8 Easy Ways to Celebrate the New School Year
Make the first day of school extra special with these easy and fun ideas to mark the occasion.
The first day of school is an exciting — if sometimes anxious — time for kids. Help them prepare for the first day and ease nerves with these great ideas to make the first day fun, stress-free, and memorable.
1. Have a back-to-school playdate: Organize a playdate with friends from class at a local park or playground a day or two before school starts. This will calm nerves about not having seen their friends for a while and help children get reacquainted before the big day.
2. Bury a time capsule: Fill a box or jar with mementos that capture your child's current interests. Include a journal entry or video diary — they can list favorite movies and books, and describe any first-day fears, friends they can't wait to see, and goals for the year.
3. See how they measure up: Using a growth chart or the inside of a closet door, mark your child's current height. Keep track year by year to point out growth spurts and predict progress.
4. Say cheese! Hold a first-day photo shoot. Keep the mood light by suggesting silly faces or letting the family pet join in. Can't stop snapping? Capture your child stepping off the school bus in the afternoon. Make it a lasting family tradition by having them pose by the same tree, doorway, or shelves every year.
5. Drop them a note: Sneak a love note or joke into their lunchbox or backpack on the first day. This won’t just make them smile, it’ll also let them know you’re thinking of them.
6. Read a back-to-school book: There are so many great books about going back to school. Treat your child to a new book and gift it to them the night before school starts. For younger children, How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? is a hilarious but gentle introduction to classroom behavior and making friends. For older kids, Save Me a Seat is perfect for middle grade readers who may be feeling nervous about starting school.
7. Dress to impress: Celebrate a fresh year with a special outfit, spotless sneakers, or a whole new haircut. Let them choose their wardrobe the night before. Whether it's a favorite souvenir t-shirt or a lucky jersey, it will give them an extra boost of confidence on the big day.
8. Have a celebratory meal: Whether it’s pizza the night before or a special breakfast on the day, mark the milestone with your child’s favorite meal.
Check out our favorite back-to-school books below. Shop all books and resources at The Scholastic Store.
For more quick tips and book recommendations, sign up for our Scholastic Parents newsletter!
You'll also get 15% off your first order at the Scholastic Store Online.
