Enjoy a memorable first day at home with these 5 exciting first day of homeschool ideas!
The first day of homeschooling is a significant milestone for both the parents and children. It sets the tone for the learning journey head and establishes a positive and engaging atmosphere. To make this day special and memorable, it’s important to plan activities, create a routine and have fun! Starting the year off on a positive foot helps create a good relationship between you and your kids which is imperative for a successful school year.
Whether this is your first year homeschooling or fifth, in this blog post we’ll look at creative ideas to kickstart your homeschooling adventure and ensure an enjoyable first day at home!
First Day of Homeschool Ideas
1. First Day of School Breakfast
Start the day off on a celebratory note by preparing a special breakfast or brunch for your kids! Involve them in the process, allowing them them to choose their favorite dishes or help with simple food prep. Use this time help get your children excited about the upcoming school year at home. Flexible schedules, exciting activities and one-on-one attention are just a few of the positive aspects of learning from home that you can discuss with your kids over breakfast!
2. Set Up Your School Space
Designate a specific area of your home for school. Whether you have a separate room or just the kitchen table, let your kids know this is where they will doing their school work throughout the year. If you have a separate room or space, let your kids help decorate it with posters and artwork that will coincide with their upcoming curriculum. If you’re doing your schooling from the kitchen table (like we are), have a designated cabinet or shelf with school supplies. Allow each child to have their own shelf or bin that they are in charge of. This will help them feel like they are part of the schooling process as well!
3. Establish a Routine
On the first day of school, have a daily school routine scheduled. This will vary depending on your kids’ ages and grades. For younger children, I find it helpful to have a visual routine that they can be a part of. I love these Daily Rhythm Cards and Checklist by Treehouse Schoolhouse. Kids like to know what’s coming and these cards let them know what to expect out of the day in a hands-on way. For older kids, having a good planner is helpful for them to keep track of assignments and stay on task.
One of the great things about homeschooling is that a bell doesn’t ring at 8 am for class to start! With that being said, I do believe it’s helpful for parents and kids alike to have a scheduled start time. It’s easy to get caught in housework or playtime, and then you feel rushed trying to get work done by dinner. Plan to start your school day at a specific time so that everyone knows what to expect and can easily get into a routine.
4. Plan a Fun Field Trip
Nothing starts off the school year better than a field trip planned for the first day! One thing I love about homeschooling is the flexibility to take field trips at any time. Once you’ve had your celebratory breakfast and discussed the upcoming school year, visit a local museum, zoo or nature trail. Explore historical landmarks or take a trip to a nearby science center. Field trips provide hands-on learning experiences and create excitement about different subjects.
5. Verse of the Year
Choosing a Bible verse for the year is a great way to set the tone and remind the family that Christ is part of our homeschooling journey. In our current culture, I want my kids to know that we do all things to honor Christ, even our school work. Choose a prominent place in your school space to display this verse. This could be on a chalkboard, poster or even on your refrigerator! Memorize and meditate on it regularly with your kids. By homeschooling, we have the freedom to openly teach our kids about Jesus and learn about the Bible. I highly encourage you to make this part of your learning schedule! The Daily Grace Co. has a lot of great resources for kids. I especially love this memory verse journal and these books of the Bible cards.
The first day of homeschooling presents a wonderful opportunity to set a positive and engaging tone for the entire learning journey. By incorporating these creative ideas such as a fun breakfast, setting up the school space, establishing a routine, planning a field trip and choosing a verse of the year, you can create a memorable and inspiring first day at home. Remember, homeschooling is a unique and rewarding experience that allows you to tailor your child’s education to their specific needs, interest and schedule. Embrace and enjoy the journey!
