How do you help your kids say good-bye to summer and get excited for the first day of school?

Finish Your Fun List

We have a “Happy School Year!” banner that has a pocket for each of the letters in the word school. Inside each pocket I put a slip of paper with an end-of-summer activity – something we meant to do over the break but never got around to. Just before school starts, we draw one slip a day and have some fun before it’s time to get serious again. Last year, we made ice cream in a bag, visited an old-fashioned soda shop, built toothpick-and-marshmallow sculptures, and more.

-Sarah Hale Meitner, via Facebook

Form a Connection

During the summer, my daughter writes letters to her new teacher and her classmates. It helps her get to know her teacher, and she can stay in touch with her friends. Plus, kids love getting mail! We also play and have picnics at the school playground. That way, everything isn’t so new to her when the school year starts.

-Mandi Auman Jenkins, via Facebook

Get Decked Out

The night before school starts, I put streamers and a poster on each of my kids’ bedroom doors. On the poster is the date, the child’s name, new grade, and new teacher’s name. We also make a special breakfast for the first day, plus treat bags for the teachers.

-Janet Wright Robertson, via Facebook

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By STAFF