The first day of school is close. Freshly sharpened pencils, a new box of crayons, and a brand spankin’ new pencil case are just a few objects of excitement for the big day. We actually just celebrated our first day of school and, as always, it’s one of my most favorite days of the year (that and the last day). It’s chalk full of fun activities, special traditions, and a whole lot of excitement. Today I’m going to share some ways to make the first day of school memorable. Whether your kids are beginning school at home this year or they are stepping foot into their school for the first time since last winter, there is something for everyone. Here we go…
First Day of School Pictures
Yes, I’m staring off predictable. However, there is nothing like the first day of school pictures. Make it a tradition by using the same whiteboard or chalkboard to state the grades or ages as well as posing in a similar spot. We use the same letter board each year and take a picture outside before the first day begins.
Decorate
Make it feel like a celebration. If you’re schooling at home, decorate the designated school space. If your kids are getting on the bus, decorate the kitchen so they can enjoy a little celebration before they are on their way.
Special meals
Make the meals on the first day of school special. Pancakes, donuts, crepes, bacon and eggs, pop tarts, muffins. Donut shaped peanut butter and jelly, a special note in the lunch box, a Lunchable (gasp), special homemade cookies. A favorite dinner, ice cream sundaes, a snack board. Find ways to make the first day feel special all day long with simple meals that make the whole day feel extraordinary.
1st Day Questions
There are a million printables on Pinterest for questionnaires for your kids on the first day of school. Some may think these are cheesy, but I promise, you will look back on the answers to these questions with nostalgia and love and thank your tired self for doing them.
If you are a homeschooling mom, try having your kids answer questions in a journal they will use for school. I do this at the beginning of the year and the end of the year and it’s always interesting to see what has changed.
Sunday Family has a great set of questionnaire printables from preschool all the way up to 12th grade. If your kids are heading off to school these are great to complete and put in a memory box. If you’re a homeschooling family, you could print off and glue in a journal.
School Supplies Treasure Hunt
I don’t know about you, but my kids love new school supplies. Pencils, crayons, markers, all of it. A scavenger hunt is a fun way for them to discover their new supplies, even if they helped pick them out. I always have a surprise or two for them, like a new book or special pencil case. It adds a bit of excitement to the day.
This is My Home, This is My School
If this is your first year doing school at home, try using This is My Home, This is My School to introduce homeschooling. It is sweet and funny and gets my kids and I in the mood for another school year.
Pray over the school year
If you are a follower of Jesus, praying over the school year on the first day could be just the inspiration you all need to focus your eyes on the most important things.
Journal to your kids
If your kids can read, this is a must do. Write in your kids’ journal or slip a note in their lunchbox about the hopes and dreams you have for them this year. Tell your kids how proud you are to be their mom and how you know they will work hard and do big things the next nine months.
Celebrate
At the end of the week or the end of the first day, celebrate! You all made it! We give new books to the kids at the end of the week to celebrate all their hard work. There are loads of ways to celebrate: ice cream sundaes, small trinkets or gifts, a trip to the nearest swimming hole, a new book, a do-whatever-you-want Saturday, a trip to Starbucks. I whole heartedly believe celebrating is important. It allows us to stop and commemorate the good. Take the time to recognize everyone’s hard work and celebrate with your family the first day or first week of school!
Celebrations and traditions mark important days and help us to remember, reflect, and show gratitude. Tell me: how will you celebrate the first day of school this year?