Have you ever watched a parent walk their child to school on the first day? I was walking my dog the other morning when I saw a father leading his young daughter to the school gate. She held his hand tightly at first, refusing to let go.
But as soon as she saw a boy from her class waving hello, her whole attitude changed. In seconds, her scared expression turned to a wide grin, and she sprinted off to school without looking back.
As parents, we all want our kids to feel excited about starting school. And the best part is, it doesn’t have to cost money or take hours of planning. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest impact.
From children starting kindergarten to those entering a new grade, these back to school ideas for kids are sure to make your little ones feel confident, prepared, and eager to take on the year ahead. Read on for my top 10 ways to start the school year right.
10 Best Back to School Ideas for Kids to Start the School Year Right
1. Start the Morning With a Fun Tradition
Nothing sets the tone for your day quite like your morning routine. If you usually rush out the door panicked and screaming, the first day of school will probably feel stressful. Instead, help your child wake up excited for school by creating a fun tradition they can look forward to each year.
Are you making their favorite breakfast? Playing their favorite song on the way to school? Grabbing a family selfie in the driveway? These traditions will become cherished memories your child will look back on years down the road.
You don’t have to go overboard with this. You’re not planning a birthday party. Simple acts of kindness go a long way in encouraging your child and replacing nerves with excitement.
Read also: How to Talk to New People for Back to School: 7 Easy Tips
2. Allow Your Kid to Pick Their Own Supplies
Kids are naturally more excited about things they pick out for themselves. Rather than buying all your child’s notebooks and lunch boxes yourself, get them involved in the shopping process.
Let them pick out the style of backpack they want, their favorite notebooks, and fun pencils or lunch boxes. Even letting your child decide how to spend their own school supplies budget teaches responsibility.
This fun back to school idea also helps kids feel mentally prepared for the first day. Picking out their supplies allows your child to imagine what their first day will be like and who they’ll sit with at lunch.
Don’t treat shopping as just another chore on your to do list. Make it fun! Stop for ice cream after shopping, or take your child out to lunch. Create positive associations with back to school preparations.
Read also: 65 Motivational Back-to-School Quotes Every Student Needs to Read
3. Create a Back to School Countdown
For many kids, waiting until the first day of school is torturous. Instead of wishing away the days until summer vacation ends, create a countdown they’ll enjoy.
Hang a paper chain with links equal to the number of days left or create a colorful countdown calendar. Each morning, your child can remove one sticker, taking them one day closer to meeting their new teacher.
Take this idea one step further by assigning a small activity to each day. On each sticker, write something like “read a book together,” “pick out school outfits,” or “play at the park.”
Read also: 7 Ways to Protect Your Kids From Narcissistic Parenting
4. Read Books About Starting School
There’s just something about reading books with your child that prepares them for the unknown. Books about back to school help normalize all the emotions kids feel when facing the first day of school.
Look for books with characters that start a new grade, make friends, and overcome their fears on the first day of school. Ask your child how they thought the character was feeling at different parts of the story. Are there times they’ve felt that way before?
Creating small conversations about emotions won’t overwhelm your child and help them open up.
Running into situations kids don’t know how to explain can give you insight into what they’re thinking. After reading your child a book about school, encourage them to ask any questions they may have.
There may be things on their mind they haven’t yet voiced. Take this opportunity to answer questions and ease their worries before school starts.
5. Practice Before It Starts
Believe it or not, one of the hardest things about starting school is getting used to a schedule again. A few days before school starts:
- Begin waking your child up at their school day wake up time.
- Make breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the times they will during the school year.
- Put your child to bed earlier to adjust to their new bedtime.
Once school starts, practicing these things will become second nature. But going cold turkey can be jarring and leave your child exhausted on their first day.
If possible, walk or drive by the school before the first day arrives. Knowing where to go when they get there will make your child feel confident, especially if they’re young.
6. Pack a Special Lunch or Leave a Surprise Note
Kids don’t know what to expect when you’re not with them. A special treat in their lunchbox or encouraging note from you can make their day.
Whether it’s their favorite healthy snack or a fun shaped sandwich, surprise them with something you know they’ll love. Try leaving a short note that says something like:
- “I love you!”
- “Can’t wait to hear about your day!”
- “You got this!”
Remember, we’re not trying to win parent of the year. We just want to remind our kids that we support them.
7. Help Your Child Set Goals
Starting a new school year isn’t just about getting good grades. Help your child build confidence by allowing them to set personal goals.
Helpful questions you can ask your child:
- “What do you want to learn this year?”
