Educating Our Children | Back to School Teaching Ideas
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Back to School Teaching Ideas

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Back to school seems to be a hectic time for both kids in a homeschool setting and those who attend a traditional brick-and-mortar school. Instead of worrying about how to start the year, use this list of fun school activities and ideas to get started!

There are book recommendations, printable activities, creative crafts, and even some great back-to-school quotes. Fun for all!

Use these simple activities and ideas to be prepared for the first week of school. From here, you can branch off and do more learning activities!

How do I help kids get excited for the start of school?

Make back-to-school feel like an adventure by combining fun traditions, hands-on prep, and positive anticipation. Keep it upbeat and kid-focused!

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Create a Countdown Calendar

  • Use stickers, mini treats, or drawings for each day.
  • Add fun activities like “pick your first-day outfit” or “decorate school supplies.”

Let Them Choose Supplies

  • Give kids some control—let them pick a lunchbox, folders, or backpack design.
  • Add a surprise item (like glitter pens or silly erasers) as a special gift.

Do a “Back-to-School Adventure Day”

  • Visit the school or playground.
  • Include a stop for a special treat like ice cream or a bookstore.
  • Let them help pack their backpack at the end of the day.

Read School-Themed Books Together

  • Great for calming nerves and building excitement.

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Get into a Routine Gradually

  • Start earlier bedtimes and breakfast practice the week before.
  • Turn it into a game—can they beat the “morning routine” clock?

Plan a First-Day Celebration

  • Balloons, a special breakfast, or a photo wall.
  • Let them choose a “first day” dinner or dessert.

Set Goals or Hopes Together

  • Ask: “What do you hope to learn this year?” or “What’s one thing you’re excited for?”
  • Write it down in a journal or draw it.

Model Excitement

  • Share happy school memories or discuss your favorite school subjects.
  • Show them you’re genuinely looking forward to hearing about their day.

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More Fun Learning Printables for Kids

1
First Day of School Books
First Day of School Books
Whether or not you homeschool your kids many young kids get anxious about going to school. You can take care of those first day of school jitters with this list of first day of school books.
See them here
2
Clever Back to School Bulletin Board Ideas
Clever Back to School Bulletin Board Ideas
Are you looking to decorate your classroom in a fun and engaging way? Then check out Crafty Morning’s post with clever back to school bulletin board ideas.
See them here
3
Decorated Supply Boxes
Let your kids paint their own pencil boxes to help ensure they are going to want to hang on to them this year.
See it here
4
Decorating a Composition Notebook
Decorating a Composition Notebook
Do your kids keep a daily journal? Really get a feel for their personalities and creative nature by starting the school year with decorating composition books! They bring the books and you supply the crafty stuff (if you are in a classroom – if you are homeschooling, then you get to supply it all)!
See it here
5
1st Day of School Handprint Crafts and Keepsakes
1st Day of School Handprint Crafts and Keepsakes
Teachers – these handprint crafts would be an awesome surprise for the parents of your kids! Create one at the beginning of the year and one at the end of the year – then, send both to Mom so she can compare the growth in her child!
See them here
6
Letter of the Week Crafts
Letter of the Week Crafts
Teach your kids the alphabet by doing these fun letter of the week crafts for preschoolers.
See them here
7
First Day of School Letter Ideas for Parents and Teachers
Over 12 Welcome Back to School Letters
Print and use these letters as a great way to start the year!
See them here
8
Back to School Worksheets
These printable worksheets can help them prep and get ready for diving back into learning fun.
See them here
9
Back to School Geoboard Patterns
Back to School Geoboard Patterns
Work on learning how to follow directions to make patterns!
See it here
10
Back to School Line Tracing Printables
Back to School Line Tracing Printables
Work on tracing skills with this fun activity!
See it here
11
Back to School Printable Alphabet Set
Work on letter learning with this fun idea!
See it here
12
back to school motivational quotes for students
Back to School Quotes for Students
Kick off the year with some of these great quotes!
See them here

Which of these fun school activities and ideas will the kids do first?

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