The Big Back to School
Has there ever been a more significant September than this year?
If you have a little one who is starting preschool/school for the first time or they are returning after an unexpectedly long break then it's quite likely that this years 'Back to School' is even more highly anticipated than usual.
If you have been homeschooling and/or juggling work followed by an exceptionally unusual summer then it might be that the return to the school routine is the answer to your prayers! But while the prospect of a fresh, new school year is very exciting it's fair to say that it can feel a little overwhelming.
It has been a challenging time but we are sure that schools are doing all that they can to ease the nation's children into the new term and be mindful of their emotional well being.
With so many shops promoting traditional back to school ranges we decided to curate a list of our favourite items from small businesses that are sure to help the new term start with a smile!
The Tale of Starting School from Tales of Me books is and incredible gift to help familiarise children with their new school and routines before they begin. It also makes the most precious of keepsakes to look back on in years to come.
Children are encouraged to take and stick in their own photographs as well as colouring and filling in blanks to personalise their very own book to keep forever. Once completed it will help to make sure that children are ready to start, ready to learn and most importantly ready to have fun and enjoy school!
The lovely folk at Tales of `Me have also created a free downloadable resource to help with returning to school after Covid;
If you read our previous post featuring our favourite rainbow finds then you will have heard us rave about this outstanding British brand before. But with glorious, handcrafted pieces like this can you blame us?
Honey and Toast's bags are hand crafted in Somerset from beautiful leathers and are utterly bursting with old-school quality and charm!
The entire range is nothing short of scrummy but our back to school pick of the bunch has to be the 'Rocket scooter satchel. Practical and stylish it's sure to make the school run juggle a little easier!
"Offering function and form in an equal partnership this super stylish compact backpack easily attaches with poppers to scooter or bike handlebars. Once you hit your destination, pop it off and use the backpack straps to explore by foot and collect interesting finds as you go."
Whilst lockdown has been full of challenges for parents we cannot forget that the past 6 months have been equally unprecedented for our little ones. Providing our children ways to express themselves in a healthy and mindful way not only makes for happier children but is sure to support a positive learning mindset.
The Happy Self Journal is a daily journal for children aged 6 to 12, based on scientifically proven methods that promote happiness, develop positive habits and nurture enquiring minds.
Beautifully illustrated and easy to use, with just a few minutes focus each day, children benefit by being encouraged to express gratitude, reflect on their emotions and think about their actions. Other happy side effects of mindfullness practise are less stress, better sleep and more attentive behaviour amongst other things.
Beautifully illustrated and easy to use, with just a few minutes focus each day, children benefit by being encouraged to express gratitude, reflect on their emotions and think about their actions. Other happy side effects of mindfullness practise are less stress, better sleep and more attentive behaviour amongst other things.
Well if that doesn't sound like the perfect back to school buy for your child then we don't know what is!
https://happyselfjournal.com
https://happyselfjournal.com
Through our lovingly created collection of hand-illustrated prints, our inspiring wall art is here to help you rejoice, cheerlead and champion, whatever the occasion.
Not only do they make a perfect gift to commemorate the important occasion of starting school they are also the perfect reminder that being yourself is the very best you can be!
Our 'I AM' collection features a host of inspiring words and creatures that promote a positive mindset whilst bringing a touch of magic to your walls.
Our classic 'Daydream Believer Alphabet' is perfect for practising those letters and creating memorable moments with your little one!
It's no secret that reading helps children to develop their imagination and so what could be a more inspiring treat than a monthly book subscription from Parrot Street Book Club?
The monthly delivery is a really exciting way for 5 -11 year olds to discover new books and get stuck into fun activities that nurture and encourage a genuine love of reading. There are also book club-style questions so you and your child can discuss and engage together!
Whilst this post is inspired by starting or going back to school we are well aware that school is not the only environment that children learn and thrive in. Many children are home educated and some simply enjoy and benefit from further learning outside of a traditional school environment.
What is true of all children is that they are born ready, able and eager to learn. That’s why the ‘Learn by Doing’ number flashcards by Happy Little Doers have been designed to ensure your little one can reach their full potential. Count all the way to 110, do simple sums and learn to associate the numbers with the words and numbers with the dots.
These simple hands-on cards are ideal to help preschoolers and early years to learn their numbers, boost confidence, and develop more understanding about simple sums.
Whilst school is undoubtably for learning it is also just importantly for having fun, making friends and building social skills.
If you have a slightly older child aho has missed spending time with their friends over the summer then these friendship bracelet kits from The Sewcial Circle are a lovely way to get crafty with your child and get making bracelets for all of their besties new and old.
They are an adorable way for them to let their friends know that they've missed them and a fun and an entertaining way to nurture their creativity if back to school is still a few weeks away yet and you are looking new ways to keep them entertained!
Each set comes with everything you need to make your bracelets and is sure to bring hours of enjoyment!
https://thesewcialcircle.com/collections/craft-kits/products/braided-cord-friendship-bracelet-kit
We hope that you've enjoyed this list and that hopefully you have discovered some new small businesses to love!
Please note that these are not advertisements and all all opinions are our own!