Back to School: The History and Heart Behind First Day Traditions

Back in the 1800s, going to school looked different. Kids might walk a mile or two (and sometimes more!) along dusty roads or snowy fields to reach a one-room schoolhouse. Inside, students of all ages sat side by side, keeping warm near a potbelly stove while practicing lessons on chalk slates.

The first day was a genuine community effort. Parents pitched in to tidy the schoolhouse, stock firewood, and send their kids off with packed lunches and encouraging words. The town bell signaled it was time to begin. Everyone wore their best clothes, and many teachers were young women who lived with different local families during the school year.

School wasn’t year-round; that first day often depended on the local harvest cycle. But no matter when it started, it brought structure, learning, and a sense of belonging to small towns nationwide.

Fast forward to the early 1900s, and the first day of school became more familiar. Department stores filled their aisles with notebooks, rulers, and book satchels. Parents flipped through flyers for pencil deals, and kids tried on squeaky new shoes that practically shouted “fresh start.”

This was also the era when school portraits became a thing. Rows of children stood in front of chalkboards, proudly showing off their new clothes, nervous grins, or missing front teeth. Teachers decorated their classrooms with handmade posters and carefully written chalk messages.

That first bell didn't just mark the start of a school day — it marked the beginning of a new chapter, complete with sharpened pencils and the promise of a new best friend.

In Germany, starting first grade comes with something sweet, literally. Kids receive a Schultüte, a big cone filled with candy, pencils, toys, and small gifts. Some cones are store-bought, but many families decorate themselves with ribbons and colorful paper. It’s a way to turn nervous energy into excitement and give kids a fun, encouraging start.

In Kerala, schools reopen with Praveshanolsavam, a celebration filled with music, flowers, and colorful decorations. Students receive books and supplies, and some schools organize parades or performances. The goal is to create a warm, welcoming environment that shows students and parents the school community is excited to begin a new year together.

Japanese students begin first grade in April, just as cherry blossoms bloom. They receive a randoseru, a structured backpack for all six elementary school years. The bag has roots in Dutch military design and now symbolizes responsibility and a fresh start. Families often take first-day photos under blooming cherry trees to mark the occasion.

Mexican schools often open the year with a patriotic flag ceremony. Students line up, sing the national anthem, and participate in short speeches or reflections. It’s a moment of pride, with children dressed in neat uniforms and parents often snapping photos from the sidelines. The ritual sets a respectful and hopeful tone for the school year.

In France, the start of school is known as la rentrée—a nationwide return to routine after the summer break. Families stock up on school supplies from detailed lists provided by schools. The first day is low-key but meaningful, with some parents slipping small notes or treats into backpacks to help ease the transition.

In Nigeria, families often start the day with prayers, either at home or during school assemblies. Students arrive in crisp uniforms, fresh hairstyles, and polished shoes. Parents may take a photo before leaving for school, marking the beginning of a new chapter with hope and pride.

South Korean students begin their school year in March, usually wearing clean, pressed uniforms and white sneakers. Some families eat traditional foods like rice cakes or seaweed soup that morning to bring good luck. Schools often hold brief welcome ceremonies, and many children receive handwritten notes or small keepsakes from family.

Russia celebrates the Day of Knowledge on September 1. Students bring flowers to give to their teachers and dress in formal outfits—white shirts, dark skirts or trousers, and bows or ties. The school day begins with a ceremonial "First Bell," often rung by a first-grader riding on the shoulders of an older student.

In Italy, younger students often wear grembiules—traditional smocks that help keep clothes tidy and create a sense of classroom unity. School usually starts in mid-September, and kids head off with fresh backpacks packed and ready. Parents often walk their children to school, then stop for coffee or a pastry afterward. It’s a relaxed and comforting way to start the year.

Some schools in Indonesia decorate entryways with flower garlands, paper chains, or welcome banners. Older students often welcome new classmates through chants, cheers, or short parades. These activities help build community and make everyone feel included from day one.

Make a countdown chain or mark off a calendar in the two weeks before school starts. Add fun activities to each day, like “pack your supplies” or “choose your first-day outfit.” These mini tasks help kids mentally prepare for the transition without feeling overwhelmed. Tearing off a link or checking a box gives them something to look forward to daily.

Ask the same questions each year—simple ones like “What do you want to be when you grow up?” or “What’s your favorite lunch?” Record their answers in a notebook, in a printable form, or even as a short video. These little interviews capture personality, interests, and humor at every age. Over time, you’ll notice how answers evolve, from dinosaurs and peanut butter sandwiches to future careers and deep thoughts about recess.

