Getting ready for the first day of school

This year I've planned ahead and have big ideas for the first day of school. Although it is normal for me to take a (few) first day photos - I wanted to step it up a notch this year and make something that will make the photos more unique - and help me remember crucial information years from now.

Here is a sample of the poster I'm going to have each child hold for their morning picture.

It's just a simple PowerPoint that I plan on customizing with the teacher's name, school, date school starts, and the kids age (i.e. the crucial information that will help with memory loss years from now).  I printed it on card stock and am going to glue it to a piece of scrap booking paper (in their favorite color).  I'm definitely still going to take photos in front of the school, with the teacher, by the classroom, etc. but at least this one will be a little more unique.

I also want to take the time to do a first day of school survey (can't call it a quiz - don't want the kids to freak). It falls along the lines of information you used to fill out in their baby book when they said their first word, what their favorite food was, favorite stuffed animal, etc. I combined ideas off of a few different posts on pinterest and made my own.  My favorite part is having them write their name. I'm excited to see how their handwriting progresses over the years.

Here's my survey (that I printed on card stock so it will last longer):

2011 First Day of School Survey

Write Your Name: ___________________________________

Grade: ___________________                  Age: ____________________

Favorite Food: ______________________________________________

Favorite Drink: _____________________________________________

Favorite TV Show: ___________________________________________

Favorite Activity: ___________________________________________

Favorite Game to Play: ________________________________________

Favorite Movie: _____________________________________________

Favorite Song to Sing: ________________________________________

Favorite Candy/Snack/Dessert: _________________________________

Favorite Color: _____________________________________________

Favorite Toy: _______________________________________________

Favorite Animal: ____________________________________________

Favorite Book: ______________________________________________

Best Friend: _______________________________________________

What makes you happy? _______________________________________

What makes you sad? ________________________________________

What do you want to be when you grown up? ________________________

The last idea I have (also from pinterest) is to trace their hand onto thick paper (card stock, scrap booking, or cardboard).  Cut them out and then put them on a little ring. After doing this year after year I'll have a nice visual of how much they've grown. I'm a sucker for hand prints!



What are you planning on doing? Please share other ideas (before it is to late and they are graduating high school).