Classroom Reset: Low-Prep Art Lessons for Back-to-School
Kick off fall with low-prep art lessons for classrooms and homeschools. Sept 3–6 only—extra 20% off select bundles.
Why a “Classroom Reset” Matters in September
The first weeks of September are a whirlwind. New faces, new routines, and the pressure to get systems running smoothly can leave teachers stretched thin. Add in the energy of fall, the excitement of back-to-school events, and the looming task of prepping for subs or early finishers, and it’s no wonder so many teachers feel overwhelmed.
That’s where a Classroom Reset comes in. Taking a few intentional days at the start of September to establish calm, consistent structures through creative, low-prep lessons can completely transform the rest of your school year. It gives students a chance to settle into routines, learn expectations, and feel successful in the art room while giving you the breathing room you need to focus on relationships, organization, and planning ahead.
By using print-and-go art bundles designed for minimal prep, you can guide students through meaningful creative activities while reinforcing classroom management routines. Think of it as pressing pause, smoothing out the chaos, and setting your classroom up for success all year long.
Classroom Reset Plan for September
September is all about setting the tone for the year—building routines, calming the energy, and making sure your classroom is organized and ready for whatever comes your way. Here’s how you can use these resources to reset your classroom and keep creativity flowing all month long:
✨ Week 1–2: Build Routine with Directed Drawings
Start with the Directed Drawings & Art Activities Booklet. These step-by-step lessons help students learn how to follow directions, focus, and build confidence while giving you a calm start to the school year.
✨ Daily: Keep Early Finishers Busy
Set up the Art Centers & Fast Finishers Pack and Elements & Principles Tasks as your go-to classroom management tools. These activities keep kids engaged independently so you can manage transitions, work with small groups, or just breathe for a moment.
✨ Always Ready: Prep Your Sub Tub
Print and organize the Art Sub Tub into a binder so you’re prepared for any planned or unexpected absence. Having a grab-and-go sub system in place now means you won’t be scrambling later.
✨ Mid-Month: Seasonal Creativity
Bring in the Autumn Art Activities for September through November to connect with the season. Students love fall themes, and it’s a great way to spark fresh excitement without extra prep.
✨ On the Go? Stay Organized
If you’re teaching without a dedicated art room, the Art on a Cart Bundle gives you all the tools you need to stay organized and keep lessons flowing no matter where you are.
The Offer (Sept 3–6 Only)
From September 3–6, 2025, you can enjoy an extra 20% off select Classroom Reset bundles — no code needed! The discount will be applied automatically at checkout, so all you have to do is pick the resources that will make your September smooth, creative, and stress-free.
This is the perfect chance to stock up on grab-and-go lessons, sub plans, and seasonal activities that will carry you through fall and beyond. Whether you need quick sketchbook starters, emergency sub lessons, or full art projects ready to teach, these resources will help you reset your classroom with ease.
Featured Resources (all linked)
✨ Directed Drawings & Art Activities Booklet
👉 Grab it here
Build fine motor skills and boost student confidence with 30 step-by-step directed drawings and 10 open-ended art activities. Perfect for sub plans, sketchbook starters, early finishers, or quick Friday art blocks—no prep required!
✨ 31 Quick & Easy Art Projects (Low-Prep Planning Kit)
👉 Grab it here
Packed with 20 engaging art lessons and 11 flexible ARTivities, this kit is your go-to for quick wins. Works beautifully with everyday supplies and gives you step-by-step guides for both guided and choice-based art.
✨ Art on a Cart — 20 Lessons
👉 Grab it here
Teaching from a cart or tight space? This bundle includes 20 lessons, 10 ARTivities, and organization tools to make teaching on the go easy, structured, and stress-free.
✨ Art Sub Tub (Emergency Lessons + Binder)
👉 Grab it here
Stay ahead of sub day chaos with 10 complete art lessons, 10 creative ARTivities, editable binder templates, and labels. Just print, organize, and know you’re covered.
✨ Autumn Art Activities
👉 Grab it here
Celebrate the season with flexible fall-themed art projects designed for September through November. Perfect for classroom teachers, subs, and homeschool families.
✨ Art Centers & Fast Finishers
👉 Grab it here
Keep your early finishers engaged with 10 ready-to-go art centers. Includes Finish-the-Picture activities, grid drawings, task cards, and color mixing practice.
