In this collection, you’ll find all sorts of back to school themes like school buses, teachers, classrooms, lockers, books, pencils, and even silly lunchboxes! There are also fun scenes showing kids waving goodbye to summer and walking happily through school doors. These free printable coloring sheets are perfect for getting students excited about learning, especially during the first week of school.
How to Use These Printable PDF Coloring Sheets
To get started, click on any of the images or links below. A PDF coloring sheet will open in a new tab. You can print it straight from there or download it to your computer or tablet. Kids can even color them digitally using an iPad or other device with a stylus. All of our back to school coloring pages are created in standard US letter size (8.5×11 inches), but they also print perfectly on A4 paper. So no matter where you live, you’re all set!
Fun Things To Do With Your Back to School Coloring Pages
Here are some creative and simple ways to turn your back to school coloring sheets into fun crafts or classroom decorations.
Make a First Day of School Memory Book
Have your kids color a few printable back to school pages, then staple or bind them together to make their own memory book. Leave space under each page or on the back for them to write something like what they’re excited to learn, who their new teacher is, or what they wore on the first day. You can add photos, too! This becomes a fun keepsake they can look back on at the end of the school year or years later. It’s great for both classrooms and homeschoolers.
Create a “Welcome to Our Classroom” Banner
Print out several coloring pages that feature school supplies, books, and happy students. Have kids color and cut them out. Then string them together using yarn or ribbon to create a banner. Hang it over your classroom doorway or bulletin board. It’s a great way to decorate while getting students involved. Let each child sign their name on their page for a personal touch.
Turn Coloring Sheets into Personalized Book Covers
Use a coloring sheet as a custom book cover! After coloring, glue or tape the page onto a plain paper bag. Then wrap it around a workbook or folder just like a book jacket. You can also add their name and subject on the front. This is a fun way to encourage kids to take care of their school supplies and feel proud of their creative work.
Make DIY Pencil Holders
Use a clean, empty soup can or yogurt container. Wrap it with a back to school coloring page that your child has finished. Secure it with tape or glue. Now they have their own custom pencil holder to keep on their desk. You can even make matching ones for scissors, crayons, or markers.
First Day Photo Frame Craft
Pick a coloring page with a fun school scene and cut out the center to make a photo frame. After coloring, glue it onto a piece of cardboard or poster board for support. Place a photo from the first day of school in the middle and display it on the fridge or wall. This makes a great classroom or home craft.
Make a “My Goals for the Year” Poster
Choose a coloring sheet with a big blank space or school background. After coloring, write or glue on printed goals for the school year—like “Learn to read chapter books” or “Make three new friends.” Laminate the poster or hang it near a study area. It keeps kids motivated and helps track progress all year long.
Design a Classroom Door Hanger
Color a fun school-themed page and cut it to fit the size of a door hanger (about 10 inches long and 4 inches wide). Cut a circle at the top for the doorknob. Write messages like “Studying—Come Back Later” or “Time for Homework!” Great for kids who need quiet study time or just want to feel official during homework hour.
Make a School Rules Poster
Color a page that shows a classroom or teacher. Then write important school rules like “Raise Your Hand,” “Be Kind,” or “Listen Carefully” on the background or blank spaces. This is a great first week activity and helps younger students remember what’s expected in the classroom.
Create a Countdown to School Chart
Print seven to ten back to school coloring pages and have your child color one each day before school starts. You can number them or add stickers to count down. It helps build excitement and reduces first-day jitters, especially for little ones heading to preschool or kindergarten.
DIY Lunchbox Notes
Shrink down parts of your favorite coloring pages and color them in. Cut them into small squares and write cheerful notes on the back like “Have a great day!” or “Good luck on your test!” Tuck them into your child’s lunchbox for a sweet surprise at lunchtime. You can even laminate them to reuse!
Build a 3D School Scene
Use several coloring pages with buildings, buses, and students. After coloring, cut out each part and glue them to cardboard or cereal boxes to make them stand up. Arrange them on a table or big piece of paper to create a 3D school scene. It’s a fun play activity and looks great as a classroom display too!
Create a Classroom Jobs Chart
Pick a coloring page that has a school layout or blackboard design. After coloring, write different classroom jobs like “Line Leader” or “Paper Passer” and add clothespins with names to assign tasks. Hang it up and rotate jobs weekly. It’s a great way to get everyone involved.
DIY School-Themed Puzzle
After coloring, glue your favorite page onto thin cardboard (like a cereal box). Cut it into puzzle pieces using zig-zag or simple shapes. Mix them up and challenge a friend or classmate to put it back together. This is a fun indoor activity or brain break during study time.
Ready to Get Started?
With so many ways to use these free printable back to school coloring sheets, the start of the school year is sure to be full of color and creativity. Whether you’re a parent looking to prep your child for their first day or a teacher decorating your classroom, there’s something here for everyone. Click any image to open the PDF in a new tab. Download, print, and let the back to school fun begin!
