Best Friends Coloring Page: Printable Grade 7-8 Art

This printable coloring page provides middle school students with a creative outlet to celebrate friendship while developing fine motor control and artistic expression. Students color the detailed "Best Friends" typography and surrounding decorative elements to create a personalized gift or classroom display.

At a Glance

• Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8 · Subject: Fine Art & ELA
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1 — Engage effectively in collaborative discussions and build peer relationships
• Skill Focus: Fine motor skills, creative expression, and mindfulness
• Format: 1 page · 1 coloring task · No answer key · PDF
• Best For: Fast finishers, advisory periods, and art integration
• Time: 15–30 minutes

This single-page PDF features a bold, hand-lettered "Best Friends" headline surrounded by whimsical stars, hearts, and floral illustrations tailored specifically for teens and tweens. The top left corner includes a dedicated "Artist" name box, allowing students to claim ownership of their work. The clean black-and-white line art provides clear boundaries for coloring with colored pencils, markers, or gel pens, making it an accessible art activity for all skill levels.

This activity requires zero teacher preparation and can be integrated into your classroom routine in under 2 minutes. First, print the single-page PDF for your class size, which takes less than 1 minute. Second, distribute the sheets along with coloring utensils to students at the start of a transition period or advisory block. Finally, review the completed designs or display them on a classroom bulletin board to foster a positive community environment. This simple workflow makes the sheet an ideal emergency sub plan or transition activity.

Standards Alignment

This activity supports standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1, which focuses on collaborative discussions and building relationships among peers. By engaging in a shared creative activity, students build social-emotional connections and practice positive peer interactions. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

How to Use It

Use this worksheet during advisory periods or homeroom to encourage peer bonding and stress relief. Alternatively, assign it as a quiet, independent activity for fast finishers during ELA or art classes. Teachers can observe student engagement and peer interactions during the coloring process to assess classroom climate. The activity typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete depending on the coloring medium used.

Who It's For

This sheet is designed for Grade 7 and Grade 8 students, particularly those who benefit from tactile, calming activities. It serves as an excellent resource for English Language Learners or students with special needs who require non-verbal creative outlets. Pair this coloring page with a writing prompt about friendship or a direct instruction lesson on community building to deepen student engagement.

This resource aligns with standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1 by fostering positive peer interactions and collaborative classroom environments through shared creative tasks. According to research from Fisher & Frey (2014) on productive group work and social-emotional learning, structured non-academic activities like coloring help middle school students reduce stress, build focus, and establish stronger peer connections. Integrating creative tasks into the school day supports cognitive recovery and improves student engagement in subsequent academic lessons. This 1-page coloring sheet provides a practical, low-stakes opportunity for students to practice mindfulness and self-expression while strengthening classroom community bonds. Educators can utilize this tool to support diverse learners, offering a universal design for learning option that accommodates varying developmental needs. The simple layout ensures all students can participate successfully.