For little ones, no time of year is more exciting and scary than back to school season! Everyone experiences stress when changing their schedule and taking on new experiences. If your kiddo is just starting school, moving to a new district, or doesn't have their friends in their new classroom, then the first day can be especially anxiety inducing.
Our children say goodbye to summer freedom, but also get to see all their friends, make new ones, and learn. If we can make school exciting, they'll go into it with open minds and have a blast. One way to do that is by letting our children's personalities shine in the classroom!
Every kiddo loves showing off their special school supplies, from fun erasers to adorable lunch bags. Feeling fashionable or having a comfort item can help our children feel confident and ready to take on the world.
We'll share our favorite, fun back to school products to give you some inspiration! Remember to prioritize your school's supply list and follow regulations for school-appropriate items, then let your kiddo pick something fun and appropriate.
Our Favorite Back to School Treats
After you've gotten all the necessities--the pencils, crayons, gluesticks--it's time to let your little one pick out something fun. You've probably seen them eyeing up the cute lunch bags and the back to school clothes.
We think the best options blend practicality and fun. So, let's jump in!
1. Cute Kids Lunch Boxes
Besides recess, lunch is one of the most universally loved parts of kid's days, and one of the most social. If you pack your kiddo lunch, they love bragging about that one special treat you throw in. And, they love having a fancy lunch bag!
We love the Fluf Zippered Lunch Bags because they're environmentally friendly, ethical, and convenient to clean. They come in so many styles, so every kiddo can find one they love. And, they can hold all the food and drinks your little one will need throughout the day!
2. Durable Kids Water Bottles
If your child's school allows them, consider a water bottle for kids! Opt for durable and chemical-free stainless steel. It'll keep your little one hydrated, help them leave their desk less, and be the envy of all their classmates.
If your little one wants something flashy and fun, the Klean Kanteen sippy water bottle has lots of patterns and colors. Dinosaurs, strawberries, unicorns, gators, and more! For older children, a Hydroflask for kids holds more water and comes with a protective silicone boot.
3. Back to School Outfits
When we were kids, we were probably most excited for the back to school fashion haul! Some new wardrobe pieces can do wonders for our kids' confidence, especially when they're constantly growing and changing.
A fun way to jazz up any outfit is with cool accessories. Unique hair clips or charm necklaces are great options, and act as easy conversation starters to help your kiddo make new friends. Many schools don't allow hats indoors, but if they let your child wear one during recess, then a five-panel cap can keep the sun out of their face!
Make sure that whatever your child picks is fun for them while following their school's dress code. We don't want any kiddo embarrassed over an outfit or accessory they loved!
4. Show and Tell Toys
One school day children always look forward to is show and tell! It's a great chance to show off their favorite toys, knick-knacks, or keepsakes they aren't allowed to bring to a regular school day. Maybe your kiddo already has some toys they want to show off, or maybe they want something new and flashy!
Help your kiddo pick out something small and easy to transport that speaks to their personality and will be a beloved toy even after show and tell. We think Jellycat stuffed animals are perfect for this! They come in a variety of sizes, with countless designs, so your child will find something they love. And, every kiddo loves a cute plushie.
5. Fun Art Supplies
If your child's school supply list has some room for creativity, consider giving them unique art supplies! A fun pencil eraser, cool crayon or marker colors, or a personality-filled notebook are great ways for children to express themselves in the classroom.
Practical Tips for Classroom Etiquette
Even though we want to make school fun, we also want to make sure our children are well-behaved in the classroom. Sometimes fun school supplies can get too exciting, and we as parents can help set the ground rules before our kiddos even get to the classroom.
Here are our suggestions for what to tell your child before the first day:
- Remind them to listen to their teacher during lessons. First and foremost, we want our children to learn. If a fun thing becomes a distraction during class, then they may get it taken away.
- Talk about appropriate times to use their fun supplies. School not only teaches our children academic skills, but social skills. This is a critical time for them to learn what is appropriate and when. For example, no crazy coloring during reading time, and no hats indoors.
- Have a conversation about sharing vs not sharing. We all want our children to be kind individuals, but we also want them to be able to set and respect boundaries. They should share when they feel comfortable and be able to say no when they feel uncomfortable. At the same time, they should respect a classmate's no. We also recommend writing your child's name on their things to help them keep everything safe in a busy classroom.
- Teach them some basic rules for respecting their classmates and teacher. Every kiddo is there to learn, and we want to make our teacher's days as easy as possible. If our little ones have experience with rules like raising their hand or not interrupting, saying please and thank you, and understanding appropriate times to play, then they'll have a smooth classroom experience.
- Help your child avoid losing anything. We've all had the tearful experience of losing a toy, favorite pencil, or water bottle, maybe in the lunchroom, on the bus, or on the playground. A great way to help your child keep track of everything is to have them help pack their bag the night before school or the morning of. Putting their name on everything helps, and you can limit the amount of extras they're allowed to take so there's less to keep track of.
Make Back to School Season Fun!
As parents, we can do everything in our power to make sure our children have a great time going to school. We can't control what happens in the classroom, but we can set our child up for success with knowledge and confidence.
If our children feel great and associate school with fun, they'll learn more and enjoy the experience. A child that loves school when they're young is more likely to enjoy high school, make friends, and find the subject they excel at. So let's get ready to send our kids to the classroom, ready to learn!
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