Choose a spot like your front porch or entryway and decorate it with simple props, like a chalkboard sign, balloons, or a small garland. Taking your child’s photo in the same spot each year creates a visual tradition that’s easy to maintain. No need to go overboard, a few small details are all it takes to make it feel festive and fun.

Write your child's name, grade, and favorites on a chalkboard, like their favorite snack, dream job, or book. Then take a photo in the same spot each year, like by the front door or on the front steps. These photos tell a visual story, helping you look back and see how much has changed. Some families also include height markers or a favorite stuffed animal to track growth in fun ways.

Take the same route to school each year, whether walking past a favorite mailbox or driving while playing a specific song. Little routines like these help kids feel calm and grounded. You can also build in mini moments, like stopping for a photo at a familiar tree or choosing a “good luck song” to play. These small habits become traditions that give structure and comfort in a big moment.

After school, invite your child to add one small thing to a memory jar or keepsake box. It could be a note about how the day went, a quick doodle, or a ribbon from their backpack. Over the years, that little box has become a time capsule of back-to-school memories. Open it up together at the end of the year and relive the big and small moments from that first day.

Pick outfits in similar colors or fun themes so siblings feel part of the moment. This includes little ones who aren’t in school yet or make older siblings feel special. Keep things simple—matching socks, hair accessories, or graphic tees do the trick. Plus, coordinated outfits make photo day a little more fun and memorable.

Slip a cheerful note, a drawing, or a joke into your child’s lunchbox. It’s a small surprise that makes them smile in the middle of the day. You could add a fun sticker or cut their sandwich into a shape they love. These quick touches remind your child that you're cheering them on, especially on that all-important first day.

Turn breakfast into a mini celebration with colorful plates, a chalkboard sign, or a few balloons. Let your child help pick the menu — pancakes, smoothies, or scrambled eggs all work great. You don’t need a big setup. A little effort goes a long way in making the morning feel special and setting a fun tone for the first day of school.

Snap a selfie after drop-off—outside the school, in your car, or back home with your coffee. It’s a way to mark your moment and emotions on this big day. Some parents like to save these photos in the same album as their child’s first-day pics, adding a short caption like “Year 1: teary but proud.” This way, you could reflect on your parenting journey, too.

Give your child something small to carry in their backpack or pocket—a lucky coin, a keychain, a friendship bracelet, or a short note. It’s a quiet way to remind them you’re thinking of them. Some families use the same token yearly, while others switch it up based on the child’s age or interests. Either way, it becomes a comforting part of the first day of school tradition.

The trick is picking one photo spot and sticking with it each year—like your front porch or a sunny spot by a favorite tree. Snap the pics before breakfast if mornings get chaotic, and don’t stress about perfect smiles. A chalkboard sign or silly pose adds personality and helps you see how much your child has grown year to year.

Choose a setup that’s easy to repeat—same background, same pose, maybe even the same stuffed animal in the shot. Some families take a picture of their child holding last year’s photo, or mark their child's height on a wall. Whether it’s a framed gallery or a growing slideshow, it’s fun to look back and say, “Look how far you’ve come!”

Ask your child a few of the same questions every year — things like their favorite snack, dream job, or what makes them laugh. Record it in a notebook, scrapbook, or even on video. You can also start a memory jar or write a letter to your child; they’ll love reading it later.

It doesn’t have to be significant. A fun keychain, a lucky pencil case, or a note in their lunchbox can mean a lot. Something small and personal says, “You’ve got this,” without adding pressure or fluff.

Let siblings join in, whether matching outfits, a group photo, or helping pick out supplies. Grandparents can send a quick video message or be part of a celebratory breakfast. Even mailing a printed photo with a note or drawing from your child helps faraway family feel included.

Start the day with something easy and fun—pancakes, parfaits, or breakfast sandwiches work well. Some families have a “first day favorite” they make every year. At dinner, choose something your child loves and take a few minutes to talk about how the day went.

About a week or two ahead is perfect. You can ease into routines, do a countdown, and make space for a bit of excitement. Keep it light, just one or two new traditions are plenty to start.

Keep routines familiar and talk through what to expect. Add a comfort item to their bag or a note from you for a little boost. After school, check in gently, snack chats, or evening walks are great for hearing how things went.

Choose what fits your family, not what looks good on Pinterest. A simple sign, a high-five, or the same breakfast every year can be just as meaningful. The key is finding a rhythm you’ll want to repeat.

Share breakfast, walk or ride to school together, or take a quick group photo. After school, have dinner and let everyone share one “high” and one “low” from the day. These little moments add up, and what your kids will remember most.