Back to school is more than just shopping for school supplies and clothes, though I looked forward to those things when I was a little kid and in college. The middle school and high school years resulted in a lot of anxiety.
One tradition that stands out in my memory started with my very first! first day of school. When I went to my first day of Head Start, my dad took off work so he could see me off and see me home. He video taped my departure and arrival even! I admit, I really liked this. This tradition lasted for a few years then stopped. I now understand why it stopped but I do wish we had incorporated new traditions.
I want to gather ideas for back to school traditions with my daughter. We have a few years yet, but I don't want to be caught without a plan! I want school starting to be a time to look forward to from day one and through graduation. We'll definitely do shopping… And those early years I'll see her off and see her home
Possible Traditions for the First Day Back:
- A picture
- A journal entry
- A special treat (i.e. ice cream)
- A card
- Measuring height
Lots of little ideas that don't cost a lot, but are special and meaningful. For some personalized back to school shopping ideas, take a look at what Tiny Prints has to offer! They have more than I thought they did!
What are your traditions for the first day of school?
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Disclosure: I am being compensated with a gift code for sharing my Back-to-School tradition for a campaign with Tiny Prints and Global Influence Network.
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Sarah BB @ East9thStreet says
Not a tradition but a confession. I forgot to take a picture of my daughter’s first day at preschool so once she gets over the chicken pox, I’m dressing her in the same clothes and taking that pics. She’ll never know the difference… :)
Show Me Mama says
Since, this was my first experience of taking my daughter to her first day of school, I pretty much did the following:
Created a Album and placed her happy first day of school picture in it. Took a video of her arriving at school and when I picked her up. Took a picture of her first day coloring projects. So, that was one wonderful day she will definitely remember and hopefully treasure. Thanks for such a great article. Love it!
Darcy says
You did a great job documenting it!
Amy T. says
Measuring height. That’s a great idea! If I could only find where the movers packed our growth chart.
This is the first year we’ve had school, and I just did the traditional first day of school picture.
Catherine L. says
The journal entry is a great idea. When I was growing up we did the first day of school picture, measuring and my dad would record us while we were getting ready.
Melissa AKA Froggy says
I never thought about starting a start of school tradition, except for the mandatory 1st day of school picture next to the tree. But with my son starting kindergarten this year, perhaps I should come up with a fun little tradition to make the start of school a bit more memorable and special. Hmmm….
Wendy says
We take a picture by the front door on the first day….nothing too exciting!
Shairbearg says
I just took a pic of my son heading out the door to JK…well so many pics that my boy who loves getting his pic taken said “Enough pictures Mommy, can I just go to school now??”
Angela says
I think traditions are very important, especially for something like back-to-school. It can be such an overwhelming time for kids.
Beeb Ashcroft says
These are good ideas!
Sally says
No real traditions started with my littles yet as they are not in school. I would definitely want to do a scrapbook though.
Doug Yonce says
D from K,