20 Ideas for First Day of School Art Activities

Kickstart the school year with creative art activities that spark imagination and build a sense of community in your classroom.

Self-Portrait Collage

self portrait collage

Creating a Self-Portrait Collage is a fun way for students to express themselves artistically using various materials and textures. It helps them explore their identity through art while honing their fine motor skills and creativity.

Friendship Bracelets

friendship bracelets

Friendship Bracelets: Fun activity to create bonds between classmates.

“All About Me” Posters

all about me posters

“All About Me” Posters are a creative way for students to showcase their interests, hobbies, and personality through art and writing. They help students express themselves and share personal information with their classmates and teachers.

Classroom Mural

classroom mural

Collaboratively create a large-scale artwork as a group bonding activity in the classroom.

Handprint Art

handprint art

Handprint Art is a fun way to capture memories and create personalized artwork using handprints as a central element.

Name Plate Decorating

name plate decorating

Name Plate Decorating allows students to personalize their own name plates for their desks, adding a touch of creativity and individuality to the classroom environment.

“My Summer Vacation” Storyboard

my summer vacation storyboard

Transform memories into colorful visual stories on paper to share with classmates.

Mini Clay Sculptures

mini clay sculptures

Mini Clay Sculptures are a fun way for students to express their creativity and artistic abilities by molding small figures from clay. It is an engaging activity that can help students relax and focus, while also improving their fine motor skills. Each student can create their own unique sculpture, adding a personal touch to their artwork.

Alphabet Art

alphabet art

Alphabet Art allows students to creatively explore letters and words through visual representation, promoting literacy and artistic expression simultaneously.

Nature Prints

nature prints

Creating nature prints involves using natural items like leaves and flowers to make artistic imprints on paper, offering a hands-on way for students to connect with the environment.

Dream Jars

dream jars

Dream Jars are a creative way for students to visually represent their hopes and aspirations through art, fostering imagination and goal-setting skills.

Rock Painting

rock painting

Rock Painting is a creative way for students to personalize their own rocks using vibrant colors and designs, adding a touch of art to their first day of school experience.

Bucket List Bulletin Board

bucket list bulletin board

Create a visual representation of students’ goals and aspirations for the school year on a shared bulletin board.

Paper Plate Faces

paper plate faces

Transform paper plates into quirky faces to unleash creativity and foster social interaction amongst students.

Goal Setting Stars

goal setting stars

Goal Setting Stars are a creative way to help students set and visualize their goals for the school year. They serve as a visual reminder to stay motivated and focused on their aspirations.

Class Quilt

class quilt

A class quilt is a collaborative art project where each student contributes a square to create a beautiful and unique piece representing unity and diversity in the classroom.

Popsicle Stick Puppets

popsicle stick puppets

Popsicle Stick Puppets allow students to get creative and bring characters to life through simple materials and imagination.

“My Favorite Things” Collage

my favorite things collage

Capture students’ interests and personality through a visual representation.

Superhero Selfies

superhero selfies

Superhero Selfies: A creative way to encourage kids to embrace their inner superheroes and share their unique qualities through fun and imaginative self-portraits.

“I Am” Poetry Art

i am poetry art

“I Am” Poetry Art encourages students to express themselves creatively through poetry, reflecting their identities and emotions in an artistic way.