Fun First Day Traditions
Homeschooling doesn’t mean missing out on those fun first day traditions—in fact, it can be even more enjoyable and creative because you have the freedom to customize them to suit your family.
First up are those first-day photos!
The trendy thing now is the info boards. You can have fun with these: Teacher’s Name? Mrs. Mama! School Name: Mrs. Mama’s School for Unruly Kids! You get the idea! We kept it simple with just the grade. When your child is in different grades for different subjects, just choose the grade they fit best. Remember, these photos are for fun and to mark the passage of time, not to assess their academic levels.
We started with simple PJ photos in the front yard. Over the years, we got creative by incorporating what the kids were “into” that year. We took photos with Pokémon Go characters, changed names to grades on Coke bottles, jumped into the pool, showed off our D&D dice, and hung out with a turtle at the Environmental Center. We shared these photos with friends and family on the first day of public school, so sometimes the more creative shots were done a day or two ahead.
"NOT Back to School" events!
Next, our local homeschool community plans a big “NOT Back to School” event at a local skating rink on the first day of public school. It’s a fantastic way for homeschoolers in the area to meet up and celebrate their flexibility.
These events aren’t hard to organize. Our rink handles most of the work by opening the doors, taking payments, and entertaining. No extra cost. We share the event and make sure everyone knows they are welcome! You can also host a NOT Back to School park day, beach day, or field trip.
Let's Read!
For younger children, we loved reading “Charlie Goes to School” by Ree Drummond. Young kids are often surrounded by media that portrays school in a traditional way—school buses, teachers, classrooms full of
kids. It’s in their cartoons, commercials, ads, and even the clothes in stores. They often get questions like, “Do you like your teacher?” or “What school do you go to?” “Charlie Goes to School” was the first time my son saw HIS classroom in a book, and he shouted, “Hey, that looks like MY school!”
The book also includes a recipe for strawberry jelly oat bars. Our tradition was to read the book on the first day and then make the jelly bars! It’s a fun way to remember that others are homeschooling, too. Another great book is “This is My School, This is My Home” by Jonathan Bean, which is another enjoyable read for the same reason.
Find what works Best!
Finally, remember that your first day doesn’t have to be big, loud, or full of other people. The best part of homeschooling is finding what works best for your family. You could visit a local cookie maker for some fun-themed cookies, have a special “first-day” breakfast, or do some craft store fun to mark the occasion.
Many of us homeschool year-round for flexibility and to avoid crowds, but this can sometimes make the school year feel endless. Celebrating a “first day” gives you a chance to mark the time and cheer your accomplishments!
FREE Printable!
This printable (click the image to download) is a delightful and engaging addition to your first day activities, making the start of your educational journey both memorable and fun. It includes a variety of interactive elements that will captivate students’ attention and spark their creativity. Perfectly geared towards a homeschool setting, this printable also serves as a keepsake to cherish memories down the road.
