The three R’s. Bad haircuts. First-day jitters. Fall is in the air (er, eventually), and it’s time to gear up for school.

Preschool Cool
Kids will love a colorful, messenger-style Slate Bag with built-in notepad and stylus, especially if it’s filled with a handmade leather lunch bag and sweet supplies (pencil cases, colorful pens) from Pearl Paint. Make the school run easier with a Razor Kiddie Kick Scooter (Mary Arnold Toys, 1010 Lexington Avenue; 212-744-8510) — and junior’s off to the head of the class.

Kinder Style
Start on the right foot with the right clothes. Like Lit’l Harlan Jeans (Earnest Sewn, 821 Washington Street; 212-242-3414), cool tops from Kico Kids (Zaba Boutique, 85 Franklin Street; 212-226-6355), sensible Merrell jungle mocs, and a cozy Retro-X fleece jacket. Finish the look with a coiff at Whipper Snippers (106 Reade Street; 212-227-2600), the Tribeca trim-and-toy emporium.

The 4.0 is up to them.
 

DIRECT
Behind the Screen
What: Kids make animations, mix sound effects, check out cool movie memorabilia, and more.
Why: Film this.
When: Thru Aug. 29. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: Museum of the Moving Image, 35th Ave., at 36th St., Astoria (718-784-0077).

HEAR
Pa’Lo Monte
What: Traditional tunes from Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Why: Caribbean crooning.
When: Sat., 2 p.m.
Where: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., at 103rd St. (212-534-1672).

DANCE
West African Family Dance
What: The Kotchegna Dance Company performs with music from Senegal and the Ivory Coast.
Why: The beat of a different drum.
When: Sat., 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Battery Park City, on the Esplanade Plaza, Hudson River, at Liberty St. (212-267-9700).

SEE
A Mini Midsummer Night’s Dream
What: In a kid-friendly version of Shakespeare’s classic, kids participate as fairies.
Why: Act out, smarty pants.
When: Sat. & Sun., 5 p.m.
Where: West Side Community Garden, W. 89th St., b/t Columbus & Amsterdam Aves.