Need a back to school sign set for your kids? I’ve got you covered – download available at the end of this post!
My kids don’t really care about the latest trend in lunchbox motifs, school uniform policies don’t affect them, and they can pretty much just keep using that same nature journal year after year until it fills up. And those yellow schoolbuses rattling by, learning their routes for the new school year? They don’t phase my kids a bit!
For homeschoolers, “back to school” is just a bit different, because we don’t go “back” anywhere!
I think routines and rhythms matter greatly to how we experience, remember, and make traditions. So, I’ve always tried to celebrate and commemorate our homeschool back-to-school time!
Iconic Back to School Photo Opp!
One way is by taking that iconic “front door” first day of school photo. At first, I thought this was silly because my kids are not leaving to go anywhere. So why step outside the house to snap that pic? But actually, the more I thought about it, I’m actually taking a photo of them in front of their SCHOOL… which is another classic photo parents often take!
Another fun feature of this photo is the kids’ Back to School Signs that I have made for them since they were small. Sometimes we’ve shared a sign. Sometimes I’ve written it on a balloon. But lately, I’ve been given each boy their own “grade” sign.
I put it into a simple picture frame (I have to cut it down a bit for that!). Then I save this sign for the LAST day of school! I use a dry-erase marker to cross out “first” and write “LAST” over the top. Then we take Last Day of School photos too, so I can compare them from beginning to end!
After our first day photos are complete, the boys get to troupe inside for breakfast and treats. Usually this involves fun pencils or erasers, a little toy or notebook, and snacks. Sometimes I get a board game that matches the theme of the year.
Here’s our signs from last year’s U.S. History themed Cycle 3!
Back to School Sign for Homeschoolers
Now, one thing about our Back to School Signs is the fact that our kids don’t necessarily go by the traditional grade levels. Sure, I keep them updated on which grade they are “in,” age-wise. But since we use Classical Conversations as our curriculum, the students are in levels based on development. These levels are Abecedarians, Apprentices, Journeymen, and Masters for ages 4-12. Plus Essentials, the afternoon class for the 9-12 year olds. Once students are 12, they enter the Challenge Levels, which run A, B, I, II, III, and IV.
I decided last year, to make signs that reflect our kids Classical Conversations levels and the traditional grades. Because, why not!?
I’ve made a NEW set for this year, featuring the Classical Conversations Cycle 1 Ancient History theme. I’m thrilled I get to share them with all my CC friends!
This year, the CC families are in Cycle 1, which focuses on Ancient History. So I created signs with an Egyptian theme. For the Challenge levels, since they don’t have as defined of history themes, I went with classical Greek column borders.
I also have the Cycle 3 set of Back to School signs with a red, white, and blue theme for U.S. History. (Pictured above!).
And, since I have many friends who use traditional grades (both for homeschool and traditional school), I went ahead and made grade level signs also, in two color choices!
Free PDF Back to School Sign Printable!
Want a set of these signs for yourself? I have a FREE PDF for you! Just fill out the form here, and you’ll get these delivered to your inbox shortly. Print and enjoy.
And share this blog post with your friends, so they can download their own Back to School sign set.
Happy Back to School! Make the moments memorable!
