I can’t believe summer is basically already over & it is time to go back to school! It feels like summer just started yesterday and I was just telling Ry we need to plan a fun summer vacation, only to look up and August already be here. For some little ones, going back to school is always an adjustment that is not very easy or fun. Some littles have a hard time getting back in routine while others thrive in routine and love getting up and going to school every day. No matter what category your little falls into, preparing some fun back to school crafts and activities can encourage them to get excited about going back to school. Today, I am sharing a round up of fun back to school activities that toddlers will enjoy before the school season.
7 back to school activities
Below I have listed 7 fun and creative back to school activities that would be fun to do before the school year starts. I have listed out some arts and crafts, as well as some other ideas like a scavenger hunt!
Back to school printables for toddlers
Toddler Printable activities are always my go to when wanting to combine learning and play. Back to school is a great time to introduce printable activities to your toddler, since chances are that they will be working on some worksheet type of activities or lesson plans in school pretty soon also.
Back to school printable dot markers
Dot marker sheets are so fun and can be used so many ways! You can use dot markers to have your little fill in the dots, dot stickers or crayons. I have created some fun back to school ones over on my Etsy shop that are printable, or you could also make your own. I recently wrote a blog post about how to make your own toddler printable work sheets heres.
Back to school tracing sheets
Back to school tracing sheets are another great printable activity that is easy to make. Create tracing sheets of easy shapes that your little will learn in school like a star, triangle and circle and encourage your little to trace them in preparation for school learning. You can also use tracing sheets to practice cutting paper with scissors, if your little one is big enough to safely do so.
Back to school crafts for toddlers
Arts and crafts are always a great way to get excited about the first day of preschool for toddlers. Do some crafts with your toddler before school starts to celebrate them going to school soon.
Apple stamp painting
Apple painting is a fun way to let your toddler paint differently than they might be used to! Cut a small apple in half and let them use the apple as a stamp with different colors on construction paper. You can even have them “sign” their masterpiece and give to someone after it is dry.
Back to school activities for toddlers
Back to school sensory bin for toddlers
If you’re little like sensory bins, you could create a back to school one! This would be really easy to do and can be so many different themes. You could make one with an alphabet puzzle and get them excited about singing the ABC’s at school or do a color matching one. Sensory bins are not only great for play time but also encourage interactive learning and hand eye coordination. New to sensory bins? I wrote a blog post about all of my sensory bin must haves here.
Create a first day of school sign
create a first day of school sign with your little one that they can take a picture with on their first day of school! This is such a cute idea and one that can even be a heirloom if you chose to keep the sign & frame it.
Puzzles, flash cards and memory games
Puzzles and memory games are a great back to school activity, as they encourage fine motor skills and concentration. If your child likes puzzles, be sure to rotate them so they don’t become too easy.
Flash cards are also another great toddler activity that encourages learning before school starts. I have created some printable flash cards on my Etsy shop that are simple things like colors & numbers here.
Back to school home scavenger hunt for toddlers
One of my favorite activities to set up for our little is scavenger hunts. Hide some things around the house that your little will need for the first day of school & encourage them to “find them”. Their backpack, shoes and water bottle are a few things that could be included.
How to prepare kids for back to school
Preparing a little for any new routine takes time. Below are some tips to help transition your little one to a new school schedule.
Make going back to school exciting
Encourage your little one to be excited about the first day of school & for the adventure they will be going on. Making new friends and trying new things are two things that should be celebrated.
Prepare ahead to make the first morning less hectic
Get all things ready for the first day of school the night before, to make the first morning a little bit easier and set the tone for the big day ahead. Lay their clothes out & include them in picking them out, talk about breakfast and what they want to eat to be sure they know what to expect in the morning and also feel included in the planning.
Explain to your child what to expect
If your toddler has never been to any type of school before, it is a good idea to share some of the things they might do at school, like circle time reading with new friends, arts and crafts as well as how they will get to meet their new preschool teachers soon. You can also get them excited by telling them how cool their classroom is and get them excited to see their new classroom decor soon. If your child is going to grade school for the first time, this conversation is no different, as they have new things to look forward to also!
Celebrate the first day
When your little comes home from their first day, be sure to celebrate them! Whether you throw them a mini party or cook their favorite dinner, make the day special and let them know how proud of them you are.
Whether your child is starting school for the first time this year and will be meeting new friends or returning back to a school that they already love, I hope this post encouraged some easy activities that you can do with them before this upcoming school year starts.
Already feeling the back-to-school rush? Try these tips on how to stay organized as a busy parent.
XO,
B
