The first day of school is important no matter what grade your child is in. Maybe they’re starting their first day ever and you’re equal parts happy and sad that your toddler will be away from you for a few hours. Maybe it’s an emotional transition from kindergarten to first grade and you just can’t believe how fast your little one is growing. Or, maybe your child is done with elementary school altogether and now you’re really starting to see their young adult transformation.

And since we all know these little moments go by way too fast, one way to preserve them is with first day of school signs. You can create your own at home or buy them. Then have your child take photos with their signs for a memory you’ll cherish for years to come.

Related: The ultimate back-to-school shopping list for busy moms

We’ve rounded up some of the cutest, sweetest and repeat-worthy photos on Instagram. We especially love that mamas are getting in on the action, too! First day of school boards are so good we’re sure we’ll see them again next year.

Ideas for first day of school boards and signs

1. Say it with an easel

An elegant easel‑style board adds a polished, framed feel to your photo. Write their name, grade, and the date in charming calligraphy or colorful chalk, it feels like a mini art exhibit at home. Perfect for a striking first day portrait.

2. When I grow up I want to be…

Let your child dream big with a blank “When I grow up I want to be…” prompt. Include their age, grade, and a little doodle or graphic representing that dream. You’ll love looking back on how wildly their aspirations change.

3. Classic banner elegance

For a timeless look, opt for a beautifully crafted fabric banner with ribbon accents. Personalized with your child’s name, grade, age, and date, this soft and stylish sign brings a refined charm to first day photos. It’s perfect for families who love a clean, minimalist aesthetic with a personal touch.

4. Homeschooling

Whether home or in a learning pod, a board declaring “Homeschool 2025‑26” frames the learning space and marks a unique start for at‑home schooling families.

5. Reusable chalk board

A classic chalk board means erasable fun year after year. Kids love drawing new designs each fall, personalize with their favorite color or icons for each school year.

6. Twinning

If siblings share the photo, make matching boards with their names and grades. It creates a sweet coordinated look and documents each child’s journey side by side.

7. This one is for mamas everywhere

A playful board that includes space for mom or parent to share a phrase like “Mama’s cheering section” or mom’s emoji beside the child’s info, join in the moment!

8. Say it with a cookie (and mom!)

Write info on a board and include a decorated cookie or treat as a prop. Bonus: mom gets a cookie too! It’s a sweet way to symbolize excitement for the new school year.

9. Handmade erasable board

Use a painted wooden board with wipe‑off surface and your child’s name engraved or stenciled. It’s sturdy, timeless, and built to last through early school years.

10. Look to the future with, “Class of…”

A sign that reads “Class of 2036” (or whichever year) alongside a space to fill in year, grade, and future goals. Place next to a graduation‑year shirt or year calendar backdrop.

11. Oversized banner sign

Go big for the first day with a colorful banner sign your child can proudly hold. Personalize it with their name, grade, age, and dreams, and let the oversized design make the moment feel extra special. These eye-catching banners are fun to decorate and even more fun to photograph—making them a standout memory in your yearly tradition.

- Motherly

12. Put your old letter board to new use

Get creative by repurposing a letter board: fill in with jokes, favorites, current teacher’s name. It’s flexible and packable for back‑to‑school travels.

13. Poolside

If school starts in summer or a warm climate, snap the board poolside. The contrast of water and board makes for playful, bright imagery.

14. Balloon announcement

Add a cluster of grade‑themed balloons to your sign: “Going into Grade 3!”, for whimsical flair and movement in your photo.

15. #excited frame board

Use a whiteboard or letter board with hashtags like “#firstday #excited” and let your child customize hashtags that feel true to them. Trendy and fun.

16. Inspired by mom board

Have mom or caregiver write a loving note on the board (like favorite memory from last year), along with the standard first day details. It’s two liners that hold years of memory.

17. Survived the first day

After the big day, take a photo with a board that reads “Survived Grade 1” or “Made it through kindergarten.” A fun way to mark their first triumph.

18. First day of school board

Simple, timeless, and always effective, kiddo holds a board that says “First day of Grade X, September 2025” plus name and favorite thing. Clean and crisp.

19. To all the ‘poor moms’ going through it

A board with prompts like: “New Teacher: Mrs. Jones,” “Big Feelings: Excited & Nervous,” or “Starting at a new school” honors a transitional year.

20. Wood signs

Handcrafted wood boards are durable and sweetly weathered. Engrave or paint key details and reuse them, great for families who love a clean, natural aesthetic.

21. Hand prints

Add your child’s handprint in paint or chalk beside their grade info. This tactile detail reminds you of how small their hands once were—and how they’ve grown.

22. Pencil sign

Use a pencil or ruler motif around the board, with prompts like “Grade ___,” “Age ___,” “Favorite subject ___.” It adds school spirit in a playful way.

23. First day of school printable

Downloadable and printable signs let you choose fonts, colors, and designs. Frame once or print fresh each year: super convenient and customizable.

24. Sibling edition

Feature both siblings with their own side‑by‑side boards. Great for photo ops where each child’s milestones are clear, but the family connection is still visible.

25. Fun T-shirts

Coordinate a first day board with a shirt that says “Grade X” or “Class of 20XX.” The outfit and sign together make a cohesive story.

26. Shoes and an apple

Place the sign next to new shoes and a shiny apple, symbolic of tradition. classic imagery that speaks to school days past and present.

27. Growth chart board

Set the board beside a height chart or wall mark to visually show how much they’ve grown year‑to‑year alongside their first day stats.

28. Favorite things board

Include prompts like “Favorite Book,” “Color,” or “Snack.” A mini snapshot of their personality at that moment in time and their favourite things they did in the school that day.

29. QR code time capsule board

Add a small QR code linking to a video message from your child or parents. Scan in future years to watch their thoughts at each grade’s start.

30. First day photo frame yard sign

Turn your lawn into a first-day photo booth with an oversized instaframe cutout sign! Bright, bold, and bursting with back-to-school spirit, this yard sign makes it easy to snap frame-worthy pictures right at home. Perfect for schools, front porches, or driveways—just assemble, pose, and smile! Bonus: it’s reusable, so the tradition can grow right alongside your child.

First Day of School Instaframe Cutout Yard Sign

Building a tradition with first day of school boards

Why not make your first day of school board a yearly ritual? After the photo, tuck the board or sign into a memory box or photo album. Create a “first‑day” scrapbook or digital folder to flip through as the years roll on.

Over time, those boards become a visual timeline of growth, hopes, and changing interests, something your child will treasure as they grow older. And it gives you a sweet moment each year to reflect and celebrate together.

A version of this story was published on October 22, 2021. It has been updated on August 7, 2025