Making the First Day of School Special: Traditions to Try for a Memorable Start

As the back-to-school season speeds upon us, it’s the perfect time to create lasting memories with your young children. This year is extra special for us because we’ve officially started our homeschooling journey today! If you’re curious about how we’ve set things up, I’ll be breaking that down on the blog for you soon—plus, there’s a free homeschool setup guide coming your way, too. But for now, let’s focus on making that first day back (or in our case, the first day at home!) unforgettable.

Traditions to Start for a Special First Day of School

Extra Special Breakfast Begin the day with a breakfast that’s out of the ordinary. Think fun pancakes shaped like their favorite animals, or a mini buffet of their favorite fruits and treats. It sets a joyful tone for the day ahead. (Bonus points if you can slip in some actual brain food. 😅)

Photo Shoot Capture the moment with a first-day-of-school photo shoot. You can create a custom sign with the date and grade, or even let your child pick out a special outfit for the occasion. Over the years, these photos will become cherished memories.

New School Supplies There’s something magical about new school supplies. Whether it’s a shiny new set of crayons, a cool backpack, or personalized notebooks, these items can build excitement and make children feel prepared and special. Let them give their input on items where you can.

Read a Special Book Kick off the school year by reading a special book together. It could be something related to school, or a family favorite. This can become a comforting tradition that signifies the start of a new learning adventure. My kids absolutely love to be read to so we have a nice little book list going already.

Create a Time Capsule Start a time capsule that you can add to each year. Include items like a piece of writing, a drawing, or a small toy that represents their current interests. Seal it up and plan to open it at the end of the school year or when they graduate.

First Day Walk or Drive If you’re homeschooling, a first-day walk around the neighborhood can be a great way to start the day. If your child is attending school, try a special drive with their favorite music or a quick stop at a favorite shop on the way.

Personalized Notes Tuck a little note of encouragement into their backpack or lunchbox. If you’re homeschooling, you can place it at their new desk or learning area. It’s a small gesture that can give them a boost of confidence as well as a heartwarming moment.

First Day Interview Conduct a first-day interview with questions about their favorite things, what they’re excited about, and what they want to learn this year. It’s fun to look back and see how their answers change over time. You can check out the All About Me Freebie here. I created this one to use before the kids started writing but I think it’ll be a nice activity to continue every year long after that skill is mastered.

Our Homeschool Adventure

This year marks a new beginning for our family as we embark on our homeschooling adventure. It’s a thrilling and slightly daunting journey, but one we are all incredibly excited about. I’ve shared our entire homeschool setup and routine in a few posts, and there’s a freebie guide you can download to help you get started if you’re considering this path too.

Creating these traditions not only makes the first day of school special but also builds a sense of anticipation and joy around learning. Whether your child is heading to a traditional classroom or you’re diving into homeschooling like us, these little traditions can make a big difference. Here’s to a wonderful school year filled with growth, discovery, and cherished memories — HAPPY NEW SCHOOL YEAR!

For more on our homeschool setup and to grab your freebie, check out my homeschool blog post going over all the details.