Extra Special First Day of School
The first day of school marks a significant milestone in a young child's life, filled with excitement, nervousness, and curiosity. And as usual, it’s an excuse to celebrate so I’m all about finding simple ways to do so! Plus, creating a unique and special experience can help ease any apprehensions and set the tone for a successful start to the new year. Here are some simple ideas to make the first day of school truly exceptional for your little one:
Personalized Morning Routine: Kick-start the day with a personalized morning routine that includes their favorite breakfast and a special note of encouragement. A cheerful "Good luck!" note on the breakfast table can instantly brighten their spirits.
Customized School Supplies: Get creative with personalized school supplies. Consider having their name or a favorite character printed on their backpack, notebooks, or pencil case. This not only adds a personal touch but also fosters a sense of ownership and excitement.
Photo Session: Capture the excitement of the first day with a mini photo session. Pose with your child at home, in front of the school, or by the school bus. These pictures will become cherished memories as you document their growth year after year.
Special Lunchbox Surprise: Pack a lunchbox filled with their favorite treats and a little surprise. It could be a handwritten note, a small toy, or a fun riddle to solve during lunchtime.
Back to School Basket: Back to School baskets don’t need to be over the top of expensive. It can be filled with things you’re already buying from their school supply list. But arrange it cute, add their favorite snack, and a note! And you’re good to go! The baskets I arranged this year were under $15. (And under $8 if you don’t include the book!)
Meet and Greet Friends: Arrange a playdate or meet-up with some of their future classmates before the first day. Familiar faces can alleviate anxiety and help them feel more comfortable in the new environment.
Back-to-School Countdown: Create a countdown calendar in the days leading up to school. My kids love a good count-down chain. Each day, you can engage in a fun activity or craft related to school, building up the excitement as the big day approaches.
Back to School Books: We love surprising our kids with a new book to kick off the school year. You can even take it a step further and establish a special storytime tradition the night before school. Choose a heartwarming book that centers around friendship, new beginnings, or school adventures to help ease any nerves. If it’s not in the budget to provide a brand new book, try checking some out from your local library. You can view my list of favorite back to school books, here.
Decorate Their Workspace: Whether it's a designated study corner at home or their desk at school, involve your child in decorating their workspace with colorful stationery, inspiring quotes, and their artwork. This personal touch can help them feel more connected to their learning environment. Since my oldest is still in preschool, we did an ABC themed background for our back to school celebrations. If you have a cricut, feel free to make the same background using my cut file, here.
Welcome home treat: I love a good theme and if there’s a way to incorporate into a snack or treat, I am here for it! You could make cookies with a note that says “You’re one smart cookie!” or you could make these cute candy pencils. Or it could simply be there favorite dinner that night.
After-School Celebration: Plan a small after-school celebration to mark the end of the first day. It could be a special snack, a game, or even a family movie night. This gives your child something to look forward to once the school day is over.
Share Your Own Memories: Share your own fond memories from your school days. Children love hearing stories about their parents' experiences, and it can help them realize that everyone goes through similar emotions on the first day.
Of course, it’s not possible to do everything! So don’t get overwhelmed by all of the options. Pick one or two that work for you and start a tradition for your family! It doesn’t have to be over the top. Some of my favorite memories growing up are the smallest gestures that turned into forever memories and traditions. Whatever you do, you can make this day truly special and set a positive tone for a successful school year ahead. Best of luck!
Cheers,
Meg
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