Several years ago we started the tradition of having a first day of school “party” full of fun and silliness, to mark the occasion. Last year’s party was last minute and ill-planned so I want to redeem myself this year. 😉 I’ve been gathering some ideas to make this year’s party even better!
10 Exciting Traditions For The New School Year (First Day of School Party)
1. New first day of school outfits.
We do this every year, but this year, I might WRAP them! Novel idea, right?
2. Fun decorations.
In the past I have decorated after the kids went to bed. Last year I let them decorate, they really enjoyed that. I think I may do some of each this year. I want to find some really fun and whimsical ideas.
Things like, a white apple tree on the wall.
And I should definitely include a decorative chalkboard!
3. Special breakfast.
Also something we do every year. But this year I’ll make it extra fun. Starting with these mustache straws. (No reason, just because I know my kids will love them!)
And also some french toast kabobs!!
4. First Day photos.
We’ll take pictures of the kids in their new outfits for their official “first day of school” pictures.
5. Hand print keepsakes.
I thought we might do something with their handprints, record info like height, etc. We can save it for the yearbook at the end of the year.
6. Do fun stuff first.
Start with art. We may or may not do math. =p Especially since we’ll..
7. Have a half day.
Take off after lunch and meet up with some friends at the park!
8. Fun lunch.
Maybe at the park? Maybe before we leave.
9. Let the kids pick the menu for and make supper.
Crazy. I know.
10. A special cake for dessert!
Who doesn’t love cake??
I would love to be able to something like this back to school cake.
But this school themed cake is probably more at my skill level. =p
What are you looking forward to this year? Do you have special first day of school traditions? I also have a first day of school pin board.
This week’s Top Ten {Tuesday} is another homeschool themed list, part of the 10 Weeks of Top Ten with iHomeschool Network. Visit Angie at Many Little Blessings for more Top Ten!
Love these ideas! We usually do the first day of school pic, but I haven’t been consistent in any other particular traditions. Although one year I had them draw a self-portrait on their first day of school and that was fun. We also made apple cupcakes one year, too:)
Thanks, Lora. I hope you have fun with them. =)
GREAT FUN! We will have to try some of these! My kids are older but may enjoy them anyway!
It’ll be interesting to see how our traditions change as our kids grow… I know my oldest will still get a huge kick out of the mustache straws. But she’s also the reason I added letting them cook supper and make a cake, she’s older now and also she likes to cook and bake. This is a good solution.
What a great idea! We just might have to do some of these things. I like all these ideas.
Thank you, Desiree!
Do you home school? Love this post. Thanks for the idea.
Yes, we do! Thank you, I’m glad you liked it.
Awesome!! I’ve never had specific traditions. I have chronic fatigue & fibromyalgia so I am not always bursting with energy. I focus more on getting the basics covered. My daughter is 11 now & I really do want to make some fun memories to go with the accomplishments. I am starting today to plan, thanks to you!!! God bless you for sharing!!
Oh, Joyce, I can imagine! My daughter’s getting older, too, but still having the younger ones also, I’m trying to include a variety of things they’ll all like. I’m sure that when they’re all older things will look very different but while I still have at least one in elementary grades, I’m sure there will still be lots of balloons and party hats and that sort of thing. =)
Since we lived in Germany for quite some time, we have adopted their traditional of presenting the kiddos with a Schultuete. 😉 http://fanzone50.com/Oberstein/schultueteHistory.html
I saw those online earlier this week! We’ve never done them before, though. I did think about a school supply “cake” or something, but honestly our cabinet is so full, I probably shouldn’t buy any of the “typical” supplies this year! Maybe next year we’ll do a Schultuete. (School Cone! =p) I think my mom (German heritage) would probably get a kick out of that. =)
What wonderful ideas! I especially love having a half day and going out for lunch with some friends.. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing these fun ideas! My son is starting Kindergarten and I’m excited to start some new traditions.