Back to School – Preschool Activities & Early Learning

Welcome, teachers! If you’re planning your first few weeks of preschool, this page is packed with helpful resources to support your classroom.
From fun printables and learning activities to easy crafts and storytime suggestions, you’ll find everything you need to create a smooth  start to the school year.

Fun School-Themed Facts for Kids

Kids love sharing what they know! Try these cool facts during circle time or in your bulletin boards:

  • Crayons were invented over 100 years ago and come in more than 120 colors.
  • The average pencil can draw a line more than 35 miles long.
  • Some backpacks are designed with solar panels to help charge devices.

Printable Worksheets & Activities for Back to School

Make learning fun while settling into routines:

  • ABC & Number Worksheets – Practice letters and counting with school supply themes.
  • Matching & Tracing Sheets – Build fine motor skills with pencils, scissors, and glue shapes.
  • Back to School Coloring Pages –Getting back into a routine.
  • Color by Number – Reveal hidden images of classrooms, backpacks, and books.
  • Learn to Draw – Step-by-step guides for kids to draw teachers, classrooms, and supplies.

Click on the thumbnail to save  and print a larger version

Cut and Color Shapes – School Supplies Preschool Worksheet
Trace Numbers 1 to 5 – Pencil-Themed Worksheet for Preschool
Back to School Coloring Page
Trace the Word "Crayon" – Preschool Worksheet
Match the Object to Its Shadow – Preschool Worksheet
Find and Color the Letter B – Back to School Worksheet

Click here to find more worksheets and coloring pages for your back to school prep lesson plan.

Simple Crafts & Hands-On Play Ideas

Back-to-School Crown

A fun crown craft to celebrate the first day of school.

Materials:

  • Printable crown template or cardstock strips
  • Crayons, markers, stickers
  • Scissors and tape/stapler

Steps:

  1. Decorate the crown template with drawings or stickers.
  2. Write "First Day of School" or the child’s name.
  3. Cut and attach the ends to fit around the head.
  4. Wear during first-day activities or photos!


School Bus Photo Frame

A cute school bus frame to hold a first-day photo.

Materials:

  • Printable bus template or yellow cardstock
  • Crayons, markers, glue
  • Popsicle sticks or cardboard for backing
  • Photo of the child

Steps:

  1. Color and decorate the bus template.
  2. Glue it onto sturdy backing.
  3. Attach the photo in the window area.
  4. Display on a bulletin board or take home as a keepsake!


First Day Self-Portraits

Perfect for building classroom identity and celebrating each student.

Materials:

Steps:

  1. Let kids observe and draw themselves.
  2. Add details like backpacks or favorite items.
  3. Label with names.
  4. Save for portfolios or display in the hallway.

Drawing Prompts & Story Starters

 Drawing Prompts:

  1. What’s in your backpack?
  2. Draw your dream classroom.
  3. Sketch your teacher and new friends.
  4. Design your own classroom poster or rule sign

Story Starters:

  1. When I walked into my classroom, I saw something amazing…
  2. I found a magic pencil that can draw anything…
  3. My backpack whispered a secret to me…
  4. At storytime, the book began to glow and then…


Teacher Favorites & Helpful Resources

Get your classroom Back to School ready with these time-saving tools:

  • School-themed flashcards and posters
  • Classroom labels and signs
  • Reward stickers and certificates
  • Daily schedules and visual routine charts

Start the year strong and make your first month run smoothly!

Sight Words for School & Classroom Themes

Build early reading confidence with familiar words from their school environment!

  • School Words: backpack, glue, crayon, desk, teacher, pencil
  • Activity Words: cut, draw, read, color, play, line 
  • People Words: friend, class, name, smile, hello
  • Routine Words: snack, circle, cleanup, recess, quiet, share

Tips for Teachers & Parents:

  • Use flashcards with matching visuals
  • Create word walls in the classroom
  • Play sight word hopscotch or matching games

Looking for more Back to School Printables? Click here 

Back-to-School Books for Preschoolers

Fun for storytime and classroom:

  1. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten – A classic prep story with classroom vibes
  2. Llama Llama Misses Mama – A sweet story about first-day feelings
  3. The Kissing Hand – A comforting tale about separating and returning
  4. First Day Jitters – Even teachers feel nervous sometimes!

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