First Day of School Craft for 1st Graders

By Andrew Jacobs
Aug 27, 2014

First Day of School Craft for 1st Graders

The first day of school is exciting and scary for little ones. Some kids are nervous to leave the nest while others can’t wait to break out and fly! It’s important to encourage your kids to start school with a positive outlook and help them to transition from the summer into the school year.

As parents and teachers, it is your job to help make the first day of school a happy experience. Whether at the dining table or in the classroom, use this craft as a way to reflect on what activities your kids partook in. Ask them questions about their big day to get their creative juices flowing. Here is a first day of school craft they'll love.

What You’ll Need for this First Day of School Craft

Brown, yellow, pink, black, & white cardstock paper

Scissors

Glue

Pen/Pencil

Ruler

wooden pencil diagram for first day of school craft

Step #1

Use brown paper to cut an elongated pentagon. This will be the wood. brown paper cut into elongated pentagon shape on desk

Step #2

Cut zig zags at the bottom of yellow paper make a sharpened pencil appearance for the body

yellow paper with zigzags cut on button for pencil school craft

Step #3

Cut a small black triangle for your lead and a black rectangle for your ferrule

small black paper triangle and long black rectangular paper

Step #4

Make an eraser out of pink paper

first day of school craft: pink paper half-circle

Step #5

Glue the body unto the wood. See how your pencil is forming?

yellow paper pencil body glued onto brown paper wood

Step #6

Now glue your eraser onto the body

eraser glued to body and head of paper pencil craft

Step #7

Add your lead and ferrule

first day of school craft with ferrule glued to pencil

Step #8

Use a ruler to draw lines on a white sheet of paper to write on. Then glue it in the body of your pencil.

silver metallic ruler on sheet of white lined paper

Step #9

Here are some questions to help your kid write about the big day:

What is your teacher’s name?

What was your favorite part of the day?

Did you play any fun games?

Did you learn anything cool today?

What did you eat for snack time/lunch?

Do you remember any of your classmates’ names?

Did you make any new friends?

Are you excited to go back tomorrow?

The rest is all up to your 1st grader. Write about your day kiddo!

first day of school craft paper pencil with handwritten message

Fun and Creative First Day of School Craft for 1st Graders

As the first day of school approaches, parents and teachers are always on the lookout for fun and engaging activities to help 1st graders ease into the new school year. One great way to do this is by organizing a first day of school craft session. Not only does this activity provide an opportunity for kids to express their creativity, but it also helps them feel excited and comfortable in their new environment. From making personalized name tags to creating colorful welcome banners, there are endless possibilities for crafting on the first day of school. This not only helps kids feel more at home in their new classroom, but it also gives them a chance to bond with their new classmates.

The Benefits of First Day of School Crafts

Engaging in first day of school crafts offers numerous benefits for 1st graders. It allows them to express themselves creatively, boosts their confidence, and helps them feel more connected to their new school environment. Crafting also encourages fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive development. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for kids to socialize and collaborate with their peers, fostering a sense of community and teamwork right from the start of the school year.

Use Cases for First Day of School Crafts

First day of school crafts can be used in various ways to enhance the overall experience for 1st graders. Teachers can incorporate these activities into their lesson plans to introduce classroom rules, establish a positive classroom culture, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Parents can also organize craft sessions at home to prepare their children for the first day of school and alleviate any anxiety they may have about starting a new grade.

Alternatives to Traditional First Day of School Crafts

While traditional crafts such as making name tags and welcome banners are popular choices, there are alternative activities that can also be considered for the first day of school. For example, creating a class mural, designing a collaborative puzzle, or assembling a time capsule can add a unique and memorable touch to the start of the school year.

Tips for Using First Day of School Crafts

When planning first day of school crafts for 1st graders, it's important to choose activities that are age-appropriate, safe, and easy to follow. Providing a variety of materials and allowing kids to personalize their creations can make the experience more enjoyable. Additionally, incorporating a theme related to the start of the school year, such as friendship, learning, or growth, can add depth and meaning to the crafting process.

Creating Lasting Memories with First Day of School Crafts

First day of school crafts not only serve as a fun and engaging activity, but they also create lasting memories for 1st graders. The artwork and projects they create on the first day of school can be cherished throughout the year, serving as a reminder of their growth and experiences. By incorporating crafts into the first day of school, educators and parents can set a positive tone for the rest of the academic year and make the transition into a new grade a memorable and enjoyable experience for young learners.