Free Chalkboard Printable for a Christ-Centered Back to School
{Warning: this post is not about sewing, and the content is very personal. 99% of my posts are about sewing though, so come back tomorrow for some stitch-love. Today I just want to share with you something that I created for my family to help us start the school year off with the right focus.}
My kids start school tomorrow, eeek! But I think we’re ready. We pulled a WAGON of school supplies to registration last week (only the required items for 4 kids… sheesh)!
But I’m getting ahead of myself. A few hours before that picture was taken, my kids had terrible attitudes, especially the boys. 🙂
I kept hearing things like:
‘I hate school!’
‘Why do we have to go back?’
‘You are so mean!’
So then I had the brilliant idea to put Chloe to work making this little poster – with the attitude I wanted them to have. Hey, fake it ’til you feel it, right? I cheerfully gave her my secret markers (that I hide in my sewing room so the kids won’t ruin them) and believe it or not, making the sign changed her attitude.
We posted the sign on the back of our wagon (there was no other way to get our supplies around to the classrooms) and the teachers LOVED it. Their enthusiasm helped diffuse my boys’ negativity and we laughed our way though registration.
That little sign had such a big impact on our day that I started to wonder if another sign might help us too. To tell you the truth, sending my kids back to school makes me a little apprehensive too, but not for the same reasons. We’ve experienced both good and bad in public school: friendships and bullying, A’s and F’s (yup), good lessons and ones I wish my kids never had to learn.
Homeschooling is not an option for us right now, and that’s okay. But since I have to send my little ones into an environment that I cannot control, they must be leaders. They must know who they are, how they are expected to act (in all situations), and have the confidence to question the decisions of others instead of following blindly.
So I made this sign and got it printed at the FedEx store. I don’t know if it coincides with your beliefs or not. Or if you feel the same sentiments… but if you do I’m happy to offer the .jpg file to anyone who wants it.
{click here to download the Christ-Centered Back to School Printable}
Wherever you are, whatever you believe, I hope you have a happy back-to-school week and your kids (or grandkids) make you proud.
xoxo,
{Update}
Wow! I am so grateful for all of your comments. There are far too many for me to answer them individually, so here is my one big answer: I am thrilled beyond words to find that we have more in common than sewing and quilting. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with me. Now, more than ever, I truly love my readers. <3
Have a wonderful day!
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂
So glad you posted this. We can so easily forget the impact we can have on others. Whenever we act with kindness, love or encouragement, we are sharing the love of our saviour. Christ puts many people in our daily lives and asks us to be the hands of God to them. We may not see the results of the seeds we sow, but confidently know that God will have these special people in his hands. Thanks so much for your post, It came at a time when I really needed God’s comfort.
What a wonderful idea not only for "back to school" but also for us who are out there in the working world. Thank you
THANK YOU for "letting your light shine among men" (Matthew 5:16) faithful servant !! Hugs!
Donna D.
I love that. It is so easy to feel defeated by our kids’ negativity. Thanks for the printable. I think I really want to print and hang that in my sons room. He struggles with self-esteem, wanting to fit in, etc. It’s so hard to teach him that he can be better and stronger and has the strength to stand on his own two feet. I don’t want him to fall prey to the misgivings of others, but instead, to have a giving heart.
I love this! I think I might print it and use it in my classroom. Thanks so much!
love this, great article, thank you. Enjoy your posts every day-this one especially. I am a great, grandmother who will be watching a 3rd generation going to school this year since some of them are in my home. Had already planned on praying with them in the mornings before they leave [shame on me-had not thought about that before]. Church services Sunday morning was completely praying over our students, teachers, administrators, etc. as they face this school year. God bless you
Thank you for your wonderful posts. This one certainly is on my mind and my husband’s mind as our boys go back to school. We have been struggling with the negative talk about school and thought it was just our kids. I am glad to see a positive way to change their thinking.
Thank you so much! This reminder is so awesome for all of us. It is something I need to remember constantly. I am sharing it with my grands today, as they also attend public school.
When I visit them, I walk them to the school bus and we always pray on our way there. This will be an extra reminder. I am going to hang it in my sewing room as well. Thanks for being salt and light.
Loved your post, while I don’t have children in school I just is a sign of a great way to live.
Thanks Caroline, I will share this with our daughter. They start school next week.
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7
Blessings,
Loved your post & thanks for the printable. My child is grown up & in grad school but I am a sppech- language pathologist working in the public schools. I need this reminder to start my day. I am sharing this with several of my colleagues who I know will enjoy it also. Thanks, again. Press on toward the goal……
Bless you for the courage of your convictions and for sharing them with us. I have no doubt with a mother like you, your children will be many steps ahead of the others in school. When we help them have an attitude that glorifies our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, they are different children than those who don’t know Him. It’s only then that they can help others find our Lord.