✨ Middle School Art Tasks (10 Projects)
👉 Grab it here
Give middle schoolers open-ended, creative prompts they’ll love. No special supplies required—perfect for enrichment, bell ringers, or independent exploration.
✨ Elements & Principles Art Tasks (10 Projects)
👉 Grab it here
Reinforce the Elements of Art and Principles of Design with 10 flexible projects. Students practice line, shape, value, balance, emphasis, and contrast through fun, creative lessons.
FAQ + Thoughts
Who can use these resources?
These bundles are designed for elementary and middle school teachers, homeschool families, and substitute teachers. They’re flexible enough to support any teaching style, whether you want structured step-by-step lessons or independent art activities.
Do I need special supplies?
Nope! Every project is adaptable to whatever you already have—pencils, crayons, markers, or paints. That means less stress for you and more creative freedom for your students.
How much time do these lessons take?
Most directed drawings and activities fit into a single class period (30–45 minutes). Some projects can extend into 1–2 classes depending on student age, skill level, and class time. With dozens of options in each bundle, you’ll have weeks of lessons ready to go.
✨ September is the time to set the stage for your most creative school year yet. With these low-prep, print-and-go art bundles, you can keep your students engaged, establish strong routines, and take the stress out of lesson planning.
Don’t miss out—Sept 3–6 only, you’ll get an extra 20% off select bundles (automatic discount at checkout).
About Ms Artastic
Ms Artastic is run by Canadian artist and educator Kathleen McGiveron, who is passionate about making art education accessible, inspiring, and stress-free for teachers and homeschooling families. With years of experience in the classroom and a deep love for creativity, she designs engaging, ready-to-use art resources that help students of all ages build skills, explore their imagination, and connect with the world of art.
In her TeachersPayTeachers Store, Ms Artastic offers hundreds of resources—from fully planned art units and seasonal projects to sketchbook prompts, art history lessons, and assessment tools. Each resource is carefully crafted to save teachers time while still delivering meaningful, high-quality art experiences for students. Whether you’re looking to teach the Elements of Art, integrate art into core subjects, or spark joy in the classroom with creative projects, Ms Artastic has everything you need to bring art to life with confidence and ease.
Recommendations:
If you’re looking for resources to help you plan or teach either at home or in your classroom, then check out these resources to help you get ahead!
🖌️Streamline your lesson planning! Get on the waitlist for the Artastic Collective Art Curriculum, a treasure trove of resources designed to empower art educators: https://www.artasticcollective.com/membership
✏️Sharpen your teaching skills! Join the Art Teacher Academy for professional development specifically designed for art educators: https://www.artasticcollective.com/artteacheracademy
🖍️Need engaging art lessons? Explore the Art Project Membership library to find creative resources for Teachers and Homeschooling Families: https://www.artasticcollective.com/artproject
RECOMMENDATIONS:
📖BOOKS:
-Peter Reynolds: The Dot & Ish: https://amzn.to/3TAHoY7
-Art for Kids: Drawing: The Only Drawing Book You’ll Ever Need to Be the Artist You’ve Always Wanted to Be: https://amzn.to/3TSQ8KG
-DK The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedi: https://amzn.to/3xpArBG
-A Child’s Introduction to Art: The World’s Greatest Paintings and Sculptures: https://amzn.to/3vm4s57
-Beautiful Oops!: https://amzn.to/3vm4x8V
-Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media: https://amzn.to/49hfd6D
🎨ART SUPPLIES:
-Copic Markers: https://amzn.to/4cAlXiE
-Oil Pastels: https://amzn.to/4azlBHa
-Castle Colored Pencils: https://amzn.to/3VwlFTY
-Felt Markers: https://amzn.to/3VVmA0z
-Winsor & Newton Watercolor Paints: https://amzn.to/3TFCVn4
-Paperless Wax Crayons: https://amzn.to/4cBKfJ5
🖌️TEACHER SUPPLIES:
-Bulk Wax Crayons: https://amzn.to/4943mbU
-Bulk Watercolor Paints: https://amzn.to/4ahMCPk
-Bulk Oil Pastels: https://amzn.to/3To15CC
-Bulk Markers: https://amzn.to/4a1dRhg
-Bulk Tempera Paint: https://amzn.to/43rDCoC
-Bulk Aprons: https://amzn.to/3x4pK7K
-Bulk Card Stock Paper: https://amzn.to/49ayJBK/
