It’s back-to-school month, and parents know what that means: finding ways to make the first day of school (and the days leading up to it) fun. Because let’s face it, most kids wish summer could go on forever. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
1. Breakfast Games. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and even more so for the first day of school. Get kids off on the right foot with either their favorite breakfast or something so wildly creative and cute it’s sure to put a smile on their faces. But don’t stop there! As they’re enjoying their breakfast, it’s time to play a game. Line up three colored squares in front of them (blue, red, green) and tell them to choose one. Each color stands for a different surprise you’ll hide in their backpack—a monster cookie, a loving note, a sticker, small toy, etc. You can even supervise exchanging surprises if your kids want to switch with each other.
2. Light Up That Catwalk. New outfits for a new school year is one thing that will never go out of style. Have your kids strut their stuff down a makeshift catwalk in their favorite new outfits (bonus points for lights and music), pose, and sashay on back. The audience—you, your partner, siblings, grandparents—can cast votes for each swagger. Check out this article on how to make the perfect fashion show backdrop.
3. There Isn’t Just One Fairy. Who says the only fairy in the world is the tooth fairy? No one. The back-to-school fairy is very real, and you know what will convince your kids? A fairy basket! Fill it with back-to-school treats, supplies, toys, maybe even a schultüte (a German back-to-school tradition) and guaranteed your kids will be looking forward to every first day of school from here on out.
4. Practice Makes Perfect. If your kids have butterflies, here’s a great tip to get around that: do a practice run. Many schools are open the week before, so turn it into a mock first day. Take the route your kids would use to go to school, walk up to their classroom, then show them around the school so they can get their bearings. Repeat this a few days in a row, and you’ll see how quickly they gain confidence. They 5 up so fast!
5. Supply Scavenger Hunt. This tip works perfectly if you’ve got some extra time in the morning. The night before, gather up all the new school stationary and hide them around your house. In the morning, wake up the kids and begin the treasure hunt! You can even turn it into a friendly competition to see who can complete their set first. Nothing beats a scavenger hunt to get them energized for the day ahead.
6. Interview, Photo, and Design in One. There are so many ways to document a first day—photoshoots, oversized t-shirts with handprints for each grade, chalkboards, interviews, etc. Let the kids take the reins this year: ask them what their new grade means to them and have them express it whether through art, acting, etc. Whatever their preference, have your phone ready to record. The interview can either come during their creative process or after—this will depend on each child’s whims. And lastly, don’t forget to snap a photo (or twenty) of them standing, lying, or sitting next to their unique creation.
7. Craft A Family Motto. The start of a school year is always nerve-wracking, especially for little ones. So why not create a short family motto or coat of arms? Check here for blank templates you can print out and have your kids fill out and decorate, as well as a brief lesson on what family mottos are and their importance. These crafts are perfect to slip inside a backpack or keep in a folder, and that way, kids will have it with them all year to remind them what’s important during tough times. They’ll know that whatever happens, their family is with them.
Lisa Wong is a freelance writer, editor and in-house editor. She has a background in journalism before transitioning primarily to book publishing.