First Day of School Ideas

Hi L. -

I am on the other end of the spectrum. My oldest son just graduated from high school. You'll be amazed at how quickly the years fly by.

Other than first day of school photos, I don't have any unusual first day suggestions, but I'd like to offer another idea. I created a "special" box for each of my children. It's just a big plastic tote with handles and a lid, but they each have one in their closets and I've kept all their school "treasures" in there. There will be so much over the years and you'll have to pick and choose, (trust me, you cannot keep EVERYTHING,) but I found it to be a great place to keep the really special artwork, awards, photos and trinkets that will be part of your kids' school years.

I have to tell you that going through my son's special box in preparation for the memory table I did for his graduation party was an amazing, emotional experience. Pulling out his beloved stuffed doggy and all the little Mother's Day gifts he made me over the years brought me to tears. One particular Thanksgiving project from kindergarten read "I am thankful for my Mom and for growing up." He has grown up indeed and his amazing grown up bear hugs tell me that, even though he's not my little boy anymore, he is still very thankful for his mom.

Expect some tears, but enjoy the years. My son is headed off to Air Force basic training this fall. He will be learning to protect our country in cyberspace. Oh what a different world it is today. I couldn't have predicted it then and I can't even imagine what it will be like in 2021.

Warm regards, L.

2 moms found this helpful

Hi L.,
On the first day of Kindergarten my husband and I took our son out for an ice cream sundae. We have started this tradition for each year after that.
Also I picked out a book that meant something to me. Which was " Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. And each year at the end of the school year we have his teachers sign it. I hope to have each teacher up to
his senior year write in it. To me it will be an awesome keepsake and it will be interesting to see what each teacher writes throughout the years. I know in the higher grades he might not appreciate me having his teachers sign this book but later in life he will.
I have also kept scrapbooks for each year. I am very active in volunteering at school so it is easy to get pictures
through out the year.
Kindergarten is sooooo much fun, I hope it is a great year for you with the changes that are happening with your family.
Best Wishes.
M.

2 moms found this helpful

I know a few people already mentioned the taking of pics..so this is similar. I got this idea from someone else and its a simple addition or alternative to the scrapboook idea. Start a mini book (like those for a $1), and each year, stick a 'First Day of School' pic in it, and by the time they graduate, you will have a small book of all his first days of school. Easy enough to do for all your kids and a fun way to look back. I now do this for mothers day/fathers day, and birthdays. I also started writing a small note with comments or things i want to remember and sticking it behind the pic. I also like to scrapbook, but that can get overwhelming as i am so far behind at the moment....

Anyways, have a great first day!

Take pictures from the time he gets up to the time he comes home from school and start a kindergarden scrapbook. It's a treasured keepsake.

MC

I always make the 1st day of school special, every year.
of course the brand new school supplies are a big part, but letting them pick out their outfit (mine have uniforms now, but can pick it out)
I always make whatever they want for breakfast...
I go with them to school on the 1st day and take their picture next to some part of the school, like the sign. that way they can see the difference in their size year to year

The pictures everyone mentioned is a great idea. Have you thought also maybe to make your child's favorite breakfast on the first day of school. This way they have a full belly and you get to spend some time talking to them in the morning also.

Hi L.,

I usually make them a special breakfast that morning which starts the morning off good. Then when they get off the bus or at dinner time we have a special dessert. I either make a cake or get them each their own cupcake. We even put one candle in it for the first day of a new year. My kids love it. My son is now a Freshman in high school so he may think it is pretty stupid this year, but I am still going to do it. I do believe I got the idea out of Family fun mag. years ago. Good luck!!!! and Have fun with it whatever you do

This is something that my friend did for her little girl. she is starting school next week. so she went out and bought a shirt then got it airbrushed "CLASS OF 2021 I thought that was the cutest thing!! just something different and fun. have fun on his first day.

L.,

I always take pictures on the first day of school. I also drive the kids to school every day, but on the first day we always walk to their classrooms together.

I have a girlfriend who always bakes cookies on the first day of school and when they get home she always has cookies and milk with her kids and they tell her about their experieces that day, What was the teacher like? Any good friends in the same classroom? Etc.

We always took a picture of our children getting on the bus the first day of school. It is amazing how they will soon be graduating from high school, but you still have that photo of the first day of kindergarten and their sweet smile. Enjoy this special day!

For us the first day of school has always been a half day. I try to make sure that we go out to lunch that day and spend some time talking about their day and what the teacher was like and which of their friends are in the class. The first and last day of school I always try to make special even if it is just walking up to DQ.

This is a big step for both you and her, make sure no matter what you do it is a good day for everyone and don't cry too hard.

Chelle E

I wouldn't go too overboard cause you'll have to do this for each one. A fun dessert or a balloon or some other thing that's not too expensive would be good. A special breakfast or dinner would be fun.

I always collect my 2 off the bus on the 1st day with a smiley face or welcome home balloon. It also makes sure they don't miss the stop as they are looking out for balloons....

I have two little boys myself and I am also a teacher. I love the magazine "Family Fun". A couple of years ago when my son was starting kindergarten I saw this idea in the magazine. I made a design on the computer "Class of 2019" and printed it on iron on paper for t-shirts. I then ironed it on a t-shirt I bought at Meijers. It was so cute and I had so many comments on it. I think this year's "K" class would be the class of 2021.

Another idea I got from a friend. She made a sign on posterboard "Kindergarten Sept. 2008" and whatever else you want to put on it. She then has her kids hold it and takes a picture. She actually does this for the first day of every grade. Super cute!

Besides the pictures I also like to have something that they have writen their name on. That way I put one from the begining of the year and the end of the year in their books so i can see how much they have changed!! It is really neat to see their growth.

L.

I know youre looking for ideas on the first day and I see you already have alot of great ideas. I just wanted to share what I did for my daughters last day of Kindergarten last year. Ever since she was about 2 she has been amazed with convertible cars so on her last day of school I rented one. When she came out of school I was pulled up near the door and had her Hanna Montana on the radio..the look on her face was priceless!! I know you have a boy so maybe Hanna Montana wont be the best ides lol but maybe if he has a car or truck that he loves, it might be a neat idea. Good luck and bring plenty of kleenex!

L.,

Take plenty of pictures! Take a picture of her riding the bus for the first time. Also take her picture in front of the school sign. It turns out really cute.

Be sure to take lots of pictures in the classroom. Ask the teacher to pose with your child on the first day and every party that you are able to attend through the year.

I tended to focus on just my child but have found it's really special to get photos of the other children too. At the end of our kindergarten class last year I took my photos as well as ones from other parents and created a DVD as a gift to the teacher and all of the parents (set to music.) It turned out really cute and made most of the moms cry to see the first day of school and how much each of the children had grown. :)

Have fun!

My Mom always took a picture of us with our backpack on in front of the house on the first day of school.