Why School Buses Are Yellow (and Other Back-to-School Stories)

Rosie Talley
Sep 10
3 min read

Meet Your Host:

Meet Your Host:

Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll

Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories

Watch Episode Twelve Here.

In this episode of Past and Pen, we head back in time for a Back to School Special. From the very first public school in America to one-room schoolhouses, yellow buses, summer vacation myths, and sweet traditions like Germany’s candy-filled Schultüte, we explore the history behind the rituals and routines that shape school as we know it. We also look at why apples became the classic teacher’s gift.

Reading List:

Dear Teacher by Amy Husband – A funny and heartfelt picture book that captures first-day jitters with humor and warmth.
How Not to Start Third Grade by Cathy Hapka – Will Will’s new school year get off on the wrong foot when his little brother tags along?
Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat! by Rob Scotton – A lighthearted tale about nerves, surprises, and the first day back.
Schooled by Gordon Korman – A middle-grade novel about Capricorn Anderson, a boy raised outside of society who suddenly finds himself in public school.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume – A classic about the ups and downs of family life and school through Peter Hatcher’s eyes.

Writing Prompt:

Sharpen your pencils for this one.

What is your favorite back-to-school tradition, or one you would like to start? Write a short scene or story about it.

You can send your story, drawing, or ideas to pastandpen@gmail.com. I would love to see what you come up with.

Thanks so much for joining me as we explore the past and let our pens do the talking! New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM CST—so mark your sundials, set your hourglasses, or just let history repeat itself and tune in!

Patreon Members can answer the Question of the Month for a chance to be featured on the show! This month’s question is:

What’s one special memory you made this summer?

P.S. If you want even more reading fun, check out my new summer reading program ⁠Wander and Wonder⁠. It’s a parent/child book club with options for kids ages 4 to 12. You’ll get kitchen classroom recipes inspired by the books we read, a printable PDF journal with drawing or writing prompts, and hands-on activities to bring each story to life.

Dinner Conversations:

The first public school in America opened in 1635. What do you think it would have been like to be a student back then?

Students in the 1800s often shared one-room schoolhouses with kids of all ages. How would that change the way you learned?

Would you rather show up to school with a backpack or with a cone full of candy like Germany’s Schultüte tradition? Why?

School buses became yellow in 1939 because the color is so easy to see in the morning light. What color would you have chosen, and why?

Apples became a classic gift for teachers when families gave food to help them. What small gift do you think would show appreciation today?

🔁 More Episodes You Might Like:

Episode 10: Tinker, Thinker

Episode 9: This Episode Will Self-Destruct

Episode 7: Sweet Orgins of Marshmallows

Join the Fun:

✅ Subscribe to Past and Pen for more historical deep dives and creative prompts.

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Past and Pen