My favorite back to school tradition is simple. I snap a photo of my kids holding a first day of school sign. 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!
A Favorite Back to School Tradition
We all have favorites 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. This school year feels different already considering how last year ended. It’s made me more determined than ever to capture memories of my children and these fleeting years!
Back to School Sign
I don’t know who first started this simple yet brilliant idea of having kids hold a sign saying “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. Plus 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.
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 2020 – 2021
So in honor of heading back to school, my team has made some lovely printable first day of school signs for ALL GRADES, including preschool, kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th!
Your older teens may not be a huge fan of posing for 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.)
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 2020-2021 – 14 printable first day of school signs for free 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 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 they looked 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 outfit (or at least give them a choice between 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!
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!
You've got this, mama!
Please note that these downloads are copyrighted to Living Well Mom, LLC. and are free for personal, classroom, or library use only. By using these files, you agree to our terms and conditions of use. Thank you for helping support our site!
Pin the image below so you can save these for the official first day of school.
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.