The end of summer marks the beginning of Back to School for public schoolchildren and homeschoolers. In a classroom setting, it is common for children to be greeted with name badges on their desks and a schedule of icebreakers and activities to help them get to know their new classmates and teacher. But what should homeschoolers do to celebrate the first day of school?
“The first day of homeschooling is a great opportunity to set the tone for the homeschool year,” says Xuan KleveckaCalifornia-based holistic education coach, homeschool parent, and creator of The Homeschool Front. “First-day activities can tell the child what to expect in their homeschool environment and can also help build excitement for the year ahead.”
Just like other students and teachers, homeschoolers can participate in a variety of activities, field trips, and traditions to celebrate the first day of school. These options not only make learning fun and inviting, but also help determine what children can expect and even look forward to during the rest of the school year. Here, parents and educators share their favorite ideas for the first day of homeschooling and how to plan the perfect back-to-school itinerary for your homeschooled kids.
What are the benefits of planning the first day of school activities at home?
Whether you homeschool year-round or follow a two-semester school schedule, the start of a new school year is a big occasion. Even if children don’t return to a traditional classroom, they could still I have big feelings about the transition, says Katrina Sloanhomeschool parent, former elementary school teacher and creator of Home learning kit.
“Homeschooling isn’t quite the same as going back to a public school after the summer, but there can still be some anxiety,” she explains. “Along with that, if you’re taking the summer off or slowing down during the summer in your homeschool, doing activities can make the back-to-school transition more fun and not depressing.”
Organizing special back-to-school activities is also an opportunity to celebrate your children’s educational achievements and inspire them to continue learning and growing. “I think it helps create excitement and joy for the start of the school year, and it kind of celebrates your kids’ maturity and all of their hard work to get to this point,” Sloan adds.
Finally, doing something special to mark the start of the school year is an opportunity to strengthen your bonds both as parent and child and as student and teacher. “First day of school traditions can create wonderful family memories and help signify the importance of education at home,” says Klevecka.
How to start preparing for the first day of school at home
If you don’t have anything special planned for the first day of school, don’t worry. Your back to school activities it doesn’t have to be elaborate, complicated, or expensive. “The goal is to make the day memorable and exciting, not complex,” says Klevecka. “A simple tradition like a special breakfast, a walk in nature, or reading a favorite book together can make the day special.”
When planning activities, try to keep in mind your overall parenting style and goals, says Sloan. She recommends choosing games and activities that:
- Are simple and enjoyable for everyone.
- Show children that they can have fun while learning.
- Connect to the topics and/or lessons you plan to teach.
- Relate it to your goals for the rest of the school year.
- Get children to think about their own goals and interests.
There are many options depending on your family’s interests and budget. “Remember that the focus should be on creating a positive atmosphere for learning and promoting a love of education,” adds Klevecka.
First Day Homeschool Ideas for All Ages, Budgets, and Learning Styles
To give you a head start in planning the new school year, here are 15 unique and engaging first day of home school activities, games, and traditions to consider.
Festivals and traditions
1. Create a back-to-school time capsule
Create memories with a first day of school time capsule inspired by Fatema Art Exhibition. You can include current photos, interviews with each child, letters or drawings about the children’s future, and fun trinkets. Bury it or store it in a safe place and open it together at the end of the school year.
2. Plan a special breakfast for the first day of school
“I recommend a fun breakfast to start the first day,” says Sloan. “Food makes everything better.” She suggests breakfast ideas like a waffle bar or smiley pancakes to add a little fun. If you’re feeling creative, try making them pencil shaped back to school pancakes Since Miss Honey Home.
3. Take photos of the first day of school
![](https://www.care.com/c/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/arvitananda.png)
Back to school photos aren’t just for kids heading back to class; They are for everyone! Get cute signs with the kids’ grade levels, like homeschooling mom. Arvita Ananda or ask them to put on their favorite outfits. A photo from the first day is a great memory to look back on throughout the year.
