Photographing your child on the first day of school has become a cherished tradition for many families. A dedicated sign in the photo helps you remember details—the grade, the age, the year—and creates a consistent keepsake you can compare year after year. The challenge is choosing the right tool for the job. A reusable dry erase board designed for this purpose, like the Multiwins First and Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame at 14 inches by 11 inches, offers a practical alternative to disposable cardstock signs.

Understanding what size and type of school sign works best depends on your photography setup, your child's age, and how much space you want for writing.

Why Size Matters for School Photo Signs

The Multiwins board measures 14 inches by 11 inches, which is notably larger than many standard options on the market. This size matters because it gives you genuine working space. When you're photographing your child, a bigger sign is visible in the frame without dominating it. More importantly, the larger surface area means you're not cramped when writing details.

Consider where you'll take the photo. If you're outdoors in natural light, a larger sign reads better from a distance. If you're indoors, you have more flexibility, but extra space still helps when you want to include multiple details or let your child add drawings and notes about their feelings on that day.

The 14 by 11 inch dimension also works well for storing. It fits on a shelf or in a bin without requiring a dedicated cabinet space.

Double-Sided Design and the Reusable Advantage

The Multiwins sign offers a double-sided design, which means one side displays your first day of school message and the other side displays your last day of school message. This eliminates the need to buy multiple signs or store a different board each year. You photograph in August or September, flip the board over, and use it again in May or June.

Reusability is the core benefit here. Unlike paper or cardstock signs that get damaged, bent, or lost between years, a dry erase board with a solid wood frame survives repeated use. The Multiwins includes a thick solid wood frame that's smooth and finished to prevent splinters, which matters if younger children will handle it.

Understanding the Dry Erase and Liquid Chalk System

The Multiwins comes with six colorful liquid chalk markers. Liquid chalk differs from standard dry erase markers in that it tends to produce brighter, more vibrant colors that photograph well. The markers are included, so you don't need to buy supplies separately.

The board itself has a surface designed to accept both chalk and liquid chalk without staining or ghosting—that hazy residue that sometimes lingers after erasing. To maintain this quality, erase with a damp cloth rather than a dry eraser or harsh cleaner. This method keeps the surface clean and ready for next year.

One practical point: test your marker choice before the photo session. Liquid chalk colors vary in how they photograph depending on your lighting. Some families prefer the brightness; others find it washes out in certain conditions. The included markers let you experiment without extra cost.

Who Benefits from This Type of School Sign

A reusable dry erase school sign works best if you plan to photograph your child on the first and last day for multiple years. If this is your first child, you're building a tradition you'll likely repeat. If you have younger siblings on the way, one board serves the whole family.

The size and durability also suit multi-child families. A larger format means each child can have space on the same photo, or you can use the board multiple times in a single morning without rushing.

The Multiwins First and Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame is designed for kindergarten and preschool through elementary school ages, though any family can use it. The board doesn't prescribe what you write—children of any age can participate by choosing what to include.

Caring for Your Reusable Board Over Time

The solid wood frame keeps the board rigid and prevents warping. Store it flat or standing upright in a dry place between school years. Before using it again, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust. If liquid chalk residue builds up over years of use, a slightly damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap removes it gently.

The included markers will eventually run dry. Liquid chalk markers typically last through several uses before needing replacement, but buying new markers costs far less than purchasing a new sign each year.

The product in this guide: Multiwins First and Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame- 14”x11” Reusable Dry Erase Board with 6 Colorful Liquid Chalk Markers - Back to School Supplies for Kindergarten Preschool