18 Grade-Wise Back to School Activities for Kids

It’s hard to believe that it’s already time to start thinking about back-to-school activities! It feels like we were just enjoying the summer break, but now it’s time to shift gears. No matter how you feel about the school year starting, it’s a fresh start for everyone.

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If you’re searching for fun and creative ways to prepare your kids for the new school year, you’re in the right place! We’ve got a fantastic list of back-to-school activities for kids that will make the transition smooth and exciting

6 Back-to-School Activities for Preschoolers

Here are some back to school fun activities that are perfect for little ones who are just starting out on their educational journey: 

1. Make a Personalized Backpack

This is a great way to get your child excited about going back to school. Help them pick out a new backpack, and then let them decorate it however they want. They can use fabric paint, markers, stickers, and anything else they can think of.

2. Create a “First Day of School” Crown

This is a fun and easy way to commemorate the first day of school. All you need is some construction paper, scissors, and glue. Just help your child cut out the crown shape and then decorate it however they want. They can add their name, the date, or anything else they want.

3. Paint a Picture of Their Classroom

This is a great way to help your child feel prepared for the first day of school. Go on a walk to their school and then have them paint a picture of it when you get home. It will help them feel like they know the place before they even step foot in it.

4. Make a “Back to School” Countdown Chain

A countdown chain is a fun way to help your child feel excited about the return to school. Just cut out strips of paper and write down something different that they can look forward to for each day (i.e., “1 more day until I get to see my friends again!”).

Related Reading: Best First Day of School Activities for Students

5. Have a “Back to School” Themed Breakfast

Start the first day of school off right with a special breakfast. You can make pancakes in the shape of pencils or cut fruit into the shape of apples. Get creative and have fun with it!

6. Back to School Photo Shoot

This is a great way to document your child’s growth from year to year. Dress them up in their first day of school outfit and take some pictures. Then, do the same thing next year and compare the two sets of photos. It’s sure to be a cherished memory.

Related Reading: Best Back to School Preschool Activities for Cognitive Development

7 Fun Back to School Activities for Elementary Schoolers

Here are some activities that are perfect for elementary school kids who are just starting to get used to the idea of going back to school:

1. Have a Back-To-School Picnic

What could be more fun than having a picnic in the park? Pack some lunch and snacks, and head outdoors for an afternoon of family fun. This is a great way to enjoy the last few days of summer weather, and it’s also a great way to get into the back-to-school spirit.

2. Make a Back-To-School Memory Book

One of the best ways to commemorate the back-to-school season is to create a memory book. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. You can include photos, drawings, and essays about your favorite memories from the past school year.

3. Start a New Tradition

Why not start a new tradition for the back-to-school season? This could be something as simple as reading a book together every night before bed, or it could be something more elaborate like setting up a homework station in your living room. The possibilities are endless!

4. Back to School Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunt is a great way to get the kids excited about school. Head outdoors for an afternoon of fun, searching for items representing the back-to-school season. Some ideas include leaves, acorns, apples, pencils, and textbooks.

5. Make a School Supplies List

One of the best ways to get ready for school is to list the supplies you will need. This way, you can make sure you have everything you need, and you won’t forget anything important. Not to mention, it’s also a lot of fun to go shopping for school supplies!

6. Make a Time Capsule

A time capsule is a great way to preserve memories from the school year. Have your child collect special items throughout the year, such as photos, drawings, ticket stubs, and newspaper clippings. Then, have them put everything in a container and seal it up. This can be a fun project to do near the end of the school year, and then you can open it up together in future years.

Related Reading: Best End of School Year Activities for Kids of All Grade

7. Setting Up a Goal Board

A goal board is a great way to keep track of your child’s goals for the school year. Have them write down their goals and then hang the board in a prominent place where they can see it daily. This will help remind them of what they are working towards and will help keep them motivated throughout the year.

Related Reading: Best Educational Goal Examples for Students & Teachers

5 Back-to-School Activities for Middle Schoolers

Here are some activities that are perfect for middle schoolers who are getting ready to head back to school:

1. Create a Study Schedule

Help your middle schooler get into a good study habits by creating a study schedule for them. This will help them stay on track and ensure they are getting all their work done.

Related Reading: How to Create After School Schedule for Kids

2. Write a Letter to Your Teacher

Start the school year off on the right foot by writing a letter to your teacher. In the letter, explain what you hope to accomplish this year and thank your teacher for all they have done for you in the past. This is a great way to show your appreciation and set the stage for a productive year.

Related Reading: Best Thank You Note for Teachers

3. Design a New School Year Calendar

Why not get creative and design your own school year calendar? This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. You can include photos, drawings, and quotes about back-to-school season. It will be a great way to keep track of all the important dates and events.

4. Make a Homework Station

One of the best ways to ensure homework gets done is to create a designated homework station. This could be as simple as a desk in your child’s bedroom, or it could be something more elaborate, like a special area in the living room. Ensure the station is stocked with all the supplies your child needs, and make sure it’s a quiet and comfortable place to work.

5. Start a Journal

A journal is a great way to document your child’s thoughts and experiences during the school year. Encourage your child to write in their journal every day or at least once a week. This will be an excellent way for them to reflect on their year and look back on all the memories they made.

Let’s Go Back to School!

Back to school is a time for new beginnings. It’s the perfect time of year to try out something you’ve never done before or do more of what you enjoy doing. Whether it be painting, reading books, or making your own calendar–there are so many different ways kids can get creative and have fun with these back-to-school activities. We hope this list of back to school ideas for students gives you some good ideas to get started!

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