# 194
During the first few days (and especially the first day) of the new school year there is always a palpable energy as members of the school community come together. For students (and for that matter educators) the typical combination of excitement and nervousness is heightened as the first day approaches.
Whilst families around the world have often taken a photo of the child’s first day of school, it is evident that families no longer simply document this rite of passage for themselves and place the photo in a photo album, but often share the photos on social media. No longer simply a photo of the child at home all set for the first day of school. Postings on social media often include photos with a sign with the date and the school year in which the child(ren) will enter as well as - in the case of younger students - a photo with the teacher and the principal/headteacher. For some students, the photos posted include a before and after photo series in which their pristine appearance (at the start of the school day) sharply contrasts with the dishevelled image (at the end of the day). Personally, I love these after school photos as they are a true reflection of the child and, perhaps more importantly, a testament (and therefore a starting point for a conversation) to what the child has done during their first day.
Additionally, I love learning about unique traditions and practices from around the world. I recently learned that in Russia, the first day of school, known as The Day of Knowledge, is one on which families celebrate learning and students bring teachers flowers (for photos and more information do read Russian Children Return to School on 'Day of Knowledge') and in Germany the start of formal school (and thus a change in status for those students) is marked by the giving of the “Schultüte” (do read Why Germans give their kids paper cones on the first day of school for more details).
Photo: Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency taken from Russian Children Return to School on 'Day of Knowledge
Photo: Imago/Kickner taken from Why Germans give their kids paper cones on the first day of school
What traditions surround the start of the school year for you, your family and those families in your current school/location?
References:
Deutsche Welle (2018) Why Germans give their kids paper cones on the first day of school
The Moscow Times (2021) Russian Children Return to School on 'Day of Knowledge
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