Thank you so much for your courage to post this. This is a good reminder for all of us and one I take to heart.
Thank you so much for the encouragement and the awesome idea of how t tackle that negativity. I plan on printing this poster and placing inside of my children’s binders and on our mirrors; as a reminder that we are to reflect His character. Again, I thank you! Happy school days ahead!😊
Thank you. It’s a beautiful printable.
Thank you for standing in you faith!
Great! I shared this on my Facebook, with a link back to your website, of course. This truly applies to all of us.
As a teacher, I cherish my time off to reconnect, rejoice, renew and rest…. We here in Canada don’t start school until after Labour Day. I have come to resent the ‘back to school’ commercials… with a vengeance; I will change the radio station, the TV channel anything that has to do with school. ALL, except your post. Thank you. You have initiated my journey back to ‘teacher mode’ in a very positive, life giving manner.
May your school year be blessed with growth, challenge, joy and some learning too!
let your love light the way! simply beautiful post <3
Thank you for this post and sharing of your faith. God’s blessings to you and your family. Ruth
What a great post!! I love the sign and the way you handled the back to school attitude with positive reinforcements and Faith!! I will be borrowing your sign – I Love it!
Thanks so much, Caroline. I follow you daily and have gained a wealth of ideas and help from your blog.
I have been homeschooling my granddaughter for 5 years and as we begin this year, I was looking for some focus to begin with. She loves Jesus and, I am sure, the Leader emphasis will really resonate with her. I appreciate the free download. Hoping your family has a strong, blessed year.
Maurine
Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you for sharing your heart with your readers! I pray that God will bless you and your children with more good lessons, A’s and the strength and ability to be leaders for Christ where ever God leads you all.
Beautiful! And much needed. Thank you!
I would just like to say thank you for sharing your Christian beliefs & sharing your printable. I will make a copy & give it to my children for their children starting back to school. We always need to show them how to be Christ centered leaders by living a Christ centered life but sometimes I forget & I need the reminder too.
I’m so glad you share it as I too will print and hang on the wall. Your Christian beliefs are not offensive and don’t ever feel they are. I enjoy the fact I can read something and feel good inside. It is a good feeling to know that Christ is with us and with the power of faith and prayer we are all winners. You did a great job in letting your kids know they are Leaders and will be sending kind examples to the others, this is what is needed to stop the bullying….Thanks again
Even though your post is not about sewing, your post is well written and much appreciated! Thank you for modeling a Christ – like attitude for your children and your readers! I will pray that your children and all those that have been touched by your post and sign will be the leaders that Jesus expects and commands us to be. Bless you today and always!
do you have a way to contact you with questions? the "free" tutorial in your link today
seems to require a monthly membership fee to access it, how is that free?
I’m sorry for the confusion. That particular blogger does require that you sign up for an account to get the pattern but you will not have to enter your credit card number. Just go through the motions of checking out and the download link will be provided. Have fun!
Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing!
I look forward to the other 99%.
If it’s personal, keep it personal.
I
Thank you for standing as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places…your lovely poster is applicable whether in school or not. Thank you!!!
BEAUTIFUL POST, thanks for sharing.
Wonderful idea! God bless you and your growing leaders.
Awesome idea!
Oh Caroline! Thank you, thank you, thank you. My morning has been hectic getting girls to school on time and I came back home and stumbled upon this post and sign. It’s a day changer!!!
Beautiful printable. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
You are wonderful!! Thank you for the PDF – it is not just for school kids!
I would like to thank you so much for that! I’ve been trying to figure out a way to help my son get back in the groove for school with a positive, Christ-like attitude (he has been the victim of bullying) and this will be a tremendous help! (We don’t go back until after Labor Day.) Thank you so much! God bless you!
I don’t have children but have many friends who do and I’ve shared your post with them. At many times throughout my life it has been difficult to keep my faith front and centre. Thank you for reminding me how important it is to do so.
I, too, want to thank you for being a vessel of honor for God! I’m a teacher and not ashamed of my Lord Jesus Christ. May The Father bless you 100-fold for your loving and bold witness!
I Thank our Lord for people like you, who prepare their children with the greatest attitude they can have. Your a very good Mom. God Bless 🙂
Thanks so much for this beautiful printable! It’s now up in our homeschool classroom, reminding us of the purpose for every day! It’s a huge encouragement – blessings!
Yay! That makes me so happy to hear it! Have a blessed year. xoxo
Love your ideas, tutorials, posts, and the chalkboard quote is awesome. Just found your site yesterday, and am so thrilled. May God bless your efforts in every imaginal way, at least once for everyone of us that you have touched.
What a great idea, changed their minds with positive words…Love it…
I really like this sign you made and wonder if it is still available because when I click on the link above, it tells me the page can’t be found.