Years ago, I read an enchanting account of one family’s annual “back to school feast.” The parents and children dressed up for an elegant dinner to celebrate the start of a new school year. Each child wore a crown and received a gift (such as a book or art supplies) chosen to encourage their educational endeavors.
While I’ve never organized quite that kind of “back to school feast” for my own kids, the idea stuck with me as a sweet way to kick off a new school year and encourage enthusiasm about education. As parents everywhere prepare for a new school year, whether homeschooling or in a brick-and-mortar school, a special way to kick off the new season feels fitting.
I asked friends and family how they kick off a new school year and heard about all kinds of beloved annual traditions. Whether you’re packing backpacks or researching homeschool curricula (or both!), here are five special ways to celebrate the back-to-school season.
1
A family adventure
The freedom of summer is winding down to a close, and it’s the perfect time to plan a few last outings before the school routine begins again.
A trip to the zoo or botanical garden, a favorite museum, or even a quick weekend away (camping maybe?) are all fun adventures to make memories with your kids before school starts.
2
A “first day” food
Whether you plan a favorite breakfast or a fun after-school snack, having something extra yummy makes the first day feel even more special.
3
A festive dinner during the first week
I plan for my kids to help me cook a favorite dinner to celebrate their first week of the new school year. While I don’t think I’ll go all out with a “back to school feast,” homemade pizza is always a favorite here. Since we homeschooled over the summer, this fun dinner will help to mark the beginning of a new school year and set it apart from summer learning.
4
First day photos
Lots of parents like to take a “first day of school” photo, perhaps sharing some things the child is excited about learning in the coming year, or other sweet details about this age. And if you happen to forget on the first day, anytime during the first week totally counts!
5
An act of service for the new school year
As I raise Catholic kids, I want to teach them to think of others and care for those in need, so we will help someone else with an act of service.
An obvious way to do this at the start of the school year is to fill a backpack with school supplies for a child who needs it, perhaps through your parish or a local service organization (our local Catholic Worker house is coordinating something like this!).
Some other options might include taking dinner to someone who recently had a new baby or a surgery, or volunteering your time with a service organization.
Whatever you do to mark the start of the new term, our prayers are with you for a wonderful school year for you and your family!
And today we celebrate...