Growing up, we always went back to school on the Wednesday following Labor Day, and finished towards the end of June. It was wild to me that some students started earlier (and ended earlier), and now as an adult I still have mixed feelings on it. Different start days also mean different cutoffs, which mean different age ranges in each grades varying by state. But that’s a rant for a different post.

Although we’ve been homeschooling (re: learn through play, intentional unschool learning) for the past year with great results, we decided to enroll Sassy in a pre-k program at our church. It’s a biblically based curriculum with lessons on writing, letters and numbers, colors and shapes, and even Spanish. Not wanting to miss out on the fun, I knew we needed a “First Day or Pre-K” photo with a sign. However, I also wanted to make the occasion special in other ways, and I wanted these back to school traditions to last into the future years.

Fun Fact: Did you know that “love bugs”, the pesky southern bugs that come out to mate and fly around stuck together until they die, are also called “school bugs”. This is because they come out in August and May (when school starts and ends in the area).

10 Back to School Traditions

I’ve rounded up my favorite traditions to implement with Sassy as she goes back to school each year. I hope to make school a memorable experience, and keep it positive. Family traditions keep the excitement level high and reduce the anxiety. Whether we are homeschooling or in a classroom setting, we hope to start some traditions now to carry through the years.

Countdown to School

Each year during the holidays, my family has an advent calendar leading up to Christmas. A cute school alternative is a countdown leading up to the first day of school. Countdown the days on a calendar, use a chalkboard or dry erase board, or even a felt board. Make the countdown part of your morning routine, and the number change a big deal. It will get them excited in a positive way instead of making them sad that their vacation is ending.

First Day/Last Day Photo

We’ve all seen the signs. But before you stay up all night hand lettering a custom board because Amazon Prime let your down and Etsy has a 6 week turnaround, know this: Simple is better. Let’s be honest, you don’t need to have your child’s age on board. Do the math if you’re looking in hindsight. And the date is useless in the memory making aspect. Their favorites are cute, but have nothing to do with school. And the career aspiration changes daily so why waste the space? Investing in a fully custom board with favorites and personal stats is cute, but not necessary. So stick to the basics; First Day/Last Day, the name of the school, and the grade. Heck, even their name is optional since, well, you know their name.

Spin it: Instead of a sign in front of your house, take a picture in front of the bus, or their backside walking into the school. On the last day take the picture of them walking towards you.

Mommy Spin: Take a picture of you on the first and last day! Bonus points if its a selfie and they’re in the background.

Self Portrait

A creative spin on a first day/last day photo is to encourage the child to draw a self portrait. This will not only show their growth as a person, but also their growth and development artistically.

Tee-Shirt Photo

Starting in Kindergarten, photograph your child in an adult sized shirt with their graduation year on the back. For example, we would have a shirt with the number 34 on the back, because she should graduate in the year 2034. Or, get fancy and put the full “Class of 2034”. Whatever you fancy and is in your budget. What matters is that your child wears the same shirt each year. Oh, and the best part, it doesn’t necessarily need to be taken on the first day. Just within each year.

Interview

Bouncing back to the complexity of a First Day/Last Day sign, if you are actually interested in your child’s favorite color, friend, the class they’re excited for, and things like that- interview them! Write out a list of questions and ask them either the day before the first day, or the night after the first day.

Interested in a Back to School Interview? Grab one here!

Special Breakfast

Start the first day of school off right with their favorite breakfast. Whip up some eggs and bacon, or even just pull out the frozen waffles and adding fresh berries! Anything beyond a basic bowl of cereal will show your kiddo you’re

Special Dinner

If you aren’t a morning person, reward them each year with a special dinner on the first day. Either make up their favorite meal, or treat them to dinner on the town at their favorite restaurant.

Lunch Box Love Note

Sometimes some positive affirmations are all we need halfway through the day. Write a quick note and put it in their lunch box, or even use a sharpie to scribble on their sandwich bag. Some examples of things to write:

• Have a great day of school
• I love you
• Have fun today
• Oh! You’re half way there
• no words- just a smile!

Storytime

This tradition may not last until 12th grade, but it should last a while. Choose one book and read it on the night before the First Day each year. This is especially helpful for elementary grade kiddos who may still have first day jitters.

A New Book

We take books seriously in our house, and “gift giving” is my love language, so naturally I would use Back to School as a way to give gifts. A great tradition is to give your child a new book the night before the First Day of School

So here you have it! My top ten back to school traditions to start now.

But here’s the thing- the memories you make with your kiddo are far more important than the designer “First Day/Last Day” signs, and they will be happy enough with you sitting down eating cereal if you aren’t able to whip up a full breakfast buffet. Don’t get caught up in the details and forget what matters- traditions are the business of making memories. Stressing out doesn’t lead to happy memories.

Does your family do any of these traditions?