Paper Plate School Bus Craft

June 19, 2026

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August is approaching which means it’s officially the back to school season! In the midst of buying school supplies and backpacks, make sure to save time for some fun! This paper plate school bus craft is the best way to get kids excited about going to to school. Using a paper plate, paint, and construction paper, kids can create their very own school bus that’s great for pretend play. If you’re looking for a back to school craft, school bus craft, or paper plate craft, this is a great one to try!

a paper plate schools bus craft that is a paper plate cut in half, and painted yellow with construction paper windows, stop sign, and wheels

If you’re looking for more school bus crafts, check out this list of the best school bus crafts for kids!

Back To School Books for Kids

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supplies for the paper plate craft: scissors, white paper plate, colored papers, glue sticks, and a paintbrush on a pink and gray backdrop.

What You’ll Need For This Paper Plate School Bus Craft

  • Paper plate
  • Yellow paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Black construction paper
  • Red construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue
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How To Make This Paper Plate School Bus Craft

Cut a paper plate in half.

Craft workspace showing dark gray cardstock with a white plate cut in half, a pink paper strip, and art supplies (blue paintbrush, orange glue stick, scissors) laid out on a white surface.

Paint the paper plate yellow and allow it to dry completely.

a paper plate cut in half and painted yellow for this back to school craft

Cut out two black circles from construction paper for the wheels.

Cut out three black squares for the bus windows.

Abstract paper collage: two dark gray circles and several dark gray squares on a white background with pink and yellow accents.

Cut out a small red octagon (stop sign shape) from construction paper.

Close-up of pink hexagonal paper cutouts on a white surface, some edges showing folds.

Glue the two wheels along the bottom edge of the paper plate.

Glue the three windows across the upper middle section of the bus.

Craft project: yellow semicircle paper plate with black paper shapes (circles and rectangles) glued on a white surface to look like a school bus

Glue the red stop sign on the side of the bus.

Close-up of a craft project: yellow semicircle paper plate with black shapes and a red hexagon to look like a school bus

    Tip: Write the words “School Bus” with a black marker for extra decoration.

    Variations For This School Bus Craft

    a paper plate school bus craft that is a paper plate cut in half, and painted yellow with construction paper windows, stop sign, and wheels

    Fingerprint windows: Use fingerprints dipped in blue or white paint to create the bus windows for a fun fine motor twist.

    Collage bus: Cut out people from magazines or draw little faces on paper and glue them in the windows for a fun personalized touch.

    Me on the bus: Have kids draw or glue a photo of themselves in one of the windows for the most adorable personalized keepsake version.

    Wheels on the bus: Pair the craft with singing the Wheels on the Bus song and act out all the verses for a fun literacy and music extension activity.

    Glitter bus: Brush glue over the finished bus and shake on yellow glitter for a sparkly and extra festive version kids absolutely love.

    Class bus display: Have every student make their own bus and display them all together on a bulletin board for the most adorable back to school classroom decoration.

    Back To School Crafts For Kids

    Mo Willems Inspired Pigeon Craft– Create an adorable pigeon craft using a handprint! It’s a cute craft that pairs perfectly with the Pigeon books!

    Backpack Craft– Use the free template to create an adorable backpack that’s the perfect back to school craft! Kids can personalize it and make it their own. It’s a great craft to get ready for the back-to-school season!

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    Paper Plate School Bus Craft

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    This paper plate school bus craft is the most adorable back to school activity for kids! Easy to make and perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners.

    • Author: stacie
    • Prep Time: 15 + dry time
    • Total Time: 15 + dry time
    • Category: Back to School, Crafts, DIY
    • Method: Step-by-Step

    Materials

         Paper plate

         Yellow paint

         Paintbrush

         Black construction paper

         Red construction paper

         Scissors

         Glue

    Instructions

    1.   Cut a paper plate in half.

    2.   Paint the paper plate yellow and allow it to dry completely.

    3.   Cut out two black circles from construction paper for the wheels.

    4.   Cut out three black squares for the bus windows.

    5.   Cut out a small red octagon (stop sign shape) from construction paper.

    6.   Glue the two wheels along the bottom edge of the paper plate.

    7.   Glue the three windows across the upper middle section of the bus.

    8.   Glue the red stop sign on the side of the bus.

    Tip: Write the words “School Bus” with a black marker for extra decoration.

    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.

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