Decorating Ideas for My Home With a Back to School Theme

Posters, Pictures and Photos

• Choose age-appropriate posters and photos for your kitchen and family room. Hang posters related to college, ambition or success for older children. Elementary-school kids will enjoy posters with school-related items, such as apples, textbooks, rulers and playgrounds. ABCs and numbers will also remind children of a classroom. Posters are available at most supply stores for teachers. Photos of classmates, sporting events or school functions, such as last year's prom, are another option. Have younger children use markers and crayons to create their own back-to-school pictures.

Chalkboards

• Replace the dry erase boards and notepads in your home with mini chalkboards. Leave a set of colored chalk near each board so family members can jot down items needed from the grocery store, communicate schedule changes or just say "Hi." Shop for mini chalkboards and chalk at teacher supply stores, craft stores and the toy aisle of some retailers.

Bulletin Boards

• Cover one or two bulletin boards with a school-themed fabric, such as a colorful arrangement of letters from the alphabet or bright yellow school buses. Paper also works, but may tear or fall apart. Browse the fabric patterns at your local craft store, fabric outlet or sewing supply shop to find the right material and design. Hang photos, pins, report cards and other relevant items on each board.

Report Cards

• Make a mock report card for each member of the family and display it in a prominent location, such as the refrigerator. Printable report cards are available online. Encourage family members to earn good grades by completing chores, reading books, watching educational TV shows or having a positive attitude. A report card with all As and Bs gives that family member a spot on the family honor roll.

Odds and Ends

• Small details make a big difference, so don't rely on only posters and bulletin boards to promote your back-to-school theme. Place plastic apples and school buses on the counter. Fill a vase with flowers made from construction paper and colored pencils or crayons. Ask your kids to help you decorate the house. It's a fun way to ease back-to-school jitters and bond as a family.