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10 printable signs take back-to-school pictures to adorable new levels

Check out these 10 printable first-day-of-school signs created by TODAY — our picks for the cutest pics.
DIY back to school signs - Hello My Name Is
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY
/ Source: TODAY

This fall may usher in another strange school year, but you can bet your Instagram feed will still be dominated by first-day photos of cute kids holding cute signs. (Pro tip: Not only does a sign mark the occasion, giving a fidgety kid something to hold usually results in a better shot.)

This year, be the parent with the sign: Check out these 10 free, printable back-to-school signs created by the artists at TODAY, each worthy of a spot in your family album. We created special 2020 back-to-school signs to commemorate this unusual first day of school marred by COVID, along with classic signs in case you'd rather forget.

1. 2021 back-to-school sign

Nothing quite says 2021 like a mask. Kids can hold this sign with pride whether they're heading to a classroom or learning at home.

Back to school 2020 printable sign
TODAY illustration

Click here to print the free back-to-school 2021 sign.

2. Back-to-home-school sign

Whether you're home-schooling or distance learning from home, this sign can mark the occasion.

Back to home school sign
TODAY illustration

Click here to print the free back-to-home school sign.

3. Back-to-school chalkboard sign

Like a mini time capsule, this sign not only announces the grade, but also records fun facts about your kiddo from year to year.

DIY back to school signs - fill in the blank chalkboard
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Click to print the free back-to-school chalkboard sign.

Click to print the black and white version.

4. Back-to-school grade sign

Here's our version of the classic, no-fuss sign that launched the trend.

DIY back to school signs - classic and simple grade sign
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Click to print the back-to-school grade sign.

5. Back-to-school fill in the blank

It's similar to the chalkboard above, but with a looseleaf vibe.

DIY back to school signs - fill in the blank notebook
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Click to print back-to-school notebook sign here.

6. Back-to-school "grade" pennants

Because everything is cuter when it's shaped like a flag, and this sign also doubles as a craft project: Kids will love cutting out the triangles and attaching them to pens, pencils or chopsticks.

DIY back to school signs - grade pennant, flag
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Print back-to-school penants for Kindergarten.

And back-to-school penants for grades 1 to 8!

7. Back-to-school hashtag signs

For those tweens and older kids who might sigh deeply and roll their eyes when you ask them to hold a sign, a #toocoolforschool or #senioryear sign says it all. (Also a cute way to get younger sibs involved!)

DIY back to school signs - #TooCoolForSchool
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Click to print #toocoolforschool or #senioryear signs.

8. Back-to-school name tag sign

If you let your child write his name himself each year, you'll capture his current handwriting and also get to watch its progression as he gets older.

DIY back to school signs - Hello My Name Is
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Click to print back-to-school name tag signs in your child's favorite color.

9. Back-to-school marble composition cover

It's hard to think of a better back-to-school prop than the front of one of these splotchy, iconic notebooks.

DIY back to school signs - marble composition book cover
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Click to print back-to-school composition sign.

10. Back-to-school garland

To make a fun, festive garland, cut out the letters and your child's corresponding grade and string them together. For a little extra flair, use colored printer paper. Try hanging it over a mantle or front door.

DIY back to school signs - grade garland
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Click to print back-to-school grade garland.