Back To School Tradition

Photo by Jamie Plain 

Before my daughter started preschool nine years ago, my mom and I took her to a meet the teacher event the week before school started. Her teacher read this book to the students and parents, and ever since it has been a tradition to read this the night before school. My little girl will be going into the seventh grade this year, but we will still read this book.

In this story, school is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.

But, if your kids are anything like mine, those stickers won’t make it long. A supply that should have made it through high school maybe lasted until kindergarten.

But don’t worry! Here are a couple of crafts that can help you keep the Kissing Hand alive for your student as they start school this year.

Paper Hand

This is a simple one. Trace your child’s hand on paper and cut it out. Then cut out a paper heart and glue it in the middle of the paper hand. Tuck this paper into a pencil pouch or in a pocket to help your child remember your love throughout their first day of school.

Pencil Topper

What better way to remember the Kissing Hand than creating your child’s very own Chester Raccoon? This little guy was made from pipe cleaner, scrap felt, two mini pompoms and a couple of clay beads. Really, you can use whatever scrap crafting materials you have and have fun making your own version of Chester!