Holiday art

Back to School Art Projects for Kids

The first weeks of school are for routines, relationships and confidence. These name art, self-portrait and community-building projects help students settle in and show you who they are. Start with a featured lesson, then browse free ideas, videos and drawing prompts.

Featured Ms Artastic lessons

Ready-to-teach lessons from my shop. Each card shows the grade range listed for that lesson.

Name Line Art LessonGrades 4 to 7A name art project using Zen Doodle line patterns, with a step-by-step tutorial.See the lesson

Graffiti Name Art LessonGrades 4 to 7A graffiti-style name art project with a full step-by-step tutorial.See the lesson

First Week of Art Class PackGrades 5 to 8First-week art room activities on routines, expectations and artist identity.See the lesson

Art Room Community BuildersGrades 4 to 710 community-building art activities for the start of the year.See the lesson

Cartooning Selfie Self PortraitGrades 4 to 7Students draw caricatures and create a personal pennant.See the lesson

Back to School Directed DrawingsGrades 1 to 4Step-by-step back to school drawing worksheets for the first week.See the lesson

Back to School Journal (Middle School)Grades 6 to 930+ first-week activities, goal-setting pages and get-to-know-you prompts.See the lesson

Back to School Zen Doodle Coloring PagesGrades 1 to 510 detailed back to school Zen Doodle coloring pages.See the lesson

Free blog lessons and ideas

Back to School Art Activities, Icebreakers, and First Week Art ProjectsRead the post

First Week of Art Class Ideas for Building Creative ConfidenceRead the post

Back to School Art Lessons for Elementary and Middle SchoolRead the post

10 Name Art Lessons for Kids | Back to School Name Art ProjectsRead the post

Back to School Art Lesson Ideas for Every Grade LevelRead the post

Start Strong: Art Projects for the First Month of SchoolRead the post

Back-to-School Graffiti Name Line Art ProjectRead the post

How to Celebrate International Dot Day with Kids: Back-to-School Growth Mindset Art & Literacy IdeasRead the post

Free tools

August Drawing Prompts31 daily drawing ideas for August.Open September Drawing Prompts30 daily drawing ideas for September.Open Drawing Prompt of the Day365 prompts plus a sketch timer for daily sketchbook time.Open Art Lesson PlannerA week-by-week art plan by grade, season or goal.Open All Free Art ToolsEvery free Ms Artastic tool in one place.Open

Videos to watch together

Video: Back to School Art Lesson Ideas for Teachers

Back to School Art Lesson Ideas for TeachersWatch on YouTube

Art Projects for Back to SchoolWatch on YouTube

Video: Art Teacher Tips: Back to School Art Ideas, Projects, and Lessons for your Classroom

Art Teacher Tips: Back to School Art Ideas, Projects, and Lessons for your ClassroomWatch on YouTube

Video: First Day of School for Art Teachers!

First Day of School for Art Teachers!Watch on YouTube

Supplies and picture books

Supplies that help

Picture books

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Questions teachers and parents ask

What is a good first art project of the year?

Name art and all-about-me portraits work well. They are low risk, personal, and give you a quick look at each student's skills.

Should I teach routines before the first big project?

Yes. Practising cleanup and supply routines in the first week saves time all year.

Do these projects work for homeschool?

Yes. The lessons are written for a classroom but the steps work at home too. Read each lesson description before you prep.

▶ Video lessons

Back to school video art lessons

Press play and paint along with me. Each video lesson comes with a printable lesson plan and a QR code, so it is ready for the classroom or the kitchen table.