Free Printable First Day of School Chalkboard Signs (Cute, Easy, and Totally Worth Bribing for)
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I’ve sent two kids off to school now—and while I’d love to tell you I’m the ultra-organized, labeled-all-the-folders, laminated-the-schedule kind of mom… I’m somewhere in between.
Some days I’m that mom.
Other days I’m printing this First Day of School sign five minutes before we walk out the door and tossing fruit snacks at the baby like confetti.
Balance, right?
Still, I absolutely love a good First Day of School picture. It’s one of those small things that feels big, and these free printable signs make it super simple to capture the moment—without a full-blown photo shoot or hunting down a dusty chalkboard from last year.
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Not Too Cheesy, Not Too Complicated
These signs are simple, cute, and print perfectly on regular paper. They’ve got that fun First Day of School chalkboard look but without needing any actual chalk (because let’s be honest, it’s probably dried up or missing anyway).
We’ve got:
- A blank version so you can write in whatever you want
- Individual signs from Preschool through 12th grade (because even teens can humor us for one picture… especially if we promise not to post it… maybe)
14 Free First Day of School Chalkboard Printable Signs
You can print just the one you need or go wild and prep the whole set in advance (if you’re feeling that Type A energy). Here they are:
- Blank First Day of School Sign
- Preschool First Day of School Sign
- Kindergarten First Day of School Sign
- 1st Grade First Day of School Sign
- 2nd Grade First Day of School Sign
- 3rd Grade First Day of School Sign
- 4th Grade First Day of School Sign
- 5th Grade First Day of School Sign
- 6th Grade First Day of School Sign
(Need older grades too? Just let me know and I’ll add them!)
First Day of School Picture Ideas (That Don’t Require a Pinterest Board)
Getting a good First Day of School photo doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few easy, low-effort ideas that still make for frame-worthy memories:
- On the porch with the sign (classic and easy)
- By the front door, shoes on the wrong feet, holding a Pop-Tart (real life)
- Standing next to their backpack for size comparison (how is it always bigger than them?)
- Sibling line-up—even if one of them is crying and the other is “SO over it”
- Bonus: snap one the day before the first day of school for a calmer, less rushed version (and let’s be honest, a better hair day)
Make It a Thing Without Making It a Thing
You don’t have to make a full-blown event out of it, but doing a few fun little things during the first week of school can make it feel special without a ton of extra effort. Pick out a fun breakfast, let them choose their outfit (within reason), and snag that picture—yes, even if it takes a little bribery.
Trust me, you’ll love looking back on these later. And if nothing else, it’ll help you remember what year it actually is when you’re trying to organize photos later.
Grab Your Printable and Snap the Pic
Download your sign, get that photo (messy hair and all), and send them off into the school year like the rockstar parent you are. You’ve got this.