- “Is there something you want to try?”
- “Do you want to make more friends?”
- “What can you do to help yourself improve?”
Try to avoid overloading your child with too many goals. You want them to feel excited and motivated, not overwhelmed.
When your child reaches a goal, celebrate with them! But don’t just praise your child when they excel. Praise them when they try.
Compliment your child when they learn something new or work hard to improve. This creates a growth mindset, teaching your child it’s okay to fail once they tried their best.
8. Plan Something Fun for After School
Your child is going to be tired after a long day of adjusting to their first day of school. Help them look forward to finishing school by planning something fun for when they get home.
Don’t go overboard. Baking cookies and taking your child to the park for an after school celebration are great ways to start. This is your opportunity to talk and ask questions about your child’s day.
Try asking questions like:
- “What made you smile today?”
- “Who did you sit with at lunch?”
- “What was something that surprised you?”
- “What was something you loved about today?”
Open ended questions will result in longer responses than simple yes or no questions. This lets you learn more about how your child feels and whether they’re having a good time at school.
9. Designate a Homework Space
Starting school with an organized homework space can make all the difference. Help your child find a quiet area with good lighting to do their homework.
Having pencils, erasers, notebooks, and crayons within reach will discourage distractions. The fewer distractions your child has, the better they’ll focus and create good study habits.
Your child doesn’t need an entire room dedicated to homework. If possible, give them a desk or table to spread out their materials. You can even help your child decorate their homework space to make it fun.
Allowing your child to decorate their homework space is fun for them and encourages better study habits. Let them hang motivational quotes, artwork, or color code their organizers.
When kids feel like their space is theirs, they’re more likely to spend time there studying.
10. Encourage Confidence Over Perfection
This back to school tip is by far the most important. You want your child walking into that classroom feeling confident.
They don’t need to know everything on day one. But they should feel confident asking questions, introducing themselves to new friends, and trying their best when something doesn’t come easily.
Children are smart. They know when you’re worried about them. Remind your child that every student in their class is still learning. Every teacher expects kids to make mistakes, and nobody has it all together on day one.
When your child learns that it’s okay to make mistakes, they’ll become more confident in their abilities. They’ll speak up more in class and be more open to trying new things.
You Are Your Child’s Biggest Fan
Never underestimate the power of your words. Sit your child down and tell them you’re proud of them.
Not because they got every answer correct, but because they’re brave enough to keep learning.
Children who feel confident are more likely to succeed academically. They develop healthier friendships and learn to become more emotionally intelligent. Teach your child all about emotional intelligence and positive parenting.
Conclusion
Your child’s first day of school is about more than pencils and lunch boxes. It’s about creating a safe and happy environment that allows your child to feel confident on day one.
Needless to say, the best back to school ideas for kids aren’t the ones that cost the most or take you hours to plan. They’re the thoughtful moments that you take to show your child that they can do this and you’ll be with them every step of the way.
Whether that’s creating a tradition, packing their lunch with an encouraging note, setting goals for the year, or celebrating with your child after their first day.
Take a deep breath. The best part about back to school season is that it only comes once a year. And you’ve got this!
FAQ
What should I get my kid for back to school?
Some great gifts for kids going back to school include school supplies, educational games, books, art supplies, STEM toys, lunch boxes, or whatever your child has asked for.
What are some back to school ideas?
Back to school ideas for kids include creating first day traditions, letting your child pick out their own supplies, preparing them for school, or packing their favorite lunch.
What are kids excited about for back to school?
Many kids love back to school because it means making new friends, learning new things, and meeting their teacher.
How can I get my kid excited about school?
Letting your child choose their own backpack and school supplies is a fun way to get them excited for school. Creating healthy study habits and packing their favorite lunch are sure to have them excited too.
When should you start preparing your kid for school?
You can start preparing your child for school about one week before the first day. Help them get into the school mindset by adjusting their bedtime and wake up times as well as meal times.
How should I prepare my kid for school?
Prepare your child for school by practicing their routine, waking them up earlier, and getting them organized with school supplies. Walking them to their classroom before the first day can help too.
What do I need to get my kid for school?
Every child needs basic school supplies for the first day. Start with notebooks, pencils, crayons, erasers, and lunch boxes. Consider any forms their school may need too.
What should you pack for the first day of school?
Pack your child’s school supplies, a healthy lunch if they need one, and a water bottle. You can also include any forms or medications their school may require.
How do I make the first day of school special?
Take goofy first day photos, create a fun tradition your family can do together, and spend time making their favorite breakfast. After school, spend time asking your child about their day.
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