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!
If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate this into your school year, you’ll love these printable back to school signs.
No messing with chalk, or trying to get your handwriting perfect—simply download, print, snap, and go!
A Favorite Back to School Tradition
We all have favorite traditions as we send our kids back to school at the end of the summer. Some of us might hold creative parties or do fun crafts, while others keep it more low-key by packing a special note in their child’s lunchbox.
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 don’t know who first started this simple yet brilliant idea of having kids hold a sign saying, “The First Day of….(their grade).” but I love it.
I’ve been doing this with my four kids for the past several years now, and it’s resulted in some of my favorite pictures. I’m always amazed to see how much they’ve grown when I look back at those ‘first-day’ pictures.
I think my kids like it more than a regular photoshoot, too, because they get to hold something rather than try to pose.
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 Back to School Signs for 2024-2025
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?
And remember, 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?
Get Your Free Download Here!
Get your 2024-2025 printable first day of school signs sent instantly to you when you join my email list here:
Tips for Taking the Best Back to School Photos
Now that you have your free printable, let’s talk about the harder part – getting that cute photo!
I’ve taken these back to school pictures for many years now, and have definitely learned a trick or two. I’m happy to share them with you so you can learn from all my mistakes!
1. Take Photos Before the First Day
I know it sounds odd, but this simple tip will make your life soooo 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.
2. 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). As you can see, my son went with Minecraft for this year!
Or, if clothing causes too much drama, I sometimes let them choose the location instead.
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!
Check out this sweet smile I got from my son last year—it cost me about 10 photos of him making crazy faces, but it was worth it! 🙂
3. Have These Helpful Supplies on Hand
Additionally, here’s a few helpful supplies I recommend having ready to go.
- printer
- printer paper
- optional: cardstock paper (it holds up better with little fingers)
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!
Need 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!
More Smart Ideas for the School Year
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- 14+ Clever Ideas for Backpack Storage and Organization
Debra says
These signs are so adorable – I’ve pinned them! 🙂 I’ve definitely started taking special pictures like these since my daughter started elementary school – priceless!
Scott says
We get photos on the first day every year, but never thought of having them hold a sign. What a great idea!
Greta says
Cute signs. I don’t know who came up with the idea either, but in the past few years, it’s really exploded!
Cathi Crismon says
I can’t believe it’s that time of year again already! I’m going to print these out for my grandkids!!
Amber Edwards says
I am not ready for this! I am in denial! No School will NOT start. i won’t allow it! Can I tell them know nad have it work?
These are adorable signs though. and a great idea for the first day of school photos. I just don’t want to face that first day of school yet. I may be the only parent that feels that way. lol.
Erika says
You’re not! I’m the same way too. I love having my kids around and not having to rush from one thing to another. The laid back summer routine is one of my favorite times of the year!
When do your kids start school?
Beverly says
Love these! You might want to recheck the spell for 12th grade though. It should be twelfth.
Erika says
Oh no, thanks for letting me know. I’m working on it!: )
Mama Heather says
Thank you so very much for these adorable simple printouts. This mama is getting ready for another tear filled morning watching my daughter level up in Elementary School. Third grade back in the day use to be fun and carefree, now its all about cramming in as much information as possible into their heads and getting prepared for STAR testing. But it is what it is. Again thank you for sharing.
Breana says
Would loved to have had a pre-k one so I could use these!
Erika says
Sorry about that, Breana. I’ll make sure we include one next time!
ester says
great signs – my older girls like that it’s not “cute”
Erika says
THANK YOU!!! It is very nice of you to allow us to use these. Once again, Thank You.
Amy says
Thanks! These are so cute. I use these signs each year and try to find a different design each time. These were perfect for this year. So glad you will have matching last day ones as well 🙂
Erika says
I’m so glad you like these, Amy! Last day of school signs are coming very soon! 🙂
Susan Dubose says
These are so adorable! Love how bright and cheerful they look. Thank you so much for creating these. I too am interested in matching Last Day of School signs.
Karli says
Hi! Love these signs so much! WHen I went to download, it only did the bonus pack, not the separate grade signs, am I missing something?
Thanks!
Erika says
Hi Karli, there are 2 links on the download sheet – one sends you to the bonus pack and the other to the separate grade signs. Send me an email at erika@livingwellmom.com if you have any more issues.
Kat says
THANK YOU!!! It is very nice of you to allow us to use these. Once again, Thank You.
Emily Stimpson says
Thank you so much!!!!
Lisa says
So cute, I will print it for my younger brother. Thank you for your ideas! Wish you all the best!
Heather Haight says
🙁 I never got my email to confirm.
Erika says
Hi Heather, it will come from erika@livingwellmom.com. If you still don’t see it, send me an email at that address and I’ll help you troubleshoot.
Emily says
These last day signs are fantastic, thank you so much!
Elise says
Love these signs! Any chance you can make them without the year on them? Do expect to have last day of school printables as well? Thanks so much!
Erika says
We don’t have them without the year listed right now, but I’ll make a note for possible future changes. Yes we have last day of school signs here – https://livingwellmom.com/last-day-of-school-sign/ – we usually update them end of winter/early spring.
Renae Conlee says
Cute! Can you make one for a foreign exchange student? Like First Day in a US School.
Jennifer says
Thank you for creating these! It makes it much easier for parents to capture a priceless memory!!
It’s especially helpful when we’re running late on the morning of the first day of school (it’s me. I’m a parent who is running late on the first day of school, haha)