My favorite back to school tradition is simple. I snap a photo of my kids (now tweens and teens!) holding first day of school signs. The memories are priceless, and it just takes minutes!
This fun, SIMPLE tradition is one you will cherish for years. I mean, have you ever looked at old photos of your kids and regretted taking them? It’s impossible not to love all these memories!
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A Favorite Back to School Tradition
Me? I prefer simple as I think the back-to-school time of year is busy enough without adding more to my to-do list. But there’s one fun and easy thing we can all do: take a photo of your children holding up a printable first day of school sign!
Plus, there’s a lot of meaning and sentiment in this tradition. Time is flying by, and you and your kids have made it to the start of another year. It’s made me more determined than ever to capture memories of my children and these fleeting years!
Back to School Signs
I think my kids like it more than a regular photoshoot, too, because they get to hold something.
Plus, it’s such an EASY tradition too. And I have a couple of mom secret tips that make it even simpler too. I’ll share my tips below!
Free Printable First Day of School Signs 2023-2024
So in honor of heading back to school, my team has made some lovely printable first day of school signs for ALL GRADES, including:
- daycare
- preschool
- pre-k
- kindergarten
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
- 5th
- 6th
- 7th
- 8th
- 9th
- 10th
- 11th
- 12th
Yes, we’ve got the teens too.
Your teens may not be huge fans of posing for us moms, but since it will make you so happy, they just might be convinced. (As long as you promise NOT to post it anywhere on social media.)
Speaking of teens, I can’t believe I have an eleventh-grader this year! (She made me promise not to show her face!) But seriously, where does the time go?
These are FREE printable back-to-school signs, so you can print as many as you need (and come back again when your preschooler stomped on it when you turned your back!). Anyone else?
Free Download Here!
Get your 2023-2024 printable first day of school signs sent to you immediately when you join my email list here:
Supplies You’ll Need:
- printer
- printer paper
- optional: cardstock paper (it holds up better with little fingers)
First Day Photo Taking Tips
I’ve taken these back-to-school sign photos for several years now. I’ve thankfully learned a trick or two over the years and am happy to share them with you!
Take Photos With the First Day of School Sign Before the First Day
I know it sounds odd, but this simple tip will make your life much easier than trying to squeeze a photo into an already hectic school morning, especially if you have kids going to school super early.
So, choose a day when you have a bit more time. I like to do it as close to the end of summer as possible so I really can capture the essence of what my children look like!
Then, print out your first day of school sign and hand it over to your little one to pose with. If it doesn’t go great, try again the next day. No biggie! This was a serious game-changer for me.
Let Your Child Choose Some Elements
If you involve your child a bit in the preparations, they will likely be much more agreeable about taking the photo!
For my kids, that may mean I let them choose their outfits (or at least give them a choice between the two outfits I’ve preselected). Or perhaps I let them choose the location.
Plus, with digital cameras, it’s so easy to let them try out different poses! Promise them they can do a few silly face photos if they give you one nice smile. It works!
More First Day of School Sign Options:
Here’s another version of first day signs for you to enjoy! These colorful signs add even more fun for your child (and you!)
Remember, at the end of the day, this is all about creating a sweet memory.
Yes, we all want the perfect photo with a beaming child holding a back to school sign—it just may take a few tries!
And even if they aren’t exactly cooperating, one day, we’ll look back and laugh at the memory of that grumpy uncooperative child or moody teen.
You’ve got this, mama!
Needing a quick, first-day-of-school breakfast idea? Make these delicious banana chocolate chip muffins. Perfect for a grab-and-go if you’re running out the door!
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