Art Classroom Community Builders Back to School Icebreakers First Week Art Class

This Back to School Art Community Builder Pack gives you 10 creative, art-based community builders designed for the first week in the art room. It suits elementary and middle school art teachers (grades 2 to 8), homeschool co-ops and substitute teachers.

The low-prep activities help you get to know your students, observe their skill levels and build classroom culture while students explore different art mediums. Guided prompts, art explorations and icebreakers get students talking, sharing ideas and creating in a low-pressure way, and give you insight into their confidence, personalities and drawing habits.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “I was looking for something new to use as brain breaks and back to school activities amongst the various grade levels I teach at the middle school level. This worked out really well with lots to choose from, great resource.” Katie V.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• 10 Full Art-Based Community Building Lessons tied to art learning goals
• About the Resource overview page with tips
• Bulletin Board Sign: “Welcome to Art Class”
• Full Page-by-Page Materials List for prepping ahead
• Printable Templates and Materials for each activity
• Suggested Art Mediums, including recycled materials, mixed media and drawing tools
• Scripted Directions and Lesson Plan Guidance

HOW TO USE IT

Read through each lesson plan ahead of time, gather materials and prep any handouts, then follow the scripts and prompts. Use the activities during the first week of school or any time you want to boost connection in your classroom.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Elementary and middle school art teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers. It suits grades 2 to 8 and adapts to age and skill level.

How long does each activity take?

One class period (40 to 60 minutes). Some can stretch to 2 periods depending on age, skill level and how much reflection and art-making you include.

Is it editable?

No. It is non-editable.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★ “Engaging activities to use for back to school during the first few weeks.” Angela C.

★★★★ “I use this every year when the school year begins. It's perfect for getting started!” Math L.

★★★★ “This is a great bundle for jumpstarting ideas and helpful resources!” Meredith G.

★★★★ “These were so fun! Great resource” Katherine S.

★★★ “Kids really enjoyed the activities, they were engaged and happy!” Reema F.

★★★★ “With all the uncertainty at the beginning of the school year of what my schedule was and who I will be teaching, these were great to have. Students really seemed to be engaged with each activity.” a C.

★★★★ “My students loved this resource! Thank you.” Tracey W.

★★★★ “Great Starters!” Tobey S.

★★★★★ “Cant wait to use!” Kym M.

★★★★★ “Great!” Erica E.

★★★★★ “Can't wait to try these out! Thanks so much!!!” Cheryl R.

★★★★★ “Looking forward to using this when school begins” CrazyArtLady

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in your classroom, homeschool or as bulletin board displays, and get creative and make it your own within one educator’s use.

YOU MAY NOT: share this with other teachers or districts, post it online, or distribute it outside your own classroom. Please direct others to purchase their own license.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic