The first day of school can sneak up on parents and kids. Here are some intentional and fun back to school traditions to get everyone excited for the new school year.
I get excited for the new school year. Freshly sharpened pencils and crisp clean notebooks. Getting ready for a new school year comes with anticipation.
From littles all the way to teens it’s fun to mark the occasion with a special first day tradition. I have a few ideas to help you celebrate a new school year.
A great way to ease back to school jitters or create some excitement for the new school year is by having a back to school tradition for your kiddos. Pick one or two ideas and keep it simple.
1) Countdown Chain
This is a new one for us. I thought it would be fun to make a countdown chain. I know my youngest would enjoy taking a link off everyday leading up to the first day of school.
Use paper in your child’s favorite color to make the chain. Cut 1 inch strips and use a glue stick to make your chain.
Make your countdown chain have 7 links for the week leading up to the first day of school.
Hang it up on your child’s door or in the kitchen on the fridge or pantry door. Each morning or night have your child remove a link from the chain.
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2) Shopping Day
One day I looked forward to each school year was shopping day(s). My parents would have a budgeted amount for me to use to buy supplies and new clothes.
My kids now look forward to going back to school shopping also. Picking out new notebooks, pencils, markers and pencil pouches is fun tradition for them.
Of course the best part is choosing that special first day of school outfit to wear. And if needed they get a new pair of sneakers also.
RELATED: Simple Back to School Nightly Routine For An Awesome Morning
3) Read Themed Books
Another way to build anticipation for the new school year is to read books about school.
Reading aloud is a great way to spend quality time with the kiddos. It can also give them an opportunity to share any fear or excitement they have about school.
I find sitting and reading books to my kiddos makes them feel calm and more open to a conversation afterward.
Books can help you discuss nervous feelings, how to be a good friend, good behaviors and many more topics with your kids that will apply not only to school but to daily life.
Here is a list of some of my family’s favorite back to school books:
4) First Day of School Photo
Printables updated for the 2024 – 2025 school year!
Of course you must get that first day of school photo! This is one back to school tradition that I do each year no matter what. Even if my child refuses to smile 😛
A tip I have heard before is to take the first day of school photo the evening before. It’s a little less chaotic and you are more apt to get a great smile from your kids.
But for me, I like to get the picture the morning of the first day of school. I make sure to prep my kids the night before and tell them I will be taking the picture.
For a memorable photo have your child hold a sign that includes the grade they will be entering into.
You can print or hand write your sign on a white board or chalk board.
Grab this cute free printable in the Freebie Library by filling in the form below. Use them for your photo-op!
5) Special Breakfast
Send your kids off to school with a full belly. Prepare a special breakfast like pancakes or scrambled eggs for them.
Typically my kids make their own breakfast. Which most days is a bowl of cereal and a glass of juice.
That first morning back to school can be pretty busy already. I like to prep a fun breakfast the day before.
If you know your morning will be rushed do the same and prep ahead the day before. Make a batch of pancakes that can be warmed up in the microwave the following morning. You could also make or by muffins to serve for breakfast.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just add a little something special to breakfast like fun napkins or a handwritten note.
I hope these back to school traditions inspire you to create your own memories with your kiddos this school year. Modify them according to your style and season of life. Just be sure to mark the beginning of the school year with enthusiasm and excitement!
