Back-to-school season is one of my favorite times of the ministry year. I love shopping the sales (my children are grown but I shop sales for ministry-related items) and the start of a new school year brings a reset of schedules and rhythms.
This season is a very good time to provide practical resources for our families as they settle back into post-summer rhythms. I love the process of looking at resources and deciding which ones we’ll provide to our families is one I enjoy.
Children in our area of the country are returning to school as early as next week, so I thought I’d share what we’re providing to our kids and families. These items will be provided in person (on our Back-to School Sunday) and digitally (with links to purchase or download) through our September family newsletter. (I have linked ones that are available. Email me if you’d like me to send one that’s no longer available.)
Preschool Family Resources
- “Creating a New Back to School Rhythm – Preschool” handout (this is an old resource from Parent Cue – it is no longer in print but one that I really like)
- Lunch box notes that I found online (we’ve done a mix of scripture-based as well as just-for-fun ones)
Elementary Family Resources
- “Creating a New Back to School Rhythm – Elementary” handout (this is an old resource from Parent Cue – it is no longer in print but one that I really like)
- “Bullying Conversation Guide for Parents” from Parent Cue (no longer in print)
- “Anxiety Conversation Guide” from Parent Cue (no longer in print)
- Back-to-School Scripture Fighting Cards from LifeWay
Additional Family Resources
- Real Life Encouragement for Every Day devotional from CTA
- Stoplight Chat Cards from CTA (we provided these last year and had some leftover – they were a big hit!)
- Lunchbox Truth Scripture Notecards for Kids
- Phase Guide – Parenting Your Kindergartener
- Phase Guide – Parenting Your First Grader
- Phase Guide – Parenting Your Second Grader
- Phase Guide – Parenting Your Third Grader
- Phase Guide – Parenting Your Fourth Grader
- Phase Guide – Parenting Your Fifth Grader
- Everyday Discipleship: Questions to Help Families Grow Together
For Kindergarteners – 3rd Graders
- God Will Take Care of Me dog tags from CTA
- God Will Answer My Prayers dog tags from CTA
For 4th & 5th Graders
- School Days Know Me Notes from Group Publishing
- Vinyl Encouragement Stickers from CTA (these can be attached to water bottles, folders, notebooks, etc.)
- Same dog tags as Kindergarteners – 3rd Graders
In previous years, we’ve provided backpack tags, journals, leftover widgets from our curriculum provider, and other small toys. Every year looks different, but the goal is to provide quality, Christ-centered resources for parents and some sort of scripture-based items for the kids.
What items are you providing for your kids and families? I’m always on the hunt for great resources, so share them with me!