The first day of preschool is a special moment for children and parents. Simple crafts are a fun way to help preschoolers feel excited about school while giving them an opportunity to create something they can keep as a memory.

The best first day of school crafts for preschool should be easy, colorful, and require only a few inexpensive materials. Below are 10 simple craft ideas that young children can make with a little help from an adult.

1. First Day of School Paper Bus

A colorful school bus craft is a simple way to celebrate the beginning of a new school year.

What You Need

• Yellow construction paper
• Black paper
• White paper
• Child-safe scissors
• Glue
• Black marker
• Optional crayons

How to Make It

1. Cut a large rectangle from yellow paper for the bus body.
2. Cut a smaller yellow rectangle for the top of the bus.
3. Add two black circles for the wheels.
4. Cut small white or blue rectangles for the windows.
5. Glue all the pieces together.
6. Let the child decorate the bus with crayons or markers.
7. Write “My First Day of School” on the bus.

This craft is easy enough for preschoolers and can also be used as a classroom decoration.

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2. First Day of School Apple Craft

An apple is a classic school symbol and makes a perfect preschool craft.

What You Need

• Red construction paper
• Green construction paper
• Brown paper
• Glue
• Child-safe scissors
• Black marker
• White paper

How to Make It

1. Draw a large apple shape on red paper.
2. Help the child cut out the apple.
3. Cut a small brown rectangle for the stem.
4. Cut a small green leaf.
5. Glue the stem and leaf onto the apple.
6. Write the child’s name and “First Day of Preschool” on the apple.
7. Add small drawings or stickers around the apple.

For younger preschoolers, an adult can prepare the pieces before the activity begins.

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3. Handprint School Bus

Handprint crafts make wonderful first-day-of-school keepsakes because they capture how small children were at the beginning of the school year.

What You Need

• Yellow washable paint
• White cardstock
• Black marker
• Paintbrush
• Paper towel

How to Make It

1. Paint the child’s palm and fingers with yellow washable paint.
2. Carefully press the hand onto the cardstock.
3. Let the print dry completely.
4. Use a black marker to turn the handprint into a simple school bus.
5. Add wheels, windows, and a door.
6. Write the child’s name and the date underneath.

This craft is especially useful as a keepsake that parents can save for years.

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4. My First Day of Preschool Photo Frame

A simple paper frame can turn a first-day photo into a special school memory.

What You Need

• Cardstock
• Colored paper
• Glue
• Child-safe scissors
• Crayons or markers
• Stickers
• A first-day photo

How to Make It

1. Cut a large rectangle from cardstock.
2. Cut a smaller rectangle from the center to create the photo opening.
3. Let the child decorate the frame with crayons and stickers.
4. Add stars, apples, pencils, or school buses.
5. Write “My First Day of Preschool” across the top.
6. Attach the photo to the back of the frame.

The frame can be displayed at home or used as a classroom keepsake.

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5. Paper Plate School Bus

A paper plate can easily become a cute school bus with just a few simple materials.

What You Need

• One paper plate
• Yellow paint or yellow paper
• Black construction paper
• White paper
• Glue
• Child-safe scissors
• Black marker

How to Make It

1. Paint the paper plate yellow and allow it to dry.
2. Cut two black circles for the wheels.
3. Cut several small rectangles for the windows.
4. Glue the windows onto the plate.
5. Add the wheels near the bottom.
6. Draw a door and other details with a marker.
7. Write “School Bus” or “First Day of School” on the craft.

Preschoolers can help with painting, gluing, and decorating.

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6. Pencil Name Craft

This activity combines a simple craft with a preschooler’s name recognition.

What You Need

• Yellow construction paper
• Pink paper
• Gray paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Black marker

How to Make It

1. Cut a long yellow rectangle for the pencil.
2. Cut a small pink rectangle for the eraser.
3. Cut a small gray triangle for the pencil tip.
4. Glue the pieces together.
5. Write the child’s name down the middle of the pencil.
6. Let the child decorate it with small drawings or stickers.

This is a great classroom activity because every child can make a personalized pencil.

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7. Apple Paper Plate Craft

This is one of the easiest first day of school crafts for preschool because most of the work involves painting and gluing.

What You Need

• Paper plate
• Red paint
• Green construction paper
• Brown construction paper
• Glue
• Black marker

How to Make It

1. Paint the paper plate red.
2. Allow it to dry.
3. Cut a small brown piece for the stem.
4. Cut a green leaf.
5. Glue both pieces to the top of the plate.
6. Write the child’s name in the center.
7. Add “Hello Preschool!” underneath.

The finished apples can be hung on a classroom wall or bulletin board.

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8. Back to School Crown

Preschoolers often love wearing something they made themselves. A simple paper crown can make the first day feel more exciting.

What You Need

• Construction paper
• Crayons or markers
• Glue or tape
• Child-safe scissors
• Stickers
• Optional school-themed shapes

How to Make It

1. Cut a long strip of construction paper.
2. Measure it around the child’s head.
3. Cut simple points along the top edge.
4. Let the child decorate the crown.
5. Add the words “First Day of Preschool.”
6. Join the ends with tape or glue.
7. Adjust the crown so it fits comfortably.

For safety, make sure the crown is not too tight.

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Tips for Making Preschool Crafts Easier

When making first day of school crafts for preschool, keep the activities simple and allow children to do as much as possible themselves.

Here are a few helpful tips:

• Prepare difficult shapes before the activity.
• Use child-safe scissors.
• Choose washable paints and markers.
• Avoid small pieces with children who may put objects in their mouths.
• Let children choose their own colors.
• Don’t worry about making the crafts perfect.
• Write the child’s name and date on keepsakes.
• Display finished crafts in the classroom or at home.

Final Thoughts

These 10 first day of school crafts for preschool are simple, inexpensive, and easy to adapt for different ages. From paper apples and school buses to personalized crowns and photo frames, each activity gives children a fun way to celebrate a new beginning.

The most important part is not creating a perfect craft. It is giving preschoolers a chance to explore, create, and feel excited about their first day of school.