIY picture frame. Kids will love putting together a frame for their own first day of school.

popsicle sticks painted yellow and glued onto construction paper to look like a pencil with a picture of a kid

Back to School Pencil Craft – Fireflies and Mud Pies

Dog Paper Roll Pencil Holder

With just a printable template and a few toilet paper rolls, this craft is both simple and practical. Kids can create a handy organizer perfect for storing pens, pencils, brushes, and even crayons, giving their workspace a tidy, colorful boost.                                                   

toilet paper rolls painted brown and lined up to make a pencil holder that looks like a dog

Dog Paper Roll Pencil Holder

Paper Plate Apple Bag

Kindergarteners are going to love these back to school bag crafts. They take two paper plates and turn them into a cute apple-themed bag for supplies.

paper plate painted green and decorated to look like an apple

Paper Plate Apple Bag Craft

Printable Back To School Crafts

These cute printable crafts help put a fun spin on school. Kids will love cutting and coloring the various school supplies and then adding googly eyes for a silly finish.

a paper pencil, eraser, and crayon craft with googly eyes on a marbled surface

Printable Back to School Crafts

Chalkboard Craft

Help kids make a little mini chalkboard for the start of school. Parents can even write cute messages on the board for kids who are heading off to school.

a diy chalkboard craft made with popsicle sticks

Chalkboard Craft

Back To School Paper Plate Craft

This craft is perfect for a little kindergartener embarking on a big new adventure. Kids can cut out and color a variety of school-themed shapes, then glue them onto a paper plate to create a cheerful wreath full of back-to-school spirit.

a paper plate painted yellow with apples, crayons, and a school bus

Back to School Paper Plate Craft

Superhero Notebook Paper Craft

Show your little one just how super they are with this fun back to school craft. Kids can make a superhero notebook that helps them feel like they can do anything.

notebook paper made into superheroes on red and blue papers

Back to School Superhero Notebook Paper Craft

Egg Carton Apple Craft

This is such a cute craft for the start of school. Kids combine the printable worm with an apple made from old egg cartons.

egg cartons painted red and green with paper worms coming out to look like apples

Egg Carton Apple Craft (Free Printable Template)

Pencil Craft

Start the school year with this adorable pencil shape craft! Kids use simple shapes to build a smiling pencil; perfect for preschoolers learning shapes and fine motor skills.

a paper craft that looks like a pencil with eyes on a marbled surface

This Pencil Craft Is Easy, Fun, and Classroom-Ready

Back To School Name Craft

This Back to School Name Craft is the perfect activity to set up for kids on the first day of school to practice letter recognition, spelling names, and building motor skills.

a printable apple craft with the name "Gabby" on it to practice names

Back to School Name Craft

a collage of crafts for the first day of kindergarten
author avatar
stacie
Stacie is a former first grade teacher who loves to share educational activities to help kids learn, grow, and develop! She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Child Development with a focus on Mental Health.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *