In grade school and high school I dreaded August, as it always meant school would be starting soon. Although I was excited to find out who my homeroom teacher would be and to get my school supplies, my days at the swimming pool were numbered and homework was lurking around the corner. In an attempt to help combat the back to school blues, I have gathered a few ideas from some of our favorite bloggers to ring in the new school year and make the transition from beaches to books a little easier.

Breakfast for dinner is a popular meal, but what about lunch for breakfast?  Chefmom.com shares a delicious recipe for Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancakes. It's easy to think of PB&J as a lunchbox staple, but making these protein packed pancakes for breakfast would be a festive way to start the first day of school!

Jessica Fanzo, creator of the blog, Party Loves recently hosted a back to school party for kindergartners. Jessica created these wonderful, personalized place mats for each of her party attendees. This is a great idea, because it protects your table and gives the kids a fun and educational activity!

Brittany Egbert has been posting a slew of back to school ideas on her blog, One Charming Party! One of my favorites, letter sugar cookies. These cookies double as great snacks at a back to school party or a yummy lunchbox dessert. This recipe is also completely customizable. For a party, make a wide range of letters and colors. For a personalized lunchbox treat, make the letters in your child’s name!

My favorite class was always art class. I wasn’t the best artist, but it was nice break from math and science. If you have a child who feels the same way and enjoys arts and crafts, then get ready for school by making this stamped book bag. Take this smart idea from Family Fun a step further by writing the titles of your child’s favorite books on the sponge painted spines.

Hopefully, these ideas will excite your children about starting the new school year! If not, just remind them recess happens once a day and Holiday break is only a few months away!