Free First Day of School Sign

Believe it or not, the new school year is right around the corner. As a parent, I know this time of year can be stressful (and expensive). However, don’t forget that it’s also a time to celebrate your child’s progress, and a great way to do so is with this free first day of school sign!

Give yourself (and your wallet) a break, and take a moment to celebrate the start of another school year.

Celebrate the return to a normal schedule for your kids as well as activities that will consistently challenge them.

Celebrate the extinction of “I’m bored” (well, at least until the weekend, at which point you can use these tips to find fun free things to do near me).

Celebrate your child’s growth and progress with the help of this free printable first day of school sign! 😁

Each year, the first day of school marks an important milestone for your child. It’s the start of a new year … a year that will hold obstacles, challenges, rewards, and surprises. There will be new skills learned, new friends made, and a slew of other “new” things.

While all of this newness may be a little scary (for you as well as your child), it is also exciting and something you’ll want to remember. (Trust me!) Use this customizable first day of school sign to commemorate your child’s first day of school, no matter what grade they are entering.

Free First Day of School Sign Download

There are a lot of first day of school sign ideas on the Internet; however, I’m a big fan of this one because it’s free and simple. You’ve already got enough to do to get ready for the big day, right? (And if you think you don’t, maybe check out this back-to-school checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything!)

How to Use the Free First Day of School Sign

Using this free first day of school sign couldn’t be easier!

1. Download either the PDF or the Word document by clicking one of the buttons above.
2. If you selected the Word document, open the file and customize the first day of school sign by typing in your child’s grade and teacher’s name.
3. Print out your first day of school sign.
4. If you selected the PDF, write your child’s grade and teacher’s name on the first day of school sign, after it has been printed.
5. Have your child pose with the first day of school sign and take a picture.

But don’t stop there. Make this a tradition! Every year, on the first day of school, snap a picture of your child holding an updated version of the first day of school sign and compile the photos in an album.

Want to take it a step further? Alright Super Mom (or Dad)! Combine the first day of school sign photo with a list of “firsts” for the year, preferably written on a pretty piece of paper or stationary. You can further flesh out that academic album by including a completed back-to-school goals worksheet and last day of school sign photo for each year.

All of this can be put together in a scrapbook for you and your child to reminisce over for years to come! (You can also use it as a way to embarrass him or her when dating becomes a concern. 😉)

Cheap First Day of School Signs

Not a fan of the free first day of school sign shared above? Don’t worry, there are plenty more first day of school signs where that came from, and while they aren’t free, they are affordable!

Pencil First Day of School Sign

The pencil-themed first day of school sign covers your child’s entire pre-college academic career. Yes, this bundle spans preschool through 12th grade, making it incredibly easy to keep the tradition alive.

Bonus: The pencil-themed first day of school sign bundle includes a homeschool option for each grade!

Dot First Day of School Sign

If you’re concerned that some of the other first day of school signs might be a little too cutesy, especially as your child grows, try this dot template. The dot first day of school sign is a little more abstract and may be more acceptable to older kids.

Chalkboard First Day of School Sign

What could say school better than a chalkboard, right? The chalkboard first day of school sign, complete with “first day” written in what appears to be chalk and an apple, is a classic option for your new family tradition.

As with some of the other first day of school signs, there isn’t much DIY here. It’s really a print and photograph option, but that’s okay. Trust me, you’re going to need all of your energy for the million and one other back-to-school things on your list!  

School Supplies First Day of School Sign

This school supplies-themed first day of school sign is super cute. That probably means it’ll be a no-go for tweens and above. (Sorry, Mom!) That just means you should definitely use it while the kids are young.

Tip: Taking a photo with a first day of school sign is the tradition … not the sign itself, so don’t be afraid to mix and match printables over the years. (Variety is the spice of life, after all.)

Save on the Back to School Season

These first day of school signs are great, but they probably aren’t at the top of your school supply checklist. And, if you’re anything like me, it’s those school supplies that are really stressing you (and your budget) out! Here are some great options to save BIG when it comes to the back-to-school season.

Free School Worksheets and Printables

• Free Kindergarten Math Worksheets
• 15 First Day of School FREE Printables
• 7 FREE Printable Back to School Word Searches
• Free Printable Back to School Coloring Sheets
• 3 Free Printable Preschool ABC Worksheets
• 3 Free Printable Book Report Templates

Free School Supplies

• 10 Ways to Get Free School Supplies by Mail or In Person
• Free School Supplies for College Students
• Free School Supplies: Where to Find Them
• How to Get School Supplies for Free or on the Cheap
• Printable Book Covers (8 FREE Options)

How do you celebrate the start of the school year? Any fun family traditions? Share your favorite back to school activities in the comments!