Back to School Traditions

For many Utah students, school is just days away. I have found that starting a back to school tradition helps to build excitement about the first day of school and eliminates some of the nerves that can accompany a new school year.

A few years ago as school got closer, my kids were saying how sad they were that summer was almost over and that they didn't want to go back to school. I decided that I wanted to do something to help them look forward to school and be excited each year. That's how our Back to School Family Dinner was born.

I love to be creative and use things from around the house like school supplies, books, apples, and chalkboards to decorate the table.

Another way to keep the cost down but still make dinner feel special is to use free printables. This adorable subway art from Sweet Coconut Lime was the inspiration for this table. I love the colors, it reminded me of brown lunch bags, rulers and red apples.

I found these cute Styrofoam trays at Walmart and they reminded me of school lunch trays. I served easy, healthy “school lunch” foods on them (peanut butter cups are healthy, right?!). The brown paper bags contain school supplies like, crayons, tissues, hand sanitizer and cute erasers all purchased for cheap at back to school sales.

I used brown kraft paper from the dollar store (found with the shipping supplies or wrapping paper) as an inexpensive table runner. Then after dinner, we used crayons to write down all of the fun things we'd done that summer as a family. It was a fun way to reminisce and the kids enjoyed drawing on the table runner!

Each year my husband and I also talk to our kids about our expectations, remind them that we are always here for them and that we have faith and confidence in them. This year we are focusing on the great quote from the Cinderella movie, “Have Courage and be Kind”. This will be our motto for this school year.

For more ideas on how to celebrate the beginning of a new school year, follow our Back to School Pinterest board. Below are a few of my favorite back to school traditions from around the internet.

Brooke at Blissfull Roots shared an idea that I love, The Backpack Fairy. Check out her blog for more information on this cute tradition that will make your kids excited to wake up early on the first day of school.

I think this is a fantastic tradition. Each year have your child fill out a First Day Back to School Interview Sheet by Giggles Galore. How fun to keep these and be able to see your child change over the years!

I love this Candy Gram idea from The Gunny Sack because it's perfect for older kids. Wouldn't it be fun to find this in your locker?!

Isn't this Back to School Countdown Calendar adorable! Check out the Idea Door to see how to use this calendar to get your kids excited and prepared for the first day of school.