Going back to school can be an exciting and nerve-racking time for students and parents alike.
Starting back-to-school traditions and creating fun memories together can help smooth the anticipation for the new school year.
Whether it’s a special breakfast on the first day of school or a family outing to buy school supplies, these traditions can help make the back-to-school season a positive experience.
From taking a photo on the first day of school to writing a letter to their future self, these traditions can be enjoyed year after year and can provide a sense of continuity and comfort for kids as they grow and change.
I remember fondly of my first days of school because my mom always cooked a special breakfast and had a small gift ready for each of us.
The idea is to do something special to make your kids look forward to their first day of school.
Preparing Together for the New School Year
School Supplies Shopping
Turn the school supplies shopping trip into a fun activity for both parents and kids.
Make a list of all the necessary items such as backpacks, pencils, notebooks, and desk organizers. Let your child help in the shopping process, letting them choose their own backpack or pencil case.
Finish the trip with a treat to make the outing even more special.
Setting Educational Goals
Encourage your kid to think about what they want to achieve academically this year.
Help them set specific and measurable goals such as improving their grades in a specific subject or completing a certain number of books.
Make sure to check in with your child throughout the year to see how they are progressing towards their goals.
First Day Traditions
Capturing the Moment
On the first day of school, capturing the moment with a picture of your child in their new outfit is a popular tradition.
You can take a picture of your kid holding a sign with their grade level or write the date on a chalkboard.
Make sure to choose a special spot for the picture, such as in front of the front door or in the garden.
Another fun photoshoot idea is to get them an adult-size shirt with their high school graduation year on one side and the different grades on the other. Each year, add their handprint under the corresponding grade and take a picture.
Special Breakfast Traditions
A special breakfast on the first day of school can help create memories and make the day extra special for your child.
You can plan a themed breakfast around your child’s favorite book or movie character or cook their favorite breakfast food.
It could also be a special lunch on their first day or dinner the night before. A fun idea is to have an ice cream Sunday dinner in front of their favorite movie.
First Day of School Interviews
Capture your kid’s thoughts and feelings about the new school year with a back-to-school interview.
You can ask questions such as, “What are you most excited about this school year?” or “What are your goals for this school year?”
This can be a fun way to create memories with your child and document their growth over the years.
Schultüte German Tradition
In Germany, the first day of primary school is a special event. Children are given a Schultüte, a large cone-shaped bag filled with school supplies, candy, and small presents.
This tradition dates back 200 years and is a way to celebrate the exciting new stage of life.
On the first day of school, children wear brand-new uniforms and take pictures with their Schultüte.
Fun Back-to-School Activities and Crafts
Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a great way to get kids excited about the new school year.
Create a list of items they need to find, such as a pencil, a book, and a ruler.
Make sure to have a prize waiting for them at the end!
Crafting a Time Capsule
Have them gather items that represent their current interests and hobbies, like a favorite toy or a drawing.
Then, seal the items in a container and set a date to open it in the future, like at the end of the school year or when they graduate.
Designing a Special Notebook Cover
Provide your kid with art supplies like markers, stickers, and glitter, and let them decorate their notebooks for the year.
Sidewalk Chalk Messages
Leave your child a special message on the sidewalk to brighten up their day. Use colorful sidewalk chalk to write a positive message, like “You’ve got this!” or “Good luck on your first day!”
This is a simple but effective way to show your support and boost their confidence.
Back-to-School Scrapbook
One way to capture memories is by creating a back-to-school scrapbook. You can include photos, artwork, and mementos from the first day of school.
This scrapbook can be a fun and creative way to document your child’s growth and achievements throughout the year.
School Year Bucket List
Get together and create a list of activities and things you want to experience during this school year. Have fun doing them throughout the year.
It could be a family bucket list, but if your kids are older, make sure to incorporate things they want to achieve on their own as well.
Sharing Affirmations and Encouragement
You could also write your kid a couple of encouraging notes and place them on the breakfast table, inside their backpack and lunch box.. so they can find them throughout the day.
Fashion Show
What better way to celebrate the start of a new school year than with a fashion show? Have your kids pick out their favorite outfits and accessories and put on a show for the family.
This is a great way to boost their confidence and make them feel special on their first day.
You can also use this time to help them pick out their back-to-school outfit.
Read a Back-to-School Book
Back-to-school books are great to get kids excited about the new school year and appease jitters.
Have an Adventure Day
Before the new school year starts, cross off any activity on your summer bucket list that you haven’t done yet. It could be a family hike, a day at the beach, or something more adventurous like paragliding or an ATV excursion.
Hosting a Back-to-School Party
Finally, you can host a back-to-school party to celebrate the start of the school year. This can be a fun and festive way to bring the family together. You can include games, snacks, and activities that everyone will enjoy.
You can host a sleepover with their friends the week before school starts, plan a movie night, have a bonfire and camp in the garden, or host a family gathering.
Tips to Ease into the New School Year
To make the back-to-school transition easier, you can try some of the following strategies:
- Start adjusting your kids’ sleep schedule a week or two before school starts to ensure they get enough sleep.
- Plan out your morning routine to avoid rushing and reduce stress.
- Review their school supplies list and purchase everything you need before the first day of school.
- Attend any orientation sessions or open houses to get familiar with the school and meet the teachers.
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