I Spy Back to School Printables
I Spy Back to School printables are one of my favorite go-to activities when we’re easing into a new school year. They’re fun, no-prep, and kids love them. I’ve used this with my own preschoolers, and it always grabs their attention—perfect for those first few days when everyone’s getting back into the groove. If you enjoy activities like this, be sure to check out our full collection of “I Spy” for kids printables for more engaging options!
This back-to-school version helps little ones practice counting, visual discrimination, and attention to detail—all while having fun!
I Spy Back to School Games
“I Spy” back to school is a fun, no-prep printable that helps preschoolers practice important early learning skills in a playful way.
Kids will search for familiar school-themed objects—like pencils, apples, and backpacks—and count how many they find. It’s a simple activity that builds focus and early math skills without feeling like “work.”
As they scan the page and tally up their answers, little learners strengthen counting skills, visual discrimination, and attention to detail—all while having a great time.
This printable pack includes:
- 1 colorful I Spy activity page with back-to-school images
- 1 matching recording sheet where kids can write how many of each item they found
It’s an engaging way to ease into the school year and sneak in meaningful learning through play. You’re not just keeping little hands busy—you’re supporting real growth in a way that feels fun and doable.
What can kids learn from this activity?
These I Spy Back to School worksheets are super easy to use—just print and go! Give your child the I Spy page and a pencil or marker, then invite them to carefully look through the picture to find and count each school-themed item.
Once they’ve finished searching, they’ll use the recording sheet to write how many of each object they found. This simple activity supports counting, one-to-one correspondence, and visual discrimination, all while keeping kids engaged in a fun, low-pressure way.
Back to School Ideas for Kids
If you’re getting ready for a new school year, these back-to-school-themed ideas are a great way to extend the learning from the “I Spy” back to school activity. From storytime to crafts and printables, these simple resources help create a fun, balanced unit that supports key preschool skills in both homeschool and classroom settings.
Books to Read Together:
- First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
- Franklin Goes to School by Paulette Bourgeois
- School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
- The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
- Time for School, Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
Try this fun back to school themed craft: Back to School Countdown Craft
Here are some related printables to try next:
- Back to School Color by Letter Worksheets
- Back to School Counting Worksheets
- Back to School Missing Letters Worksheet
- Back to School Letter Hunt
- Back to School Line Tracing Worksheets
Frequently Asked Questions
A: This printable is perfect for preschoolers, but it can also work well for pre-K and even some kindergartners. If your child is working on counting and number recognition, they’re in the right spot!
A: Nope! Just print and go. You can hand it to your child with a pencil or crayons, or slide it into a dry-erase sleeve if you want to reuse it. That’s it — super simple.
A: It’s great as a quiet-time activity, a morning warm-up, or part of a back-to-school theme unit. In a classroom, you can use it as a center or partner activity. At home, it’s perfect for independent play while you prep lunch or work with another child.
This “I Spy” Back to School printable is such a fun and simple way to ease into the school year while building real skills like counting, focus, and fine motor control. It’s playful, low-prep, and kids genuinely have fun with it — which makes it a win for both you and your learners!
Go ahead and grab the free download and give it a try with your kids. I’d love to hear how it goes! And if you’re looking for more easy, hands-on learning ideas, be sure to explore our related posts or share this activity with a fellow teacher or homeschool friend who might love it too.
Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.
