It’s our second school year back in public school. I can honestly say I still miss homeschooling but right now this works for our family. The mornings are still rough. When you see our very early morning bus stop stories, you’ll know why. Most of the time I include some quotes for back to school to get us all motivated for the day.

We moved partway through the school year last year, but let them finish out the year at their old school. This year it’s a new campus, new teachers and new friends. I know they’re in a good place but my mama heart still worries that they are ok. 

Each morning as they prepare to leave I remind them to dream big and make it happen. Set little goals for the day and work to knock them out of the park. I’ve also found myself reading some quotes for back to school that I know will help us all year. Here are some of my favorites. 

8 Quotes for Back to School And A Successful Year 

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose” – Dr. Seuss

Saying this one with my kids in the morning is a fun way to get them excited about their day. Sometimes I continue the thought by asking them where they choose to go today in school. Answers like “to see the humpback whales” shows just how their imagination works. And it also shows that they remember something from science. Win! 

“Let Us Remember: One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world” -Ma’lala Yousafzai

This one is more for me, my parent and teacher friends. I’ve read a short version of Ma’lala’s story to my kids but her story also reminds me that we all play a part in changing our world. Every day is a day to teach my children about empathy, love and understanding of other people. 

“Everything is a learning process; any time you fall over, it just teaching you to stand up the next time’ – Joel Edgerton 

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time” – Thomas Edison 

These two quotes say it all. I want my kids to know that every time they try, they get closer to succeeding. I want them to know that even if they stumble along the way, dusting themselves off and trying again is all a part of the learning process. And I want them to know that having questions and being unsure is ok. Their dad and I, along with their teachers are here to help them when they need. 

“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school” – Einstein 

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela 

These two quotes almost contradict one another but that is why I love them. Nelson Mandela continued to educate himself even while in prison during apartheid. We all know the impact he had on South Africa and the world. And while education starts at home and continues in school, lots of education happens by experience in the world. Even at their young ages, life experiences have already taught them some valuable lessons. 

The difference between try and triumph is a little umph” – Marvin Phillips

This one is a fun one for my kids. They like saying “umph”. I like saying it too. We add a little volume or animation as we say it. “Did you add a little umph to that try?” 

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says “I’m Possible” – Katherine Hepburn

This one is a chant worth saying daily and not just for school. But also a nice pep chant before sports practice or an event. Or even a pep chant when they are trying something for the first time. 

Me: “ Nothing is impossible” 

Kids: “I’m Possible” 

What’s your favorite quote? Try chanting some of them with your kiddos before they head off to start their school day. Have a great school year!