How do you usually get ready for the first day of school? Maybe you buy new school supplies, or you might have a special breakfast for this important day. Different cultures around the world have their own ways of helping pupils prepare for the first day of school. Here are some of those unique traditions.
Germany
On the first day of Grade One, parents give children a schultüte. This is a cone filled with sweets, toys and school supplies. They do this as a way to celebrate the beginning of this new chapter in a child’s life.
Japan
Parents in Japan give a special gift to their children who are starting school. It is a sturdy leather backpack called a randoseru. But the start of the school year in Japan is also unique: students have their first day in April.
Brazil
Right before the school year begins in Brazil, school supplies become much more expensive. To save money, some parents have made it a tradition to shop for school supplies at the end of the school year instead.
Kazakhstan
Seven-year-olds in Kazakhstan take their first step into school life with a day called Tyl Ashar, meaning “initiation into education”. The family prepares a tasty meal of lamb and sweet desserts. To honour their ancestors, new students must recite the names of seven generations of grandfathers.
Think about it
1. What is one similarity between two of the back-to-school traditions on this list?
2. Why do you think the start of the school year is so important around the world?
