By Sara Wester, LPC - @artofraisinghumans
As the new school year approaches, why not kick things off with a dash of excitement and creativity? 🌟
The school year is coming! Are you excited, relieved, kind of worried of the unknown ahead, or a mix of all the above? 🥴 Regardless of how you're feeling, kicking off the school year is a great opportunity to create shared experiences that help us CONNECT with our kiddos, create memories, and set the tone of the year to come!
Each school year can look a little different for our family and this year is no exception, but we love planning something special to notice this moment of change and kick it off with intention. So, we wanted to share some favorite ideas to get you started.
Grab your calendars and craft supplies, and let's turn the start of the school into a celebration of new beginnings and endless possibilities!
1. Back-to-School Vision Board:
- Create a collage of goals, hopes, and exciting opportunities for the year ahead
2. First Day of School Photoshoot:
- Set up a fun backdrop for memorable first-day photos
- Include props like a small chalkboard for writing the grade level
3. School Supply Customization Party:
- Decorate notebooks, folders, and pencil cases together
4. "My Year Ahead" Time Capsule:
- Write a letter of predictions and goals for the year
- Open at the end of the school year to reflect on growth
5. Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt:
- Hide school supplies or encouraging notes around the house
6. Create a School Station:
- Design and set up a dedicated study area together to do school or homework
7. "School Year Eve" Special Dinner:
- Cook a favorite meal as a family
- Discuss expectations and excitements for the year
8. Gratitude Jar (or notebook):
- Decorate a jar to put in notes of gratitude. Start it out by writing a note with what you're grateful for at this moment. Then, as the year goes by, add notes of favorite moments and memories of the school year.
9. Backpack Packing Party:
- Turn organizing school supplies into a fun activity with music and snacks
10. "Growth Mindset" Affirmation Stones:
- Paint rocks with encouraging phrases to keep in their backpack
11. First Week Lunch Plan:
- With your children, plan and prep special lunches for the first week
12. Back-to-School teacher gift:
- Create something for their new teacher (it's a great way to show appreciation and build connection with the teacher)
13. Decorate a School Year Calendar:
- Mark important dates and add stickers and decorations to a new calendar
14. "Adventure Ahead" Talk:
- Take a walk, sit around a bonfire, or enjoy some other quiet moment and discuss the new "adventure" of the school year
15. Host a "Last Days of Summer" backyard bash:
- Invite fiends or enjoy an evening with your own family, make your favorite treats, play games, and have a time to share what you're looking forward to this year.
16. Back-to-School Playlist:
- Compile upbeat songs for morning motivation and/or a focus school/homework playlist
17. "Year of Learning" Jar:
- Decorate a jar to collect notes about new things learned throughout the year
18. School Route Exploration:
- Walk or drive the route to school, noting interesting landmarks
19. Family Learning Goals Session:
- Set individual and family learning goals for the year
20. New Year's Eve-style Countdown:
- Have a special countdown to the night before school starts
By crafting vision boards, customizing school supplies, or even hosting a back to school dinner, you're not just preparing for classes—you're cultivating a growth mindset and strengthening family bonds.
These moments of connection remind our kids that learning is an adventure we're embarking on it TOGETHER! We're co-creating this year with our children!
Remember, even with our best efforts, sometimes our child needs additional support! If you are concerned about the upcoming school year for your child and need some help, please contact us or schedule a session below.
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