Do you take first and last day of school pictures of your students? It is a favorite tradition of mine! See how I use these pictures in my classroom and try it this year in your classroom if you don’t already!
How I Take First Day of School Classroom Pictures
First, I print out a few of these adorable signs. As the students are working on an activity (We use this Back to School Booklet a LOT during the first few days!), I zip around quickly and take a picture of each student holding the sign.
How Do You Use the Pictures In Your Classroom?
1. Send to Parents
On my lunch or prep that first day, I send the picture and a quick “First Day of School!” message to parents via our Class Dojo app. I teach 1st grade, so they’re still little, and parents are always relieved and happy to see their little ones smiling and working in their new classroom.
2. Help Classmates Learn Names
My students do a little name activity on the first day. I print everyone’s name in a bubble letter font. Then, students use markers or crayons to color in their name. Next, we hang them on our alphabet wall under the correct letter of the alphabet.
I print the pictures out in color on cardstock and post them next to their name. Students love to look at the pictures and learn their friends’ names.
And, guess what! It also helps ME, the teacher, put names and faces together. My goal is always to have everyone’s name figured out by the second day of school, so this helps!
3. Builds Classroom Community
Students love to see their photos displayed alongside their peers. It creates a sense of unity and shared experience. It’s a visual reminder that they are part of this new group of kids who get to work, learn, and play together throughout the school year. It’s another way I work hard at creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment where students feel valued and connected.
4. Helps Busy Parents
I know first and last day of school pictures and signs are extremely popular with parents, but not all parents are able to do this, possibly due to work schedule, a time crunch, etc. So, this is a way I can help them have those cute and memorable pictures to keep and share!
I hope that gives you a fun idea for back to school this year!
Free First Day of School Picture Signs for PreK–5
Make your first day photos even easier with these FREE first day of school picture signs for PreK–5! Simply print the sign for your grade level and have each student hold it for a quick first-day photo. These signs make it easy to capture a special beginning-of-the-year memory that you can add to student portfolios or memory books or share with families.
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Teaching!
Jennifer ~ Practical Primary Teacher 🍎
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