Back-to-School Prep for Busy Moms: Gear, Routines & Real Talk (From a 1st Grade Montessori Mama)

Back-to-school season is here—and whether you’re fully prepped or low-key panicking, you’re not alone. My daughter Ava is heading into 1st grade at her Montessori school, and even though we’ve done this before, this year feels like a big transition.

She’s officially entering her Second Cycle, which runs from 1st through 3rd grade. In Montessori, that means a mixed-age classroom, the same teacher and classmates for three years, and a focus on independence and leadership growth. This year also brings a new building, more structure, and (cue the mama nerves) field trips.

Whether your child is in public school, private school, or Montessori like us, this guide will help you get organized, reset your home rhythms, and show up for the school year without the chaos.

1. No Supply Runs This Year (Bless)

One of the biggest perks of Ava’s Montessori program? We pre-purchase supplies directly through the school. No Target scramble. No guessing what “two-pocket poly folder” even means. Everything shows up in her classroom labeled and teacher-approved.

If you’re DIY-ing your supplies, here’s what’s usually on the list:

• Crayons, glue sticks, and scissors

• Pre-sharpened pencils + pencil box

• Tissues, wipes, sanitizer

• Dry erase markers

• Extra outfit in a labeled bag

Tip: Don’t forget to label everything—even pencils disappear like magic.

2. Uniforms That Keep It Easy (and Cute)

Ava wears a school-issued polo, skirt, and jacket—which makes getting dressed a breeze. But we still have fun with it.

Our uniform routine:

• Stock up on 3–4 polos to rotate

• One clean jacket always stays in her backpack

• Add personality with fun socks and cute headbands (Target and Old Navy have the best sets)

For non-uniform moms: create a 5-day outfit system using bins or hangers to simplify mornings.

3. Resetting the Bedtime Routine (Oof)

Summer bedtime? Basically whenever. School bedtime? We’re aiming for a consistent 8:15 lights out.

Here’s what works for us:

• Start shifting bedtime 15 mins earlier each night, 1–2 weeks out

• Replace evening screen time with story time or audio books

• Use a visual bedtime routine chart (kids love checking it off)

Is it always smooth? No. But it’s less painful when we ease into it early.

4. Our Launch Pad System = Morning Peace

We’ve created a mini “launch zone” near the front door to keep mornings smooth:

• Backpack + lunch box station

• Shoe bin (plus extra socks!)

• Ava’s visual checklist (water bottle, folder, jacket)

• Whiteboard for school events and field trips

Bonus tip: Give yourself extra time that first week—car line traffic is no joke.

5. Snacks + Lunches: Montessori-Style Independence

Montessori encourages kids to manage their own lunch and snack routines, so I pack with independence in mind:

• Bento box with easy-open lids

• Two snacks in a separate pouch (AM + aftercare)

• Water bottle Ava can open and refill herself

• Let your child help pack the night before—they feel more ownership!

We also use silicone cups and cute picks to keep lunches fun (and actually eaten).

6. The Emotional Reset: New Space, Same Support

Even though Ava is staying with the same classroom community, this year feels different. She’s:

• Starting a new cycle (1st–3rd grade)

• Moving into a new building

• Going on field trips for the first time

To ease the transition, we’ve talked through what to expect and created a drop-off ritual: hug, handshake, and our silly “see you later, superstar” goodbye. It’s small—but grounding.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school isn’t just about supplies and schedules—it’s about rhythm, mindset, and helping our kids feel secure in the change.

Whether you’re managing supply lists, prepping uniforms, or just figuring out how to shift bedtime without drama, you’re doing great. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need a plan.

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