Backpack Coloring Page

This backpack coloring page stars a big, friendly school bag with a smiling face on its front pocket. It has two zippers, a top loop, padded straps and a water bottle in each side pocket. A pencil and a ruler lie on the floor nearby. It suits ages 3 to 9, and it takes about 20 minutes.

Large curved shapes make it easy for small hands, while the bottles and zipper tabs give older kids something to get right. Stars and hearts in the background add a playful touch.

Made for the first week of class

A new bag is a big deal to a young child. It can be the most exciting part of starting school. Let your child color this one to match the real bag they carry, or design a dream bag in any colors they want.

Teachers can hand it out on day one as a quiet welcome task. Kids write their names on the pocket, and you get a colorful display for the wall plus a way to learn each name.

Backpack coloring page color ideas

Blue with a red pocket is a bright, classic mix. Purple and pink look lovely together. Green with orange feels fresh and sporty. Use the same color on the two straps, then pick a lighter shade for the top curve of the bag.

The face on the pocket can be a surprise. A soft pink or yellow pocket makes the eyes stand out. Bottles look great in yellow with red caps.

For the floor, brown or tan will do. A pale peach or cream wall keeps the bag at the center of attention.

Tips from the art table

• Pick three main colors first, so the bag does not get too busy.
• Color the big body before you do the small pocket and bottles.
• Use a dark shade on the straps to make them look thick and padded.
• Add stickers to the finished bag. Kids love decorating this one.

A short look at school bags

Children did not always have soft bags with zippers. Many years ago, some kids tied their books together with a leather strap and swung them over a shoulder. Soft, zippered packs came later, and they caught on with students because they free up your hands.

Weight matters too. Health experts often say a pack should not weigh more than about 10 to 15 percent of a child's body weight. It helps to use both straps, keep them snug and put the heavy books close to the back. Wikipedia has more on how packs have changed.

A quick check at home takes one minute. Put the bag on and see whether your child can stand up straight.

Packing games and other activities

Play a packing game on the night before school. Lay out a lunch box, a pencil case, a coat, a toy dinosaur and a jar of jam. Ask your child what belongs in the bag and what should stay at home. Silly items make it more fun, and the talk helps them feel ready.

Make a list together, then let them check off each item. A short list at the door helps kids learn to do it themselves, and it cuts down on those rushed mornings.

For a little math, ask how many pockets you can find on the page. Try counting the stars and hearts as well, then see which group has more.

Writing fits in easily. Ask kids to print their name and their teacher's name on the back of the sheet.

Label everything on the inside of the bag. A name on a tag helps when things get lost.

More school day pages

Get your pencils ready for our school bus coloring page, and bring a treat for the teacher with the apple page. See them all in our back to school coloring pages, or try our preschool coloring pages for younger kids.

Questions