Step 1: Cut the Bus Body

Begin by cutting a large yellow rectangle for the main part of your school bus. Then cut a smaller yellow rectangle and glue it to the front of the large one. This creates the cab section and helps give the bus its classic silhouette.

This part of the activity is great for introducing or reinforcing the rectangle shape and showing how combining different rectangles can form something new.

Step 2: Make the Windows and Door

From black construction paper, cut:

●     Three squares for the side windows

●     One rectangle for the door

●     One small rectangle for the front windshield

●     One long, thin rectangle for the black stripe across the side of the bus

These basic shapes help kids explore size, direction, and visual organization as they begin assembling their bus.

Step 3: Add the Wheels

Cut two black circles and set them aside. These will be the wheels of the bus.

Encourage your child to line them up evenly under the yellow body of the bus, reinforcing the role of circles in everyday objects.

Step 4: Make the Stop Sign

Time to introduce a new shape. Cut a small red octagon for the bus’s stop sign. If you see kids struggling, instruct them to cute out a red square, then cut off the corners.

You can leave it blank or write “STOP” across it with a white crayon. Either way, it’s a great visual cue that connects to real-world learning about traffic safety.

Step 5: Assemble the Bus

Now it’s time to put everything together.

1.   Glue the small yellow rectangle onto the front of the large yellow rectangle for the engine compartment.

2.   Add the windows and door along the side of the bus.

3.   Place the black stripe below the windows for a bold finishing touch.

4.   Glue on the red stop sign next to the door.

5.   Add the black wheels to the bottom.

Once assembled, the final school bus craft looks bright, bold, and instantly recognizable. Just like the big yellow buses kids see in real life.