First Day of School Sign and Back-to-School Photo Backdrop That Grows With Your Kids

Every year, I take a picture of my kids on the first day of school. It’s one of my favorite traditions, but I’ll admit, as they get older, I’ve had to adjust. Gone are the days of picking up a pre-made sign from the store—they’re growing up, and I wanted to make sure that their signs still feel personal and special. So, I decided to create my own first day of school sign that works for all age ranges. 

These First Day Pencil Signs are perfect for everyone from little ones in Pre-K to teenagers in high school, and they can help preserve those precious memories for years to come!

How to Make the Pencil Flag First Day of School Sign

Making these pencil signs is a breeze, and with just a few simple materials, you can customize the sign to make it truly unique! Here’s how I do it:

Materials (Optional):

• Variety of thin ribbon cut into 12-inch strips (I got mine at Walmart, but any craft store will have similar options!)
• A 12-inch dowel rod or ruler
• Grade-level pennant sign
• Star cutout (optional for decoration)
• Hot glue or tape

Instructions:

1. Fold the Tab: Start by folding the tab at the top of the pencil sign backwards.
2. Secure the Tab: Use tape or hot glue to keep the tab in place—this ensures your sign is sturdy and ready to hold.
3. Attach the Ribbon: Place your ribbons behind the rod or ruler.
4. Tie the Ribbons: Tie one of the ribbons in a knot, overlapping all the ribbons to secure them in place.
5. Trim the Ends: Once your ribbons are tied, trim the ends to your preferred length.
6. Add a Star (Optional): If you want a little extra flair, use hot glue or tape to secure a star cutout on top of the ribbons.
7. Tie a Bow (Optional): If you prefer, you can use less ribbon and tie a cute bow instead for a more minimal look.

These simple steps will give you a customizable pencil flag sign that’s perfect for holding up in photos or as a fun classroom display. Plus, you can get as creative as you want with the colors, ribbons, and decorations!

Creating a Fun Photo Backdrop with Pencil Signs

Last year, I decided to take my pencil signs beyond just the photos of my kids and use them creatively at our church. I wanted to create a fun and memorable experience for our church community, especially for the back-to-school season, so I designed a photo backdrop that included some special touches.

Here’s how I set it up:

1. Pencil Banner: I created a pencil banner as the main focal point for the backdrop. It added a playful, colorful vibe and set the tone for the whole photo experience. Then I added some other school-themed decor that I found, such as apple banners and paper plates that were shaped like apples and pencils.
2. Balloon Arches: To really make the backdrop pop, we designed balloon arches that looked like giant pencils! The balloons were arranged in bright yellow and other fun colors, creating a cheerful and vibrant look. (Shout-out to my sister-in-law, Olivia, for helping with these!) We made our own, but this inexpensive one on Amazon is a great option.
3. School Desk and Supplies: I added a classic school desk to the setup, complete with school supplies like paper, crayons, and books. This really brought the scene to life and gave everyone something fun to interact with during the photo session.

The combination of the pencil signs, the backdrop, and the school-themed decorations made for a unique and memorable photo opportunity for everyone involved. It was a hit with both kids and adults, and it helped kick off the back-to-school season in a fun and creative way!

A Simple Back to School Tradition That Grows With Your Kids

No matter how old my kids get, I want to keep taking that first-day-of-school photo. We may not be able to find the cutesy store-bought signs anymore, but with these customizable pencil signs, I can still make the moment just as special for them. 

Whether you’re making memories at home or in the classroom, these signs are an easy way to capture the excitement and joy that comes with starting a new school year.

Interested in more ways to welcome the new school year? Check out five of my favorite ways to get ready for back to school!