Get ready to head back to school this year with our back-to-school checklist

Got any plans for August? If you’re a parent of a school-age child, you know there’s a VERY big day to plan for—the first day of school! But how can you help your child prepare for going back to school? Here are our top back-to-school tips for acing the start of the new school year. Don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz afterward!

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Prep for success

Necessary or “but I reallllllly NEED this”, these items should be on your back-to-school checklist when it comes to shopping:

• Stationery and art supplies: pencils, crayons, markers, ruler, highlighters, tape, pencil sharpener, erasers, glue sticks, scissors and notebooks.
• Tech and gadgets: laptop and/or tablet, headphones, mouse and calculator.
• Organization essentials: calendar and/or planner, whiteboard, index cards, sticky notes, desktop organizers and folders.
• Clothing and accessories: comfortable clothing, fall outerwear, warm accessories, socks and undergarments, backpack, sneakers and gym gear.
• Lunch and personal care must-haves: lunch bags/lunch boxes, ice packs, reusable food storage containers, water bottles, hand sanitizer and facial tissue.
• Extras for bonus points: stickers, desk decor, new sports equipment and electronic device covers.

Your child’s school will likely provide a list of recommended or required items as well (and you probably have many of these items already). When you do go shopping, include your child and let them pick out their school supplies and school outfits. It’ll help them feel even more prepared and excited for school.

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Other to-dos to add to your back-to-school checklist:

1. Establish a new bedtime routine. Start acclimating them to their new schedule about a week before school starts so they (and you) will be used to their new routine ahead of time.
2. Set up doctor appointments (especially if they need a physical or any new vaccinations).
3. Book a haircut.
4. Coordinate carpools if needed.
5. Start meal prepping for their lunches and clean out your cabinets/fridge/freezer.
6. Sign up for extracurricular activities, like sports or dance.
7. Create and organize their study space.
8. Contact the school with any questions you have.

Expect questions (including yours)  

“Will they like their teacher? Will they make friends? Will they return home with grape juice on their new tee?” are all possible questions you’ll ask. The first day of school is always a little scary—for you and your little ones. Your kids will be looking to you for guidance, so let them know what to expect! Tell them what the rhythm of the day will be and what interesting things they can take part in. Ask them questions about what they’re looking forward to and how they’re feeling. If you can, attend an orientation and meet the teachers so you can answer any questions your kids may have ahead of time. After all, knowing where the bathrooms are is reassuring at any age!

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Aside from their birthday, this is possibly the most exciting day of the year for them. Playtime with friends and fun classroom activities are encouraging things to highlight if they’re apprehensive about going back.

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Send them off in style

We don’t mean in their homemade tie-dye haute couture (though we fully support this too), but with some special activities to get them psyched for the big day.

• Plan a family activity before their first day back. Picnics, movie nights or a backyard camping adventure are all easy to plan and are great ways to spend quality time together before getting back into the school routine. Our back-to-school party ideas blog is filled with tons of ideas to inspire you.
• Host a small back-to-school party and let your little scholar help plan it! Give them some responsibilities—like helping to choose the decorations and treats—to encourage them to think independently. Another thing they can help with? Choosing the back-to-school party invitations!
• Set up a “first day of school” photo op. You can keep it simple with a whimsical handheld sign (we love classic chalkboard ones!) with the date, your child’s name, grade, age, favorite things, future aspirations and their teacher’s name. You can also opt for a large frame, small handheld props or even a full backdrop. No matter what you decide upon, you’re sure to capture a memory you’ll cherish forever.
• Surprise them with a cute "good luck" card. On their first day back, let them know how proud you are of them and that they'll have a great time making new friends and learning new things. Giving them something they can look at as many times as they need for encouragement is a wonderful way to keep their spirits high!

Keep the fun going all school-year long

Once your family has settled into the new school-year routine, there will doubtless be plenty of opportunities to take part in school events. Make planning for them even more enjoyable by sending school event invites to keep everyone on-track. And of course, your kids will be looking forward to hanging out with their pals outside of school. Our kids' activities invitations and party invitations can bring everyone together for everything from sleepovers to sports events.

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And don't forget about one key player during the school year: your child's teacher! National Teacher Appreciation Day takes place on the first Tuesday in May, but you can send a heartfelt teacher appreciation card whenever you want.

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We want to wish all returning students, teachers and proud parents a happy first day back! Enjoy making new friends, gaining new knowledge and creating precious memories.

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