Back-to-School Vision Board

Back-to-School Vision Board: A Fun Family Activity to Help Kids Set Goals and Stay Positive

As the new school year approaches, it’s the perfect time to help your kids set goals and get excited about what’s ahead. One creative and effective way to do this is by making a back-to-school vision board together. This fun family activity sparks creativity and helps your children develop a goal-oriented mindset and positive belief system. Here’s how to create a vision board with your kids and why it’s such a valuable tool for their growth.

Why Vision Boards Help Kids:

1. Goal-Oriented Mindset: Vision boards encourage children to think about their aspirations and set clear, tangible goals for the school year. Whether earning better grades, making new friends, or trying out for a sports team, visually representing these goals helps them stay focused and motivated.
2. Positive Belief System: Creating a vision board is a powerful way to instill positive beliefs in your children. When they see images and words that reflect their dreams and ambitions, they begin to internalize these messages, building self-confidence and a positive outlook.
3. Creativity and Expression: Vision boards are a canvas for your child's imagination. They get to choose images, colors, and words that resonate with them, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their goals. It's a celebration of their unique creativity and a joy to witness.
4. Family Bonding: This activity is not just about creating vision boards; it's about creating memories. It provides a wonderful opportunity for family bonding. Working together to create vision boards opens up conversations about hopes, dreams, and plans for the future, strengthening family connections.

Steps to Create a Back-to-School Vision Board:

1. Gather Supplies:
   • Poster board, corkboard or a photo frame 
   • Old magazines, newspapers, or print images, positive words and/or affirmations
   • Scissors, glue sticks, or thumbtacks
   • Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
   • Stickers, washi tape, or any other decorative materials
2. Discuss Goals and Dreams: Begin by having a conversation with your child about their goals and dreams for the upcoming school year. Ask them what they’re excited about, what they want to achieve, and any challenges they want to overcome. Please encourage them to think big and be honest about their aspirations.
3. Choose Images and Words: Flip through magazines or search online for images, words, and phrases that align with your child’s goals. Look for pictures representing their interests, such as books for a reading goal, sports equipment for athletic pursuits, or friendship symbols for social goals.
4. Create the Layout: Help your child arrange the images and words on the board in a way that feels inspiring to them. Encourage them to be creative with the layout, using colors and decorations that make them feel excited and optimistic.
5. Add Personal Touches: Allow your child to personalize their vision board with drawings, stickers, or any other decorations that make it uniquely theirs. This step reinforces that their goals and dreams are personal and important.
6. Display the Vision Board: Once the vision board is complete, find a special place to display it where your child will see it daily. This could be in their bedroom, on a wall near their study area, or another prominent spot in your home. Seeing their vision board regularly will help keep their goals at the forefront of their mind.
7. Review and Reflect: Encourage your child to take time each week to look at their vision board and reflect on their progress. This regular reflection is not just a step, it's a reassurance that your child is on the right track. Celebrate their achievements, big or small, and discuss any new goals that may arise as the school year progresses. This regular reflection reinforces the power of setting and working toward goals.

Creating a back-to-school vision board is more than just a fun craft project—it’s a powerful tool that helps children develop a goal-oriented mindset, fosters positive beliefs, and encourages creativity. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bond as a family and start the school year on a positive and motivated note. So gather your supplies, let your imaginations run wild, and create something inspiring together!

If you’re looking for a convenient way to get started, Delilah and I created a special Vision Board Kit for Kids available on Etsy. It’s a digital download of images, positive words, and affirmations you need to create a beautiful and inspiring board, making the process even easier and more fun. No pressure, but if you’re interested, feel free to check it out and see if it’s the right fit for your family’s back-to-school project.