The first day of homeschool doesn’t have to be stressful! I know that when you check social media, you are inundated with first day of school pictures from all of the public school kids. And sometimes as a homeschool mom, you feel pressured to perform on the first day of homeschool. But the reality is, there are some really fun and simple ways you can have a great first day, without feeling pressured or stressed. In this blog post, I’m sharing some traditions and ideas that will make the first day of homeschool fun and memorable!
Be True To Your Own Style
Before I get into sharing what we enjoy doing, I want to make one very important point! Whatever little touches you decide to add to your first day of homeschool, make sure that it reflects who you are as a family!
Don’t do something just because someone else is doing it and you think you should too. Your homeschool should always be a reflection of your individual family, not of someone else’s!
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First Day Of Homeschool Ideas
The start of a new homeschool year is an exciting time! We have created a few traditions over the years of things we like to do to make the first day extra special.
Some of these things are:
- First day pictures: The kids love this tradition! They choose their outfit for the first day and we take lots of pictures of them in all sorts of different poses. We have a sign that says “Home Sweet Homeschool” that they hold for a few of the photos, and everything else is just fun. I make sure to get in a few photos with them as well!
- Special breakfast: This is never anything fancy, usually just something like fried eggs and a smoothie. But we like to prepare it together and make it into something fun!
- A new read-aloud: On the first day of homeschool we always start a new read-aloud. The kids love when I read to them and we always have a stack of new books waiting for the school year to start!
- New school supplies: The kids always get some new school supplies each year, and the first day of homeschool is when they get to use them!
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Other Fun Ideas
One of the best parts of homeschooling is that you can do things however you want to! You get to create lasting memories with your children and really invest in them with your time and attention.
Also, as a homeschool mom it’s important that you have a little bit of fun too! Here are a few fun things you could do on your first day of homeschool that don’t add any stress or pressure to the day:
- Plan a picnic lunch: This could be done at a local park or even in your backyard! Little things like this are often the things kids remember the most!
- Do a simple yet exciting experiment: If you’re anything like me, you cringe at the thought of messy science experiments. But, there are tons of simple mess-free experiments you can do that your kids will love! And of course, if messes don’t stress you out…go ahead and do the exploding volcano! Click here for some great science experiments using basic household items!
- Decorate your school room (or kitchen table): We do not have a designated school room in our home and quite honestly, you don’t need one. But if you do have the space for that and you enjoy having a separate room, put up a few simple decorations for the first day of homeschool! This can be done wherever you gather together, even the kitchen table! Blow up a couple balloons, hang a little “First Day” banner, or whatever suits your family.
- Plan some fun activities: Perhaps on the first day, you break open your new curriculum for an hour and then do a fun activity together! You could do a scavenger hunt, or even go on a field trip! Homeschooling is all about instilling a love of learning in your kids, so letting them learn through activities is a great way to establish that.
The First Week Of Homeschool
Sometimes I prefer to keep the first DAY of homeschool rather quiet and relaxed, and opt for making the first WEEK of homeschool a little more exciting! To me, the start of a new school year feels like a new beginning and as a homeschool parent, I want to make it special for my kids.
Here are some stress-free ways you can celebrate the upcoming year during the first week of homeschool:
- Plan a homeschool celebration with your homeschool group: Keep it simple with potluck snacks and just let the kids play!
- Enjoy some favorite foods: During the first week of homeschool, make some of your family’s favorite foods as a way of ringing in the start of a new year!
- Create some reflection time: Carve out some time that first week to sit with your kids and reflect on past school years. Ask them what some of their favorite memories or experiences were, as well as what they really didn’t like. As a family, discuss how you can aim to make this year great for everyone.
- Keep each school day short and sweet: During the first week of homeschool, try keeping each school day short and sweet. Instead of diving head first into all of your curriculum, ease into it by spending a little time each day on something new.
Enjoy The Freedom Of Homeschooling
As the upcoming school year approaches, remember that as homeschoolers we are free to educate our children how we see fit. And generally speaking, nobody cares more about their child’s education than homeschool parents!
Try not to compare your homeschool to public school, and try to release the feelings of pressure when it comes to the first homeschool day. You can create a special day for you and your children however you want to!
Don’t make it a big deal unless you WANT it to be a big deal. And even then, make it enjoyable for everyone…even yourself!
Blessings!
~Maryann
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