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As I’ve mentioned on many occasions, Traci Smith is brilliant! In her book, Faithful Families she gives us lots of different ways to recognize important seasons, milestones and other times of a family’s life throughout the year. The Back-to-School observance is beautiful and is designed for kids from preschool up through high school.
You will need:
Construction paper
Washable tempera paint
A wide paintbrush
Washcloths/towels
Shallow pan of soapy water
- On the night before the first day of school, paint the bottom of your child’s feet with the paint-y paintbrush and have them step on the paper. As he or she does, say, “Your feet remind us of the journey you will take this year at school. I know that you will learn many things and go so many new places. I hope that you will go with courage and strength and know that God goes with you.
- Before the child steps off the construction paper, say this short prayer, “God, please be with ________,
- as he/she heads off on the first day of school. May the year be full of new experiences and knowledge and may he/she walk in light and truth every day. Amen.”
- Wash the paint off and enjoy the screams of ticklish torture as you do.
You can do hands instead of feet.
Save the footprints over the course of the years and notice how the children have grown.
Simple things done with great love.
-Carolyn Hayes
Director of Children and Young Family Ministries
© 2022 Gaithersburg presbyterian church
