The first day of school is always special, so we gotta capture a few pictures to remember it!
If you’re looking for a simple way to make those first-day photos a little more fun, these Back to School Flags are an easy project to try.
I designed six different printable flag templates that you can print at home, cut out, and attach to a wooden skewer. That’s really all there is to it!
These First Day of School Flags are also a fun craft for kids to make before school starts.
They can choose their favorite design, help put the flag together, and then use it as a photo prop when it’s time to take their pictures.
Simply have your child hold their favorite flag while you snap a few pictures. You can take the photo outside, by the front door, in the classroom, or anywhere else you like.
You can even make taking these photos a yearly tradition and save them alongside a first-day questionnaire or an “All About Me” printable to create a little school-year memory collection.
And the best part?
You can grab them for free!
Materials
- Free Back to School Flags Printable (Get them down below)
- Printer
- Cardstock
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Wooden skewers
- Tape
How to Make Back to School Flags
- Download and Print the Flag Template
Choose the design or designs you want to make and print them on cardstock.
If you’re making flags for more than one child, you can print several designs so everyone can choose their favorite.
- Cut Out the Flags
Once your flag is printed, carefully cut around the outside.
This is a simple step, so older kids may be able to do it themselves. Younger children might need help from an adult.
- Fold The Flags Along The Lines On The Left Side
I like to use a ruler for this step to ensure the folds are crisp.
- Attach the Flag to the Skewer
Next, it’s time to turn your printable into an actual flag!
Place the wooden skewer on the back, just where we folded the flag.
Use tape to secure the cardstock around the skewer. We like to use two or three small pieces of tape here.
And then, a large piece of tape to hold everything together.
- Take Your First-Day-of-School Photos!
Now comes the fun part!
Have your child hold their finished First Day of School Flag and take some pictures.
You can take a traditional picture with them standing and holding the flag, or get creative with your photos.
Try taking a few pictures before school starts while everyone is still at home. You could also take one outside by the front door or near the school.
Don’t worry about getting the perfect picture. The goal is to capture a fun little memory of the day.
Teachers can also use printable flags as part of a Back to School activity.
For example, students could make their own flags during the first few days of school and then use them for a classroom photo.
They could also be included as part of a school-themed bulletin board or classroom display.
Back to School Flag Printables
Want to see how these flags come together?
Watch the video below for a quick step-by-step tutorial!
Get the Back to School Flags Printables
Ready to make the flags together and start a fun little Back to School activity before the school year begins?
Kids can choose their favorite design, help put everything together, and then get excited about using their finished flag for their first-day picture.
And because the project is so quick, it’s easy to fit into a busy back-to-school schedule.
If you’re looking for simple Back to School Crafts that don’t require a long list of supplies, this is a great one to add to your list.
Download the Free Back to School Flags
More Back to School Crafts and Activities
Here are a few ideas you might enjoy:
These activities are great for getting kids excited about going back to school while keeping them busy with something creative.