9 Easy Back To School Traditions For A Memorable Start
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These back to school traditions are the perfect way to create lasting memories with your little ones. As a mom to two toddlers who started TK and Preschool this year, creating new traditions was a must.
The first day of school can be both challenging and exciting for both children and parents. It marks the end of a fun-filled summer and the beginning of early mornings and new routines. For us, it meant our two toddlers were starting school for the first time, which was a significant change. To make this time memorable, I wanted to create traditions that our family could cherish.
If you’re eager to add a touch of magic to this back-to-school season, this list is just for you. You can kick off these fun traditions either before school starts or on that exciting first day!
Special Back To School Traditions
1. Read A School Themed Book The Day Before
Reading books about going back to school can be a fantastic way to ease nerves and build excitement for the first day. This is especially important for kids starting school for the first time who may not know what to expect. Stories about overcoming fears and making new friends are great beginner books. Reading these stories encourages them to ask questions they might not have thought of before.
As a bilingual family, it was important for us to read books in both English and Spanish about starting school while speaking a different language. One of our favorites, Isabel and Her Colores Go to School, tells the story of a little girl who feels uneasy because she only speaks Spanish. She discovers that there are many ways to communicate with her new friends and learns to embrace the vibrant colors of her story.
2. Back To School Video Interview
Being able to look back at videos of your little ones is truly priceless. All you need is your phone and a list of questions to ask your kids before their first day of school. Even if they don’t say much if it’s their first time, you’ll cherish these videos for their adorable mispronunciations and genuine smiles. For older kids, these videos offer a wonderful way to see how their interests and personalities have evolved over time. Here are some questions you can ask:
- What are you most excited about for your first day of school?
- What are you a little nervous or unsure about?
- What would you like to learn or do in your new class?
- How do you feel about meeting your new teacher and classmates?
- What is something special you’d like to bring or wear for your first day?
If you child is a toddler here are some simpler questions:
- What will you tell your teacher your name is?
- What is your favorite color? and shape?
- Who is your favorite book or story character?
- What’s your favorite animal?
- What makes you happy or laugh?
3. School Supplies Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a fun and interactive way to get your kids excited and prepared for the first day of school. One of my favorite childhood memories was going to the store with my mom to pick out pens, paper, notebooks, highlighters, and backpacks, and then organizing everything for the first day. You can recreate this excitement by creating clues for a scavenger hunt where your kids find all the supplies they might need.
If you have younger ones who don’t need supplies just yet, you can hide their backpack, shoes, lunchbox, or any new items you’ve gotten for them. This adds an extra element of fun to their back-to-school preparations!
4. Decorate Their Door The Night Before
Decorating your child’s door the night before school is a delightful tradition that adds a touch of excitement and personal flair to their first day. This fun activity involves adorning their door with colorful streamers, cheerful signs, and encouraging messages to create a warm and welcoming environment. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to make them feel special and celebrated as they embark on a new school year. You can personalize the decorations with their favorite themes or characters, and even include little surprises like motivational quotes or small treats. This tradition not only makes the first day memorable but also gives them a positive start each morning as they head off to school.
5. Back To School Party
What better way to celebrate going back to school than with a fun back-to-school party? This little celebration can be just for your immediate family and doesn’t have to be elaborate. You can buy some themed decorations and plan a few simple activities. We decided to start this tradition this year, and it was a huge hit! My boys were thrilled about the party, which made them even more excited to start school.
If themed decorations aren’t in your budget, don’t worry! You can use school supplies to make creative decorations, like turning a piece of paper into placemats. You can also create “first day” flags by taping them to a ruler—these make great props for back-to-school photos too.
6. First Day Of School Photos
First day of school photos are a must-have. Just like the video interviews, these photos are something you’ll be glad to look back on. It’s also wonderful to take photos on the last day of school to see how much your child has grown over the year.
If taking photos on the first day feels overwhelming, consider snapping them the day before. The first day can be hectic, so doing it a day or two ahead might be easier. You can buy a back-to-school board from stores like Michaels or Target, or create one yourself. Etsy also offers great printable designs.
For a DIY touch, you can make your own backdrop. I purchased a white canvas from Hobby Lobby, added blue lines to mimic paper, and printed out a few designs from Etsy to decorate the board.
7. Back To School Breakfast
A special back-to-school breakfast is a wonderful way to kick off the new school year with excitement and joy. Preparing a delicious and fun breakfast, such as pancakes with colorful toppings, fruit kabobs, or a homemade smoothie bar, sets a positive tone for the day. This extra touch makes the morning feel festive and helps ease any first-day jitters. You can also incorporate little surprises, like a note of encouragement or a small treat, to make the meal even more memorable. Sharing this special breakfast together as a family not only creates lasting memories but also gives your child a happy start to their school day.
8. Yummy After School Treat
Ending the first day of school with a delicious treat can quickly become a cherished tradition. Celebrate the big day with something special, like homemade cookies, ice cream sundaes, or a colorful fruit parfait. It’s a delightful way to unwind, talk about the day’s events, and enjoy a tasty reward. Your kids will eagerly look forward to this little ritual, making their first day of school feel extra special and memorable. This tradition not only helps them relax after their first day but also adds a sweet touch to the start of the school year.
9. Preparing A Teachers Gift
Kicking off the school year with a fun and thoughtful gift for the teacher quickly became one of our favorite traditions. We had a blast picking out the perfect items—a cute notebook, vibrant colored pens, a planner for the year, and some transparent Post-its. My kids had so much fun assembling the gift for their new teacher. This playful tradition not only brings a smile to the teacher’s face but also sets a cheerful tone for the year ahead. It’s our way of saying, “We’re excited about school, and we appreciate you already!” Plus, it adds a little extra joy to everyone’s day, making the start of the school year feel special and bright.
