First Day of School Sign Ideas: FREE Printable Prop Signs

Remember the first day of school with adorable first day of school sign ideas for every grade level! Use these in your first day of school photos for a fun memory of each year in school!

More Back to School Ideas: Back to School Don’t Eat Pete, Back to School Color by Number Sheets, Let’s Stick Together Teacher Gift, Mickey Mouse Button Paper Clip Craft, and Portable Homework Station.

The first day of school is a momentous occasion for both parents and kids. Capturing this special day with a memorable photo has become a beloved tradition. One of the best ways to commemorate this event is with a personalized first day of school sign. In this blog post, I’m sharing two unique printable first day of school sign ideas. These printables are designed to make your child’s first day even more special and create lasting memories. Even if you need to print it off last minute for the big day!

What is a Printable First Day of School Sign?

A printable first day of school sign is a customizable sign that parents can print and use in photos to mark the first day of a new school year. These signs typically include details such as the child’s name, grade, and you can add the school year with chalk markers or other markers. Our two styles of printables are designed to suit different preferences:

1. Hello, [Year in School]: This style features a cheerful greeting that includes the year your child is starting, like “Hello, Kindergarten!” or “Hello, 12th Grade!”.
2. First Day of [Year in School]: This style simply states, “First Day of Kindergarten” or “First Day of 5th Grade,” making it clear and straightforward.

These first-day-of-school signs not only add a fun element to your child’s first-day photos but also serve as a keepsake that you can look back on in the years to come, so much fun.

Why You’ll Love This Idea

Personal and Unique

First day of school signs add a personal touch to your child’s milestone moment of the current year. Each year, you can print off a new sign that reflects your child’s growth and progress or use this free download for each first day of school. These signs can be customized with your child’s name, grade, and even their favorite colors or themes. This personalization makes each photo session unique and special.

Easy and Affordable

Creating a memorable first day of school photo doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Our printable signs are easy to use and can be printed at home on a color printer or at your favorite local print shop. You don’t need any fancy equipment or professional photography skills. Simply download the printable, customize it, print it out, and you’re ready to go. This affordability and simplicity make it accessible for every family from younger kids to older kids.

How to Use the Printable

Using our first day of school sign printables is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Download the Printable: Enter your email address in the download box at the bottom of the post to have the pdf files delivered directly to your inbox. You can download it instantly and printing.
2. Customize the Sign: Use a photo editing software, online design tool or a simple PDF editor to add your child’s name, grade, and the year if you desire. Or simply print as is. Another great way to customize is by adding other important information like favorite things, school name, teacher’s name, year and more under child’s grade for an adorable sign.
3. Print the Sign: Print the sign on high-quality cardstock for the best results. Standard printer paper can also work if you don’t have cardstock available. Quick Tip: I like to cut mine down and place into a dollar store picture frame (or any other frame you might have on hand).
4. Photograph Your Child: Have your child hold the sign as a photo prop and take a photo. Choose a nice backdrop, such as the front door, front porch of your home or a favorite spot in your yard. You can do the same on the last day of school photos in the same place to keep track of special moments and to track growth every single year.

Ideas for Ways to Use the Printable

There are many creative ways to use your great first day of school sign around the school season:

• Traditional Photo: The classic use is to take a photo of your child holding the sign. This photo can be shared with family and friends or posted on social media to celebrate the start of the new school year. Such an easy way to use these first day of school sign options.
• Scrapbook Page: Include the sign in a scrapbook dedicated to your child’s school years. This will create a beautiful timeline of their educational journey.
• Framed Keepsake: Frame the sign along with the first day of school photo. Display it in your home or in your child’s room as a reminder of their exciting day.
• Gift for Grandparents: Create a photo gift for grandparents using the first day of school photo and the sign. It’s a thoughtful way to share this special moment with loved ones.

Variations for Using the Printable

You can get creative with how you use and customize your first day of school sign:

• Different Languages: If you are bilingual or want to add an educational twist, create signs in different languages. This can be a fun way to celebrate your heritage or introduce your child to new languages.
• Theme-Based Designs: Customize the sign to match a specific theme, such as your child’s favorite movie, book, or hobby. This can make the photo even more exciting for them.
• Multiple Signs: Use different signs for different subjects or milestones. For example, you could have one sign for the first day of school and another for the first day of a new extracurricular activity.
• Add more props: Include School supplies, a letter board, favorite toys, etc. Or decorate the sign with washi tape, stickers, and more to make your own sign extra special for the memorable moment.

Common Questions About First Day of School Sign Ideas

How Can I Make a First Day of School Sign at Home?

Making a first day of school sign at home is easy with our printables. Simply download the cute first day of school signs, customize it with your child’s information, find the correct grade and print that one out whether it is 1st grade, 3rd grade, 6th grade,  and print it out. You don’t need any special tools or software to enjoy this school time tradition.

What Should I Include on the Sign?

Typically, a first day of school sign includes your child’s name, grade, and the school year. You can also add other details like the date, the school’s name, or fun facts about your child.

Where Can I Find Free Printable Signs?

​There is a download box at the end of the post to quickly print out the free printables after they are delivered directly to your inbox.

Can I Reuse the Signs?

Absolutely! You can reuse the same sign each year by printing off the correct grade level each year from the same download or reuse different grade levels for all of your children as they enter that year. This can create a fun series of photos showing your child’s growth over time.

My Favorite Printable Supplies:

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• Printer: I love my HP Home Printer, it prints beautifully everytime no matter what projects I am working on.
• Paper: Depending on the durability you want with your printables, consider printing on white card stock or high quality paper.
• Laminator: For printables you are planning to use over and over again, simply laminate and use dry erase markers to mark up the printables.
• Paper Cutter: I love my CARL Paper Cutter. It makes trimming and cutting out printables a breeze.
• Sticker Paper: When printing tags or other free printables, sticker paper can make it easy to attach to gifts, boxes, or to make your own stickers.
• Cutting Supplies: You’ll want a great pair of paper cutting scissors and I love using an Xacto Knife for intricate details.

Download the first day of school signs here:

Please remember my printables are free for classroom use or personal use only. You may not sell or distribute the printable or digital file. If you wish to share the digital files, please refer friends to the link of this blog post where they can sign up to receive the free printable directly in their inbox.

More Back to School Printables:

• Extraordinary Chaos, Back To School Banner
• Artsy-Fartsy Mama, Back To School Bookmarks
• The Benson Street, First Day of School Signs (You are here)

Conclusion

Capturing the first day of school with easy first day of school signs is a wonderful way to create lasting memories. Our printable first day of school sign ideas are designed to make this tradition easy, affordable, and fun. Whether you choose the “Hello, [Year in School]” or the “First Day of [Year in School]” style, you’ll have a beautiful keepsake to cherish for years to come through elementary school, middle school and into high school!

Download your printable first day of school sign today and start a new tradition with your family. Share your photos with us and inspire other parents with your creative ideas. Happy school year!

Download your free printable first day of school signs now to be ready for the first day of school. Customize, print, and share your child’s special moment with the world!

More free printables to enjoy:

• Back to School Gushers Classroom Printable
• DIY Mini Whiteboard
• Apple Paper Clips

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