I know your kids are probably not ready for summer to end, but these back to school activities and crafts might help make them a little more excited for school to start.Part of the fun of going back to school is shopping for new school supplies. While you can spend a lot of money to buy fancy school supplies, why not create your own? You can easily jazz up notebooks and other books. Start out with a simple paper book cover or a fabric covered notebook. You can also make your own stretchy book cover and a unique notebook cover using an outgrown pair of jeans! You can easily design your own pens and pencils. Make several of these fun pen and pencil projects to fill your back to school pencil case! You can also use many creative techniques and supplies to decorate or make your own backpacks and tote bags. Another great back to school craft to make is a home-made message board. Make one for at home and also make a smaller one to hang up in your locker.
While you are doing back to school crafting, why not make a gift for your teacher? Customized calendars make great gifts for teachers. Print out calendar pages for September through June (or the entire year if you prefer) and personalize them however you like. Check out these free school related beaded safety pin designs! These beaded safety pin patterns can be used to make fun jewelry to give as a gift to a special teacher. Of course, you can also browse through this list of home-made gift ideas to find the perfect gift to craft for your teacher. Once you make your gift, you can also make a home-made card or gift tag; then, you can use these creative gift wrapping ideas for the perfect finishing touch.
Finally, if you want some fun back to school activities that will help jump start your kid's brain after a long and lazy summer, there are several things you can try. For your kids, you can create a fun back to school coloring book. Make a separate coloring book featuring letters of the alphabet and also one featuring numbers to color. If you think your child needs to brush up on their alphabet, check out these alphabet activities. If you want your child to get into reading, consider creating a Story Sack.
So, let's face it... There comes a time every summer when our thoughts must turn to going back to school. Personally, I usually love the excitement and shopping involved with getting ready for school to start; but, whether you love it or not, by using your creativity, you can make going back to school fun!
RELATED:
- Alphabet Crafts and Activities
- Apple Crafts and Activities
- September Calendar of Events
This post is part of the August About Parenting Blog Carnival, hosted this month by our Guide to Children's Books, Elizabeth Kennedy.
(Photo © 2011 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)
Very timely list. Thanks, Sherri!