All About Me Art Activities for the First Week Back to Middle School
Let’s explore how engaging middle school kids with relatable all about me art activities can be helpful during the first week back to school.
Some kids burst through the classroom door on day one, excited to be back and reconnecting with friends. Not all kids are happy to be back. Back to school can be a stressful time.
As a teacher or homeschooler, you know it can be the quieter kids who often have the richest inner worlds. The challenge is giving them tools to express themselves without pressure.
That’s where I come in! I love to design relatable, low-stress first week back art printables that help build trust and connection with upper elementary and middle school kids.
It’s simple, engaging, and a surprisingly powerful way to help students literally and figuratively walk in each other’s shoes.
Why choose a Shoe Art Activity?
There’s something symbolic about designing a shoe. It’s not just an art activity; it’s an invitation for students to reflect, share their uniqueness, and get a glimpse into their classmates’ paths, which could be very different from their own.
Each student designs a shoe that tells their story – their likes, dislikes, goals, values, challenges, dreams, feelings. It becomes a visual representation they can proudly share without standing in the spotlight. For shy or neurodivergent students, this quiet, creative process can be a gentler bridge to connection during the first week back to school.
It’s surprising how much information can fit onto the soles of a pair of shoes!
An opportunity for creativity – choose a focus word for the year.
Students can express what is important to them, without words.
These shoe lace bookmarks are perfect for doodle brain breaks.
Happy teacher feedback:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jordan L says,
“This was a great back to school resource to use with my students. It tied in nicely with eighth grade because our first novel is To Kill a Mockingbird, and we talk about what it means to walk in someone’s shoes. It was a great way to make the connection between themes in our novel and relationship building in the classroom.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Melissa M says,
“My students loved using this during one of our class meetings. This was a great way to start the year and discuss ways to remember we each walk a different path each day and to respect that.”
Ways this back to school art activity can be helpful:
- First week of school, getting to know you icebreaker activity
- Celebrating the end of the year
- Reflection and goal-setting
- Expressing likes and dislikes, discussing similarities and differences
- Learning more about classmates in a fun way
- Building a strong classroom community from day one
- Exploring empathy – eunderstanding that everyone’s journey is different
- Welcoming a new student
- A handy low-prep sub plan
- Encouraging discussion about the symbolism of shoes – youth culture, identity, self expression, physical and metaphorical journeys
Try this all about me art activity with your kids
This print-and-go activity could be the answer if you’re looking for a meaningful, student-centered way to kick off the year, especially for classes with a mix of personalities and learning needs.
Display them on a bulletin board or string them into a “shoe line” across your classroom. (You’ll be amazed how many parents and staff stop to read them!)
Are you new to the Imagination Box?
Hello there, I’m Diane
And this is Friday, my fluffy assistant!
I create printable art and writing resources for 7 to 13-year-olds, helping busy upper elementary, middle school teachers, and homeschoolers deliver high-engagement art projects with minimal stress and prep.
Teachers often tell me they would love to do more art, but feel short on time or are unsure where to begin. That’s where I come in! I bring together a love of design and a deep understanding of what helps kids of all abilities connect with themselves and each other. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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With imagination,
Diane
