Although some schools start in August, many do not begin until September, following Labor Day. The children have just arrived back from summer break and need to get back in gear for the academic year. A Back to School theme can help them remember what they did the previous year, review school expectations or learn them for the first time and get acclimated to their current grade, schedule, classmates and teachers. School supplies, subject themes, school rules, class schedules and classroom expectations all fall under the Back to School theme.
September is the transition from summer to fall, which begins Sept. 21. Using the seasons as a theme can help the children transition into the school year as they leave behind the summer season and welcome autumn. This theme can be used to discuss the reality of change. Children can enjoy learning about the attributes of each season and discussing the different activities they associate with each time of year.
September is Organic Harvest Month. Pumpkins, apples, beans and other crops are harvested in September. Children enjoy participating in harvest activities and learning about the harvesting process. Teachers can also use this theme to help the children "harvest" everything that happened over summer vacation, sharing their experiences and extracting lessons from them.
In September, students enter a new grade and a new class. They are a year older than the previous year. They have grown and matured, and may have developed new habits, talents and interests. By centering on personal identity, students learn to focus on who they are and on what they have to contribute to their community.