We are definitely in back to school mode around here. This week we finished shopping for school supplies and I’m almost done shopping for school clothes. Now it’s time to soak up these last two weeks and try to squeeze in as many memories as possible. I’m excited about having a normal routine back but I’m going to miss having them all home together. My son is actually ready to go back, he can’t wait to hang out with his friends at school. Do you remember that when you were younger? Looking forward to seeing the friends you didn’t see all summer long? To make the first day of school even more exciting we made a paper chain countdown.
Back to school crafts have always been a part of our family. I remember making a sign for my son right before he started preschool. Everyday we would peel away a sticky note counting down the days until his first day of school. It helped him get excited about school and less nervous about being away from me. Even though he’s entering the 4th grade this year, I still like to continue our back to school crafting traditions.
To make the paper chain countdown I cut 1.5 inch strips of scrapbook paper. I believe the length was around 10 inches. To glue the paper links together we used an Elmer’s glue stick with the purple disappearing glue.
My daughter thinks these glue sticks are SO cool. She could sit there with a piece of paper and an Elmer’s glue stick for hours drawing pictures and watching them disappear. Isn’t it funny how things like this amused them? Ha, who am I kidding I still think the disappearing glue is pretty neat. :)
The chalkboard I found at Joann but I’m sure they have them at just about any craft store. The banner I made with my Lifestyle Crafts die cutting machine and bakers twine. The first chain link is stapled onto the back of the chalkboard, I tried taping it but I didn’t think it would hold up over a long period of time. So there you have it, an easy back to school countdown that brings back memories and creates new ones. :)
So tell me, are your kids already back in school? If not are you ready for the new school year?
That is too cute! I am intrigued by the disappearing glue! I have to go get some :)
cute and fun
What a fun way to encourage kids to look forward to going back to school!
Very fun! Paper chains are a great way to count down the days!
This is such a fun idea. My daughter is so excited to start kindergarten. I know she’d love a countdown.
Such a great idea, I love it!
Hi Crystal! What a lovely blog you so so light and fuld of ideas and inspiration! That count down is fantastic :-) have a great day
Your colorful paper chain is a great idea for a school countdown to the first day of school. Thanks for sharing. ;o)
going to hunt down the colored gluesticks today – they look like fun:)
Those 10 cent glue sticks keep finding their way into my cart at Wal-Mart too! My husband is retired Navy. We did countdown chains for his deployments.
What a cute idea. Love the chain-countdown! I guess it’s not too late for me to do something! My kids start on August 22! I wouldn’t be surprised if I by more glue sticks this week……I am sure the teachers go through so much!
Hi,
This is so cute – perfect for setting the mood for back to school! I’d love you have you link this idea up to my current linky party for back to school fun and homeschool rooms! :) https://www.thenatureofgrace.blogspot.com/2012/07/reading-spot-and-homeschool-havens-link.html
My goal is to let the party run through August so there is a good collection of ideas for other mommies and teachers to use for a resource or inspiration. :)
Love this Crystal!!! Featuring this on our FB page today!! :)
Very cute. I meant to do a countdown, and now we’re less than two weeks away from the first day… CRAZY!
Love the idea & would love for you add it to our Back to School Link Up at https://www.mercyinkblog.com/back-to-school-tips-tricks-tools :)
xo,
lauren
This is too cute! My son starts preschool this year.. they grow up so fast! I am featuring you tonight!!
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Great idea, I need to do this with my little guys! Thanks for linking up to our “Pretty Things” party! Hope to see you back here next week.
I love that idea! I have been trying to think of a great event countdown that I could use for multiple occasions, this is perfect!! Thank you!! :) Pinning now…
Visiting from Tatertots and Jello.
Featuring YOU today! I’ve got the same scrapbook paper, too! :)
Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com
https://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/08/take-look-at-you-15-back-to-school-ideas.html