PSA: Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up next week. This is the perfect time to tell them just how grateful you are for everything that they do for your kids. This school year has been unlike the rest with the pandemic still going on and multiple quarantines. Most teachers had to experience switching to virtual learning over-night then adjust back to in person learning more than once. During the early spring, my son’s teacher had half the class in person and the other half virtual while teaching both at the same time. Now that is Rockstar status!
We all know that Target and Starbucks tops the list of favorite places of anyone that well….breathes air. Right? I can’t tell you how many times Target has saved me during the pandemic with the drive up option. So I couldn’t think of a better gift card option for our teachers. Download these FREE printables to print and use as many times as you need.
There has been a lot of uncertainty during this past year with a pandemic and kids virtual learning at home. However, one thing that I know for sure is that teachers don’t get enough credit. We went from in school learning to virtual learning overnight and we all had to adapt very quickly. Each of the boys needed a space to set up and complete school at home. One boy was in the dining room, another in the kitchen, and a third in the living room. It was chaos especially with us both working from home, but we made it…barely! We have always wanted to complete a homework station for the boys, and this was just the push that we needed to get it all done.
After the initial stay at home orders, we weren’t sure if or when the boys would be going back to school. Once we did go back to school in person, the boys were sent home at different times to quarantine in the fall and winter months. Even if you are not virtual learning or homeschooling, this space would be great to have for homework and arts & crafts.
Going back to school this year will include a lot of unknowns. There is no question that things will be different with new protocols and procedures in place to keep the staff and kids safe during a pandemic. As with everyone, our kids are experiencing a little anxiety. To ease the first day jitters, we have always planned a festive Back to School Breakfast and this year it is even more important to continue the tradition.
DONUT worry you’ll have a sweet year! Donuts are a favorite around here, so this year’s theme centered around the apple donut idea. Keep reading to check out all the details of this breakfast including FREE printables to add to your Back to School breakfast too.
Ready or not, the first day of school is here during this new normal. Ever since the day the kids started virtual learning, we have been debating what the return of school will look like. These thoughts have been running though our minds all summer. Our teachers have been working hard planning and executing many changes for the new school year. We definitely appreciate the extra effort and many hours dedicated to helping keep us all stay safe and have a great year.
At the beginning of each school year, we give a gift to each one of our teachers. Our teachers are superstars and they deserve so much more. In previous years, most of the back to school teacher survival kits have included items for the classroom and a few special extras just for the teacher. This year we add some different but necessary options. Read on to learn more and get the free printable to use with your gift.
Deep breath in and deep breath out….this is what I have been focusing on these last few weeks as we start the process of back to school. There are so many questions and anxiety around our kids going back to school. Most schools are offering various options from virtual and in-person learning to a hybrid of them both. Plus there is also the option to homeschool your kids too. As parents we feel a lot of pressure to make the RIGHT decision for our kids but you know what? There is NO right answer and NO bad choice.
As a family on numerous occasions, we discussed with our boys what going back to school will look like. You know as well as I do that it is a lot of information to take in and process as a child. My heart hurts that we live in a day when this is what normal looks like. Sad that a piece of their childhood is forever affected by this virus. I want the boys to understand the gravity of the situation without fear, however, it is a fine line to walk. I can’t begin to count how many times we went back and forth on what to do with the kids and back to school. Obviously, I don’t want them or anyone around them to get sick but I also worry about the emotional impact that this will have on our kids.
Preparing For The First Day
As in previous years, our family has back to school traditions that ease the first day jitters. This is now more important than ever with everything going on in the world. In the weeks before school starts, we shop for new school clothes and the first day of school outfit. This year we ordered new clothes online. Let’s be honest, my boys don’t like to shop so they prefer online anyway.
First Day of School Signs
One of our must do’s on the first day of school is to get a photo of each of the boys holding a sign displaying their new grade. It is so fun to compare the last day with the first side by side. I don’t need to tell you this but kids grow so fast.
Here are two FREE signs to download and print for your first day. Pro tip: We cut foam board and glue/tape it to the back of the sign.
About 5 years ago when my oldest was entering Kindergarten, we started a tradition of a fun themed breakfast for the first day of school. We serve owl pancakes or pencil waffles with some of their favorite breakfast treats. Each of the boys also gets a new school-themed book and a few little presents like a watch, stylus, cute erasers, locker magnets, and more. Check out this post for some inspiration at Back To School Breakfast With Target Dollar Spot.
Back To School Traditions
Start creating your own traditions too like packing a special lunch, conducting an interview, or having their favorite after school treat. Find 12 Back to School Traditions That Your Kids Will Love to start creating more memories with your family.
Let’s remember that we are all in this together and support each other. We will be praying for all of you and hope everyone has a great school year.
Going back to school can cause a lot of mixed emotions in kids. First day jitters can come from a combination of things like a new teacher, new classroom, new friends or even a new school. Help them cope with their emotions by having a fun themed breakfast celebration that will get kids excited for school.
We have had our back to school breakfast celebration for a few years now. The boys run down in the morning with the same excitement as Christmas morning. Check out our owl pancakes and other first day of school traditions to incorporate into your traditions too.
Well, it is that time of year again when if you bring up the ‘A’ word to any teacher then you will be shunned. August means back to school time and while most teachers avoid that thought like the plague, the moms are over here counting down the days. Personally, I long for the routine that comes with the back to school time and sad at the same time that another summer has passed by. The last few days of summer are usually crammed full of our last minute summer bucket list items. You know we only get 18 summers with our kids…cue the crying! Continue Reading“12 Back to School Traditions That Your Kids Will Love”
