back to school and first day of school

Celebrating the First Day of School

The day of school is such a special day for students and their families. It's a time to celebrate new beginnings and all the amazing possibilities that lie ahead. And for seniors embarking on a new chapter in life, it's a perfect moment to reflect on everything they've accomplished. So whether you're a student or a caregiver, let's take a moment today to truly appreciate this incredible milestone!

Share Your First Day of School Memory

When we share our stories, we're not just recounting memories and personal experiences. We're actually building a strong bond with the people we love and care about. Storytelling is such a beautiful way to pass on our traditions and values to future generations.

By sharing our stories, we can show others who we are and where we come from. Sharing your first day of school memory is a great way to open up new conversations and help others understand more about you and your life experiences.

Sharing our stories help others learn about themselves and about us. We have all experienced both joy and sadness, triumph and challenge. It is important to share our stories so that others can learn and grow from them.

Through sharing our experiences, we can help create a better future for ourselves, our families, and the world around us. The Legacy Recorder provides an easy way for people to work together to share their stories and reconnect.

First Day of School Prompts

Use the prompts below to share a first day of school story with someone you love.

1. Think about a first day of school that was memorable for you

2. Talk about how you felt on that day, and what you were most nervous or excited about

3. Describe the teacher who taught you that year, and what he/she was like

4. Share one or two memorable moments from that year

5. Wrap up the story by talking about how those experiences shaped who you are today

Things to read, listen to, or watch

It’s back to school mode around here. There’s a lot to prepare for, and while it’s sad summer is rolling to an end, there is an excitement about the new school year. There is just something about new starts, fresh beginnings, and preparing for the start of something that energizes me, and always has with those I work with. Perhaps the resources provided below can help do the same!

Additional Resource to check out Back to School Storytelling Activity Kit

This activity kit includes a few ways to tell stories and Back to School inspired prompts. The kit is perfect for the residents in your care, small humans you love, or you 😍 You will find everything you need to plan and host a Back to School Storytelling Activity Session.

back to school kit

School Prompts to Ask Your Storytellers

Taking the time to ask your storytellers about their memories is a great way to build rapport and create meaningful moments. The storytellers in your life will have plenty to share in this area, I’m sure!

Try these prompts to get you started: 

  • Where did you go to school?
  • What was your favorite class in school?
  • Why was this your favorite class?
  • Who was your favorite teacher?
  • Why was this your favorite teacher?
  • Who were some of your best friends in school?
  • Did you do any outside of school activities or jobs?

We all have the good, the bad, and the ugly stories about school, who knows what heartwarming and/or embarrassingly funny stories will unfold with these prompts!

Remembering the First Day of School

First day of school memories are cherished by students and caregivers alike. They're a reminder that we're constantly evolving, and each new milestone is an opportunity for growth. No matter what grade you're starting or how many years you've been out of school, take some time today to reflect on your first day and all the adventures that lay ahead. Don't forget to share your story with someone you love of care for and ask them about their first day of school!

What now?

Check out the Legacy Recorder Community Guide in print, you can get your hands on that here. If you already have a copy, thank you! The 5 Minute Storytelling Scripts mentioned in the podcast episodes can be found here.

All journals can be purchased through Amazon. You can find the currently available ones here. Including a companion journal to the book linked above. The journals are a great way to create a keepsake. You can also order multiple copies to have as a workbook for groups that are looking to work together to tell their stories together.

The Legacy Program & Activities Package is live. This includes worksheets, specific instructions, activity suggestions, and how to execute an engaging storytelling activity. This is a great addition to your activity planning and can make your lift a little easier when it comes to planning engaging programming for the people your care for.

If you find you need more one on one support, you can always book time on Gael's calendar here.

Happy Writing!