First Day of School Coloring Page
coloring · ages preschool · easy
Editorial team · Published July 11, 2026
This friendly "First Day of School" coloring page shows a group of excited kids with their backpacks, waving goodbye as they head off for a new school year. The simple rounded cartoon shapes mean there are plenty of big, satisfying areas to color, like the kids' shirts and pants, their large backpacks, and the ground they stand on. Smaller details include their faces, hands, and the straps on their bags, perfect for a bit more focus.
For this picture, we suggest bright, primary colors to capture the excitement of the first day. Think vibrant reds for backpacks, sunny yellows for shirts, or cool blues for jeans. Crayons will work wonderfully for filling in the large shapes quickly and smoothly, while markers will give a bold, crisp finish that pops off the page. If your child enjoys more precision, colored pencils can be used for the smaller details.
A great way to extend the activity after coloring is to talk about what each child in the picture might be looking forward to at school. Ask your child what they think the kids are saying goodbye to, or what new things they might learn. This can be a gentle conversation starter about their own feelings and expectations for school.
Download & print — it's free
US Letter (8.5×11"). Print at home, no sign-up needed.
Tip: set your printer to “Fit to page” for best results.
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Frequently asked questions
What skills does the First Day of School Coloring Page practice?
Coloring inside large, defined areas builds fine-motor control, pencil grip and hand-eye coordination — the pre-writing skills teachers look for. Naming the picture and choosing colors also sneaks in vocabulary and decision-making.
What should my child color it with?
Crayons and colored pencils are the safest bet on regular printer paper — markers look bold but can bleed through thin sheets. For preschoolers (around ages 3–4), chunky crayons or triangular pencils are easiest to grip.
What age is the First Day of School Coloring Page best for?
It's designed for preschoolers (around ages 3–4) — big, forgiving shapes and no fine detail. Those ranges are a guide, not a rule: reach a level up or down to match the child in front of you.
Is the First Day of School Coloring Page printable free?
Yes — the First Day of School Coloring Page is completely free to download and print. There's no account, sign-up or payment required. Just open the PDF and hit print.