4. Throw a Back-to-Home Party
![](https://www.care.com/c/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/RabbitTrailsHomeschool-1.png)
Start the school year off right with a back to school party at home using cute, free printable decor like these designs from Homeschooling on the Rabbit Trails. Personalize your party with your favorite snacks and treats, music and maybe even a game or two. This is a great way to improve everyone’s mood.
5. Surprise kids with first day of school gift baskets
![](https://www.care.com/c/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Modern-Classical-Homeschool.png)
Mark the transition to a new year with a first day of school basket inspired by Modern Classical Homeschool. These baskets include essentials like pencils and watercolors, as well as fun surprises. Best of all, the baskets are reusable and refillable for each new year.
Games and activities
1. Design a home escape room
Older children will be delighted DIY escape room idea of It Girl Getaways. You can challenge children to solve puzzles, spell words, and solve math problems to work their way to their “escape.” It’s a great way to stimulate their brains and keep them learning for another year.
2. Organize a scavenger hunt for school supplies
![](https://www.care.com/c/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/rockyourhomeschool.png)
What do you get when you combine reading practice, physical activity, and motivation for the new school year? This treasure hunt for school supplies Since Rock your homeschool. Not only will kids love the idea of using their school supplies for a fun game, but it will also inspire them to pitch in to help you set up the school area.
3. Make it a board game day
Is it OK to only play games on the first day of school at home? You bet yes! Jessica from The Waldock Way recommended play board games that help children learn in different ways. You can incorporate quizzes, math, fine motor skills, spelling, and many other skills. Plus, you make connections and discover that learning is a lot of fun.
4. Go on an excursion
![](https://www.care.com/c/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/IMG_8858.jpg.optimal.jpg)
“One of our favorite traditions for the first day of school is going on a field trip,” says Klevecka. “Each year varies, and that could be anything from visiting a local museum to hiking or exploring a historic site.” Not only are field trips fun and interactive, they also set the tone for a year of exploration and discovery, she adds.
5. Host the Olympics at home
Challenge children to participate in a series of engaging and Olympic style educational games, like measuring how far they can slide a cup full of water without spilling it or running a relay to carry (and count!) as many spoonfuls of dry pasta as possible. TikToker Adrianna Paige gets credit for this idea, which she uses as a rainy day activity. It can be reused for a gold medal-worthy first day of school.
Learning and goal setting
1. Create your own family puzzle for back to school
![](https://www.care.com/c/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/GettyImages-1446509612.jpg.optimal.jpg)
One of Sloan’s favorite back-to-school activities is a family puzzle collage using paper puzzle pieces. “Each member draws a picture of something they are looking forward to doing or learning that year. You put all the pieces together and hang them to remind everyone of the excitement of the new school year,” she explains.
2. Conduct interviews for the first day of school
![](https://www.care.com/c/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/pinkbaydesigns.png)
Do first day of school interviews using a free template, like this one from Pink Berry Designs. This will give them some writing practice, help you capture your children’s interests in the moment, and create a charming keepsake. Complete another one at the end of the year to see how much they have changed.
3. Plan a “Discovery Day”
![](https://www.care.com/c/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/GettyImages-1491349930.jpg.optimal.jpg)
You have spent a lot of time and energy planning for the school year. Now let the kids see what you have in store for them! Julie at Good strong house makes a comeback »Discovery day” during which her children play with their new school supplies, go through their curriculum, ask questions and talk about what they’re most excited to learn.
4. Make it a themed learning day
Choose a book your kids love and plan your first day of school around it. For example, Mialca, who manages the TikTok account MisfitMom_Mialca258I planned it the first day of a preschooler around the book “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom”. It included a themed breakfast (cinnamon and palm fruit toast), as well as themed activities, like a sensory bin and art. You can adapt this idea to any age group.
5. Write letters to yourself for the first day of school
This idea comes from a school teacher and TikTok influencer Amandine Monroe. First, read the book “A letter to my teacher» to your child. Then, ask them to write a letter describing the things they want you to know and what they hope to learn this year. You can also write them your own letter. It’s a great way to align your goals for the year and practice your writing too!