This Orange Shirt Day activity brings your class together to create a large collaborative poster while reflecting on children’s belonging, identities, and care. With 25 individual puzzle pieces and 3 activity versions, this printable Truth and Reconciliation activity includes options for colouring, name writing, and student reflection.
Each student completes one piece before the class assembles them into a large orange T-shirt. Display the finished project on an Orange Shirt Day bulletin board, classroom wall, or hallway to share your classroom learning.
3 versions included:
🧡 Colouring Version
Students colour their blank puzzle piece orange and cut it out. A simple option for young learners.
🧡 Name Version
Students write their names and decorate their pieces, supporting conversations about respecting each child’s identity and belonging.
🧡 Writing Prompt Version
Students respond to “Every child deserves…” through words or drawings before colouring and cutting their pieces.
What’s included:
✓ 25 individual pieces per poster
✓ 3 versions to suit different learners
✓ Varied geometric shapes with thick black outlines
✓ Small piece numbers to support assembly
✓ Numbered assembly guide
✓ Teacher printing and assembly instructions
✓ Printable pages for standard 8.5 × 11-inch paper
Finished poster size: approximately 30.5 inches wide × 26.6 inches tall when printed at 100%.
Simple classroom preparation
Choose your version, print, and give each student a piece. After students finish, cut out the shapes, match the numbered pieces, and tape the joins on the back or mount the completed shirt on backing paper.
Use this Orange Shirt Day craft and collaborative art activity alongside age-appropriate learning about residential schools, Survivors, and the meaning of September 30. Connect students’ reflections to children’s rights to safety, family, language, culture, and care.
A hands-on way for each student to contribute to a shared classroom display.
