Last Updated on July 7, 2026 by Masha Eretnova
Back-to-school season can feel a little exciting, a little busy, and sometimes a little scary for kids. I brought together these simple back to school crafts for elementary school to make those first school days feel more fun, especially with ideas they already know, like pencils, buses, apples, crayons, and bookmarks.
These easy back-to-school craft ideas are great for kids who enjoy coloring, cutting, gluing, wrapping yarn, and making cute school projects. They can help kids feel more ready for class, meet new teachers, and enjoy creative time at home or in the classroom.
Back To School Paper Plate Bus

Kids can enjoy making this school bus craft while thinking about fun school days. The bright yellow bus feels cheerful and easy for kids to connect with. They can pretend the bus is driving to school after they finish making it.
Craft Stick School Bus

This craft stick school bus gives kids a fun way to think about riding to school. They can enjoy the bright yellow bus, button wheels, and tiny details as they make it. After finishing, they can pretend the bus is ready to roll with their school friends.
Pencil Paper Bag Puppet

Making this pencil paper bag puppet can feel like having a new school buddy. Kids can enjoy its happy face and move it around during pretend play. It adds a playful back-to-school feeling to craft time.
Pencil Craft Stick

This pencil craft can make kids feel excited about school and writing. They can enjoy the bright pencil shape and imagine using it during pretend classroom play. It also feels fun to make a school craft that looks like something they see every day.
Back To School Gnome

Kids can have fun making this gnome look ready for school with its pencil hat and apple. The cute face gives the craft a playful feel while they work on it. After craft time, they can use it for pretend school stories or a simple classroom display.
Minecraft Eraser Craft

Minecraft fans can enjoy making this tiny slime eraser and adding it to their school supplies. The block shape feels fun to hold, and the face gives it a playful game look. Kids can feel excited to use something they made during writing or drawing time.
Colored Staples Craft

These colored staples can make school papers feel more fun for kids. They can enjoy seeing bright stripes on something they usually see in plain silver. It adds a small surprise to writing pages, notebooks, or simple school projects.
Back To School Slime

Slime time feels extra fun when kids can see crayon pieces and school supplies inside. They can squish, stretch, and poke it while enjoying all the colors. It makes back-to-school play feel silly and creative.
Diy Paper Bookmarks

Paper bookmarks can make reading feel more fun for kids. They can enjoy picking colors, adding cute pictures, and making a bookmark for their favorite book. It also feels special when they use their own bookmark to save their page.
School Kid Cut And Paste Craft

Kids can enjoy coloring and putting together their own school kid craft. The cut-and-paste pieces make it feel like a fun puzzle with a school theme. It can help them feel excited about classmates, backpacks, and the first days of school.
Yarn Wrapped Pencil Craft

Little hands can stay busy while kids wrap the yarn around the pencil. Each turn makes the craft feel more fun as the pencil slowly fills up. When they finish, they can enjoy seeing their school pencil hanging on a wall or board.
About Me Apple Craft

Filling out this apple card can help kids feel happy to meet their new teacher. They can add their name, photo, and fun little facts about themselves. The pop-up part feels like a sweet surprise when the teacher opens it.

Masha Eretnova, born in 1991, is a Chiang Mai-based certified teacher, artist, and blogger with 20+ years of personal painting journey.
She started painting and drawing very early and is now an international abstract artist and educator passionate about acrylic painting, gouache, and crafts.
Her works are part of international exhibitions and contests, including ArtlyMix (Brazil), Al-Tiba 9 (Spain), Exhibizone (Canada), Italy, and many more.
Besides her artistic pursuits, Masha holds a post-grad diploma in Teaching Film Photography and 2 music school diplomas: piano and opera singing.