Back to School Coloring Pages First Week Activities Printables SEL

Looking for first week of school activities? Start the school year off right with these fun and calming Back to School Coloring Pages! Perfect for the first week of school, these printable activity sheets help students ease into the classroom routine while building a positive classroom community.

This printable resource features 25 unique black-and-white coloring sheets, each with positive affirmations and welcoming messages that help students express themselves, set goals, and feel like they belong in your classroom. From messages like “Watch Me Grow Smart” to “New Year New Me…”, these pages can open the door to meaningful conversations and social-emotional learning moments.

These pages are more than just a fun activity — they’re a gentle way to transition into a new school year while encouraging creativity, mindfulness, and connection.

🖍️ What’s Included:

• 25 unique black-and-white Back to School coloring pages

• Positive affirmations and student-centered messages

• Hand-drawn, kid-friendly designs

• PDF format | US Letter size (8.5 x 11")

🎯 How to Use in the Classroom:

• First day of school: Provide a calming activity while you organize supplies or handle administrative tasks

• Morning work: Start each day with a reflective coloring prompt

• Early finishers: Keep students engaged and creative while others complete tasks

• SEL lessons: Use the quotes as discussion starters about emotions, learning goals, and kindness

• Bulletin boards: Display student-colored pages to create a warm and inclusive welcome wall

• Meet the Teacher night: Send home a colored page or leave one on each student’s desk as a keepsake

👩‍🏫 Why Teachers Love It:

• Encourages mindfulness and creativity during a high-energy time

• Supports SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) without added prep

• Builds a positive classroom tone through art and reflection

• Helps students feel safe, supported, and connected to the learning environment

• Offers flexibility to use in multiple ways across the first week (and beyond!)

Whether you’re welcoming a brand-new class or looping with returning students, these Back to School coloring pages help you create a classroom atmosphere full of encouragement, creativity, and calm — all with just a set of crayons and a growth mindset message.

Let your students color their way into a confident, connected start to the year!