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I took my son to his first-ever “Back to School Night” (which would more appropriately be named “Back to School Afternoon,” since it was from 3-5 pm), and the nostalgia was overwhelming.
The start of a new school year signals all that is fresh and new: A freshly cut school yard, highly polished linoleum hallways, picture-perfect classrooms, never-been-used pencils and crayons still wrapped in their packages (that only cost 25 cents each!).
But there are mixed feelings to be had, especially when the start of the school year coincides with the ending of something else. This year, my sister-in-law sent a daughter to college, a son to high school, and her youngest to kindergarten, all for the first time. That is a lot of changes happening all at once!
Whether the start of the school year summons joys or fears, moms have an opportunity to set the tone for how the family will make the transition. So, I’m putting out a call for ideas, especially the really fun ones!
How do you get your kids psyched up for the new school year?
9 comments
Laurie Brooks says:
Feb 6, 2012
Our traditions the past couple of years have included:
- Making a pencil cake http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/pencil-cake-687802/ or back to school cupcakes – you can stick the number of their grade in as a topper — for a special dessert or after-school treat
- A visit from The Magic Schoolbus (this has been fun for our preschoolers and it may not continue every year) with a delivery of a new something the morning of school (eg a new t shirt to wear or a fun school supply
- the traditional photo on the first day
- This year we will probably have a fun back to school dinner before to celebrate and talk about the new routine
Amy Francis says:
Feb 6, 2012
We have rings for each day that they take off 1 for each day 1 week before school, like the ones the preschoolers make 12 days before Christmas. We also have a big breakfast the day of and picture with them dressed in their new clothes.
Tiffany says:
Feb 6, 2012
We have a few, but I love the ‘magic school bus’ idea from Laurie, might have to use that idea next year.
The night before we have a traditional lesson using paper dolls, made 8 years ago that remind us to be nice to everyone no matter if they are ‘missing an arm’ or ‘have no hair.’
We also pick one new focus word/goal to have on our fridge for the year. My husband strongly urged us to use the same word as last year and the year before (as the kids haven’t quite ‘mastered’ it yet!) Each child writes a letter and it simply says, ‘OBEY.’
We also host a neighborhood ice cream party the first evening back for all to come and celebrate the new school year.
And of course, we have the standard first day of school photo shoot outside, by the same old tree each year.
Traditions are my favorite!
Hilary says:
Feb 6, 2012
I take my school aged kids on a date during the summer. They get to pick out a first day outfit and go to lunch. It’s a great time to sit and think about the new year, first impressions and what they want to improve on during the year.
Brianna Monson says:
Feb 6, 2012
These are some fun ideas! I have enjoyed reading through them.
sarah says:
Feb 6, 2012
I am SO going to do the pencil cake next year. I made this school bus cake http://www.coolest-birthday-cakes.com/coolest-scho… …but mine turned out like this http://thethreelittlebearcubs.blogspot.com/2010/08…
…lol. I am not a cake decorator….but at least my kids felt the love, right?
Love all of your ideas!
Shawna says:
Feb 6, 2012
You can give yourself much more credit for the cake. I bet your kids thought it was the coolest cake they had ever seen! Reading the thoughts you posted with the cake pictures–about experiencing the natural progression of life as we take each child to the first day of school, etc.–brought tears to my eyes. I recommend it to any mom who is feeling a sense of loss at the start of this new school year!
Thank you for sharing. And thanks to everyone else for your fun ideas too! This Wed (9/1) is our big day, so now I can get busy and make it really special.
Melanie Vilburn says:
Feb 6, 2012
That’s a totally cool school bus cake!
Mindy Thurston says:
Feb 6, 2012
Fun ideas ladies! I have a few to add… we always do a fashion show with the new back-to-school clothes. The kids put on all their new clothes and strut their stuff…they love showing off. We make a big deal about how nice they look and they eat it up!
We do the traditional back-2-school pictures as they are leaving. I always have them hold up their fingers showing what grade they are in that year. We are starting a new one this year though….I am going to have them hold a chalkboard in the picture with what they want to be when they grow up written in their handwriting. I think it will be fun to see how they change every year.