Back to School

 

  

It is so hard to believe it is that time of the year; summer is winding down and school is starting up again! I have always loved this time of the year. I enjoy the feeling of new beginnings in the air, the search for new school supplies, finding that perfect 1st day outfit, football games to attend, and the wonderful excitement of a new school year and all the possibilities it brings.

 

Before I had my kids, I taught art in a public school for a few years. I remember the fun I had setting up my room and anticipating seeing my students again after the summer break. (I will admit going back was hard after some much needed time off, but it was fun to start a new year as well!) I always tried to do something special for my students at the beginning of the year. New bulletin boards, welcome signs, table markers, etc. One year I had them make time capsules to be opened up at the end of the year; they so loved that!

 

Now that I'm a mom I want to make going back to school special for my own kids, so I went on a search for fun "back to school" traditions and wanted to share what we have done to celebrate this special time of the year!

• "The 12 Days Before _____ grade" or "The 12 Days of ____ grade": A take off on the 12 days of Christmas. Each night I put a surprise in my daughter's backpack. I've used books about starting school, fun school supplies, cute socks, hair accessories, stickers, etc.
• Our annual back to school shopping trip for school supplies. It is always so fun to pick out the new items needed for school. This year my daughter picked out a fun globe shaped pencil sharpener among other goodies!
• New backpack and lunch box! No surprise, this year we went with a Scooby Doo theme (her favorite!). We found a cute scooby book bag and the mystery machine lunch box!

• First day outfit! I always let my daughter pick out a special outfit for the first day of school (mom approved, of course!) This gets her excited and makes her feel included in all the preparation and decision making!
• Purchase a small gift for her new teacher and include a short note wishing her a great first day!

• I journal my thoughts for my child on their first day, hopes about her year, my feelings, etc.
• Have chocolate chip cookies for a special after school snack and talk about how her first day went.
• Have a school themed dinner with ABC pasta noodles.

These are just a few ideas for getting my kids excited about going back to school and making this time special for our family! Do you do anything fun and creative to celebrate back to school?