10 Back To School Activities Around The World
Have you ever been curious about the different back-to-school activities and traditions all over the world? Here’s a look at what the first day of school is like in different countries all over the globe and some back-to-school activities you might like to add to your own school traditions!
Germany
The first day of school in Germany is always a huge event because they have no preschool. German kids receive schultüte, which roughly translates to “school bag.” But these are no ordinary school bags! They are giant cones filled with school supplies, toys, and candies! Talk about a sweet treat!
France
If most kids had their way, I am pretty sure they would want to study in France! French schools have one of the shortest academic years in the world. They devote 2 hours to lunch (I wonder how big their lunch bags are!) and have Wednesdays off! They do, however, still have to go to school for half the day on Saturday. But still!
Brazil
Brazilian schools return in February – just like us in Australia! Prices of school supplies like colouring pencils sometimes rise by as much as 500%! That is why some mums stock up on school goodies as early as 6 months before school starts.
Japan
Japanese children also receive a special bag on their first day of school just like German kids. They receive a sturdy backpack called randoseru. These durable bags are handed down from one family member to another. These bags also typically carry the children’s first packed lunch of the school year, which typically consists of gohan (rice) and quail eggs. The Japanese believe that this tradition brings good luck. Traditionally, boys carry black-coloured randoserus and girls carry red ones. Today, these bags come in different styles and colours.
Russia
September 1 marks the first day of school in Russia. This day is also known as “Knowledge and Skills Day”. Russian schoolchildren typically have flower bouquets for their teachers and they get a balloon in return.
The first bell is a tradition where one of the youngest girls in school is hoisted upon the shoulders of one of the oldest boys to parade around the students as she rings the first bell of the school year.
Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, children aged seven years old start their education with Tyl Ashar or the “Initiation to Education” day. Parents cook large feasts of lamb, other treats, and sweet desserts to mark this ceremony. Kazakh children also recite their Jety-ata (seven generations of grandfathers) from memory to honour their ancestors.
India
Pravesanothsavam is the first day of school in India. Special presents for the children mark this occasion. Aside from school essentials, umbrellas are popular gifts because the first day of class normally comes in the monsoon months.
Italy
Schools in Italy do not require uniforms, except for children in kindergarten. They wear a work apron called grembiule. Boys usually wear a blue and white checked apron and girls wear pink and red checked ones. In primary schools, the colour of the aprons changes to deep blue.
Netherlands
Bakfietsen or cargo bikes are a popular eco-friendly way to go around town in the Netherlands. You will frequently see these bikes transporting children to school as the first day rolls around.
USA
The US marks the first day of school with first-day photos! Kids typically wear their brand new first day of school outfits, holding signs of the grades they are starting written on it. Pinterest has a lot of first-day picture ideas if you’re looking for some inspiration.
Want to Share Your Own Back To School Tradition?
Post your back-to-school tradition photos and tag us on Facebook and Instagram. We might just feature them on our blog.
Looking for Back To School Tips?
Read about our busy parent back-to-school hacks. We also got Back To School Essentials you can get online so you can stay organised and stress-free.
Organising Your Kids Back To School Essentials?
Don’t lose any of your kids’ school supplies with our name labels. They are easy to use and looks very stylish! They are perfect for labelling pencils, lunch boxes, activity books, water bottles, and many more! Being 100% waterproof they’re safe to use on most containers in dishwashers, sterilisers, microwaves, and freezers. The best part? These are all made for you in Australia and shipped super fast! You’re going to love them!
