Back-to-school season hits everyone differently. Some kids bounce into the classroom like it’s a theme park. Others cling to their grown-ups like a koala who refuses to be put down. Teachers are somewhere in the middle—excited, hopeful, caffeinated, and mentally preparing for 25+ new personalities walking through the door.
Whether you’re a parent trying to ease first-day jitters or a teacher looking for a fun, meaningful way to build classroom community, one thing is universal: everyone wants to feel seen, welcomed, and connected.
That’s exactly why My Friends and I — created by a local mom from the shores of Lake Travis — has become a favorite back‑to‑school surprise for kids ages 5–12 and a classroom game‑changer for teachers who want to create a warm, inclusive environment from day one.
🎒 A Sweet First-Day Surprise for Kids
Back-to-school nerves are real, even for the most confident kiddos. A fun, interactive gift can help them feel excited instead of anxious—and My Friends and I does exactly that.
This fill‑in‑the‑blank friendship book is designed to help kids express themselves, share their personalities, and connect with classmates in a low-pressure, joyful way.
Kids start by filling out their own pages with fun questions like:
- What’s your favorite food?
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- What songs do you love?
- What books do you enjoy?
- What do you want to be when you grow up?
Then the magic happens: They pass the book to classmates, teachers, or family members. Each person adds their own answers, doodles, and personality. When the book returns to its owner, it’s filled with shared memories, surprises, and laughter.
Why Kids Love It:
- A fun, meaningful way to connect with classmates and ease first-day nerves
- Interactive and screen-free, giving kids a creative outlet
- A keepsake they’ll treasure, capturing their friendships and personality
- Easy to use—no instructions, no batteries, just pure fun
🍎 A Fun Icebreaker & Classroom Tool Teachers Swear By
Teachers know that building community early sets the tone for the entire school year. My Friends and I makes that easier—and way more fun.
It’s not just a book. It’s a classroom bonding tool, a literacy booster, a social-emotional learning resource, and a friendship-builder all in one.
How My Friends and I Transforms Your Classroom
- All About Me Activity - Think of it as a fresh twist on the classic All About Me poster. Students fill out two pages about their favorite foods, hobbies, books, dreams, and more. Add a photo for a personal touch, and suddenly you’ve created a classroom keepsake everyone loves flipping through.
- Friendship & Connection Builder - Keep the book in a shared space so students can explore each other’s pages during free time or indoor recess. They’ll discover common interests, spark conversations, and build friendships naturally.
- Reading & Writing Booster - The repetitive question format reinforces sight words and boosts reading fluency. Short answers make participation easy for all learners—no overwhelm, just confidence.
- Social & Language Development - Turn the book into a peer-to-peer activity. Students ask each other the same fun questions, practicing conversation skills, active listening, and kindness.
- SEL & Inclusion Tool - Use the book to spark discussions about what makes a great friend, how to celebrate differences, and how to create a supportive classroom community.
Whether you use it as an icebreaker, a team-building activity, or a yearlong classroom tradition, My Friends and I helps students feel seen, valued, and connected—all while building essential social, reading, and writing skills.
✨ Bring the Magic of Friendship Into Your Classroom or Home
Whether you're stocking your classroom or surprising your child with a meaningful back‑to‑school gift, ordering is simple — and you can save big.
Bulk Orders for Teachers & Schools:
- 35% off when ordering 25 or more books
- Every bulk order includes a free friendship lesson plan
- Plus free teacher resources to support connection and learning
- Contact bulkorders@lifeisbetterwithfriends.com for details.
Individual Orders for Parents & Small Classrooms:
- For orders of 24 or fewer, use promo code BACKTOSCHOOL for 25% off
- Available at lifeisbetterwithfriends.com, on Amazon and at local stores in and around Austin. Promo code not valid on Amazon and in-store.
- Promo ends August 31st