End of Summer & 1st Day of School Checklist Printable
Are you looking to get organized for the school year right from the start? Here are some free printables to start you off right!
The Beginning of School Chaos
I was a high school teacher for 14 years, and I know what that anticipation-slash-anxiety feels like just as the summer is ending.
Like getting a brand-new notebook that has all the pages fresh, that’s what starting a new school year feels like. I always wanted to start the year strong, on the right foot.
And to be honest, it’s possible to have that strong start. It just takes a little planning.
Today, I’m offering not only a 1st Day of School checklist, but also an End-of-Summer Checklist to make sure you are prepared well ahead of time.
Let’s take a look at these checklists.
End of Summer Preparation List
You know as well as I do, the list gets longer every year for what needs to be done before the first day of school.
To help, here’s a checklist you can take a look at:
This list includes all the shopping – clothes, lunch food/snacks, school supplies, and printer paper and ink.
It includes the appointments like physicals, hair cuts, and dentist appointments.
It includes finishing up summer assignments as well as logging into school portals for any important announcements.
It includes getting your home ready with backpack drop zones, homework stations, family command centers, and meal planning.
And it includes the pre-1st-day of school things like starting to labeling all the school supplies and starting to wake up early.
Sheesh… that is a lot to do before Day 1. But at least now you have a list!
First Day of School Prep Checklist
This list begins the night before the 1st Day. There’s nothing worse than being stressed and rushed on the 1st day of school.
It is worth its weight in gold to try to get this one right.
This list really starts the night before, with things like:
- Pack lunches
- Pack backpacks
- Lay out clothes
- Set out 1st Day of School signs if you’re taking pictures
- Taking showers
- Setting alarms (and coffee pots!)
- Charging devices
It’s always a good idea to aim to get to bed early also.
Then, the morning of, you want to make sure you:
- Get up a little early
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Leave time for pictures
- Leave the house a little early
Did you notice how many times the word ‘early’ came up? Being ahead of schedule is the key to starting the day off right, especially on the 1st day!
And if you have any family traditions – like stopping for a donut or favorite coffee/drink on the way, leave time for that as well.
To help keep you organized, you can download this free printable checklist at the end of the post.
Bonus Motivational Poster
Not only that, but with the download, you’ll get a motivational poster you can put someplace where the kids can see.
It’s just a reminder when the motivation of the 1st day and squeaky clean notebook wears off that, ‘You Can Do Hard Things.’
It’s something I repeat to my sons often!
And Don’t Forget the Most Important Thing
To me, the most important thing you can do for and with your kids is prayer. I think it’s absolutely imperative to make time for this – whether you pray together at home or you pray over them in the car.
I used to always pray with my kids at the bus stop.
If you’d like to be more consistent in praying for your kids this year, I created these Scripture-based prayer cards! There are 31 cards with 31 different Bible-based prayers for them. Click here to check them out and get the free set!
Grab Your Free Printables Here!
To get the 2 page PDF, just fill out the box below. Be sure to hang on a few seconds, and then you’ll immediately be redirected to the download!
More Back to School Resources
Be sure to check out these other posts for more helpful ideas for the school year.
20 Immune Boosting Foods for Kids {That They’ll Actually Eat!}
19 Easy DIY Backpack Storage Ideas
25+ Functional (& Pretty!) Family Command Centers
15 Amazing DIY Homework Stations for Back to School
Must-Know Natural Home Remedies for Common Ailments {+ Free Printable}
65+ Healthy Snacks Your Kids Will Love (Grab-n-Go Organic!)
Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below! Or feel free to tag me in an Instagram post @100affections!
And if you enjoyed this post, I’d be so grateful if you pinned or shared! Thank you so much!
