Back-to-school blogs

It’s back-to-school time even though it feels like I was just writing an “it’s summertime” column. But pencils are sharpened, clothes are pressed, kids are headed out the door and the blogs are in back-to-school mode.

First click into read this sweetly honest essay “On Starting High School.” This from a Mormon mom who had just dropped off her daughter: “For the first time, we dropped you off today without a carefully checked list of school supplies — each folder and Kleenex box neatly labeled with your name….I hope we’ve taught you enough about life that you will be able to walk in confidently — but not proudly — and embrace all the new and exciting things you will learn and the people you will meet. You looked like a dream this morning. I am awed that I’ve had the privilege of contributing in any way to the person you are becoming.”

What a lovely letter for her to treasure always.

And from high school to preschool, this fashion blogger provides inspiration on “What to Wear to Preschool.” It totally made me smile to see those tiny Mary Janes.

Speaking of clothes, here is a handy list of “12 Tips for Thrift Store Success” to help you save on those back-to-school costs. Here is a sampling: “Check your purchases carefully before you buy them.” and “Choose quality over price.” And make sure to “give back. When your kids have outgrown all those clothes or you’ve grown tired of your wardrobe, give the items that are in good enough shape to be worn again to your favorite thrift store.” Great advice!

And check out how to make these darling “Welcome Back to School Teacher Gifts” (that would also make delightful Christmas gifts or end-of-school thank you gifts). I think my favorite is the crayon letter shadow boxes. And what teacher wouldn’t love a decorated jar full of brand new pencils. So cute!

Finally, here’s a bit of teaching courtesy of the Amateur Mormon Historian. Ever heard of “Nauvoo, Tennessee”? I hadn’t, but the Amateur Mormon Historian received and email about it and did a bit of digging to find out that “Nauvoo, Dyers County, Tennessee, was apparently named by a Mr. Belus Whit in the 1890s. Whit was a schoolteacher in the area who, though not a Mormon, was alleged to have been sympathetic with the church. When a post office was established there in 1898, he gave it the name Nauvoo.”

Now let’s find other educational moments from this last week in the Bloggernacle: