Back to School Ideas

Well, summer is almost over. Now it’s time to think about a “back to school” celebration with the kids or grandkids. As a former educator, I know the importance of preparing your kiddos for a good school year. Celebrating the beginning of school tells the kids in your ife that you value their education. 

I don’t think celebrating means a party planner, water slides, and a five-course meal. When you put your cursor over the word “celebrating” it shows that synonyms for celebrating are words like honoring, commemorating, and marking. I love all those words. It’s only our “Instagram brains” that conjure up words like water slides and fabulous food when we think of celebrating. Celebrating something is just an intentional way to mark something we deemed important. So how can you honor, commemorate, and mark the beginning of school with your kiddos without breaking the bank? 

Here are a few suggestions: 

1. When my grands were little, they all went to the same school. I arranged to meet them all together, if possible, or as different family units in front of the school’s flagpole for prayer. This is an easy and rememberable way to mark the beginning of school. You can either do this on the first day or go a few days before school starts and follow up with breakfast at Waffle House. The kids are sure to remember this fun day!
2. I know we live in an amazing time when everything can be ordered and dropped off right at your door but save a few things from their school supply list that they can pick out and go “back to school” shopping with you. Yes, this sounds like a blast from the past, but, in today’s world, it’s, special to “get to” go with mom or grandma to buy things. It’s also a get learning trip to talk about the price of items and compare shop. With our easy online shopping, many kids today are not being taught how to shop and compare prices. Follow this trip up with a lunch out. 
3. A few days before school starts, have a special dinner to “honor” going back to school. Here are two easy and fun ways to host the dinner. Get some inexpensive trays from the dollar store and have the kids hold their tray as if in the cafeteria at school getting their food. Decorate the table with inexpensive school supplies like rulers and glue. (If you’re the grandma, the kids can take these home for the school 

year.) My second idea is pack everyone’s meal in a lunchbox or sack. Sandwiches, chips, fruit, and a cookie will do. Again, have the table ready or picnic outside. Don’t forget to have “recess” after the meal. 

One more thing, at any “back to school” event you plan, remember to keep the conversation simple and fun, but focus on the upcoming school year. You can either ask questions or have a “question jar” ready with questions that will prompt thinking and responding. Again, these are two traits that our children are losing so be a part of the solution by asking questions and expecting a response. 

Possible questions are:

1. What do you remember the most from last school year?
2. Who has been your favorite teacher and why?
3. Name two goals you have for yourself for this school year?
4. Who do you look forward to playing with this school year?
5. What sport do you want to play in school?
6. What is your favorite subject at school?

I hope some of this helps you get your kiddos off to a great start.

Hugs, Chrys