Christmas
3 Fun Things To Do on the First Day of School [With Free Printables]
The beginning of the school year is an exciting time filled with new faces, fresh notebooks, and endless possibilities. To help you kick off the new school year on the right foot, I’ve put together three fun activities that are sure to make the first day of school unforgettable.
Plus, we’ve included some fantastic free printables to make your life even easier!
I know how crazy this time can get so I’ll keep this one short and sweet!
Here are three fun and easy ways to make the first day of class enjoyable and memorable with minimal effort.
Take a First day of school picture
This first-day-of-school activity is an Instagram and Facebook favorite every August.
Snapping a photo of your kids in their new outfits and backpacks is a fun way to document the day and create lasting memories.
Kids change so much from year to year, and it’s amazing to see their growth from one picture to the next. Some moms even take a photo on both the first and last day of school for a fun comparison.
To make these photos even more special, use a sign with your child’s name and grade. This way, you’ll always know what year the picture was taken. For moms like me, whose photo organization is a mess, this is a lifesaver!
I have many first day and last day of school printable signs in my shop for you to choose from. They include all grades and are editable with your child’s name and the year.
Plus, I offer a free first day of school printable with all the grades.
Find the freebie here:
If you’d like to make taking a picture more of an activity, my First Day of School Coloring Pages Pack with a photo frame is a fantastic way to kick off the new school year.
Perfect for kiddos from Preschool to 6th grade (including T-K), this printable worksheet is a blast.
Each page has a special spot for a 4×6 photo or a self-portrait drawing, letting students showcase their creativity right from the get-go.
It’s an awesome activity and a fantastic keepsake that both kids and parents will treasure. Easy to print and super fun for all grades, this coloring pack, also available individually for each grade, is a surefire way to add some color and excitement to the first day of school!
Don’t miss out on making those first-day memories extra special!
Treat your kid’s new teacher with a small gift
Starting a new school year can be daunting for teachers, and a small gift from their students can be a fun way to ease them into the job.
Teacher gifts don’t need to be expensive or lavish, a little gift with a fun tag or a coffee card with a funny pun can bring a smile to your kid’s teacher’s face.
Any gift idea you used for teacher appreciation week at the end of the year will also work for the first day of school.
I have several “Back to School” gift tags and cards specially made for the first day of school, making it a good idea to show some appreciation right from the start.
You can also check out:
Surprise your kids in their lunchbox
Surprise your kids with a treat in their lunchbox, like a big cookie with a cute tag letting them know how smart they are.
I know the photo below shows like 40 cookies and a sugar load like that on the first day may get your kid expelled. Maybe just stick with one cookie!!
Or use these free emoji lunch box notes to delight your kids with a sweet message from you.
These lunch box notes are a great way to bring a little cheer to your kiddos in the middle of their school day. You can use them anytime during the school year to keep the fun going.
Find the freebie here:
There you have it—three simple ways to make back to school a great time for everyone. These fun activities are perfect for capturing students’ attention and making the first day of school a memorable and enjoyable day.
Happy new school year!
Don’t forget to these fun first day of school activities:
Picked for you:
Check out our school printables
![Five colorful Valentine-themed cards shaped like Crocs shoes, each adorned with cute charms like animals and tractors. The text reads "You Croc!" and "Happy Valentine's Day from [Name]." Product: template (Copy) (Copy).](https://www.pressprintparty.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/crocs-charms-valentines-3-247x371.jpg)
