Sometimes I just can’t believe how quickly the summer season flies by every year! It feels like just yesterday we were wrapping up the school year and looking forward to some downtime! Nevertheless, every year I look forward to the “back to school” season with great anticipation.
From implementing new ideas and curriculum to shopping for school supplies, I just love it! And whether your child is ready for the new school year, or they’re just starting school for the first time, consider adding one of these 10 fun first day of school traditions.
Celebrate the night before!
Instead of just jumping right into the school year, take a few minutes to celebrate the start of the school year the night before! Have a special meal and even some fun activities – play a favorite card game, read a book together or watch a favorite movie!
Buffet style dinner
Don’t just have the same boring dinners for the first day of school. Change things up by having your child’s favorite meals served buffet style! My kids absolutely love going to a buffet, because they get to pick and choose what they want. Choose a favorite food or two for each child and offer them up like a buffet!
First day of school interview
Whether you have them fill out a paper, ask them questions, or video the whole thing, doing a first day of school interview can be a fun way to celebrate the first day of school. These First Day of School Interview Pages are the perfect way to help kids remember their “favorites” from year-to-year. Head over to my store to download yours today!
Decorate the door
Just like you would celebrate a birthday party, decorate the school area for some added fun. Use balloons and streamers and write a message to each child telling them what you’re most excited about for the new homeschool year!
Make a family time capsule
Each year before begin your first day of school, have the whole family put something in the time capsule. When they finish elementary, middle, and high school, open them together!
Have one-on-one time with each of your kids
Back to school is a crazy time of year. Make sure to carve out time either leading up to or on the first day of school to have some one-on-one time with each of your kids. I recently heard a friend say, “You only have 18 summers with your kids…make it count.” The same goes for their first day of school, they only have 18 – so make the most of them each year as they come along.
End of day special treat
If you’re like us, the first day of school is usually hectic and full of unexpected twists and turns. So, have a special treat waiting for them when they finish their work. You can bake something (do this together for more added school and one-on-one time), or just have a fun snack that you know they’ll love.
Strike a pose!
If your child is about to start school for the first time, take this time to think about creating a pose or something you can continue for years to come. This way you’ll have nearly the same photo each year, but you can watch them grow!
Let the kids cook!
Back to school can be a little overwhelming for some kids. Have your kids make a meal for everyone. This can even be a daily or weekly “assignment” for each child. We love to have one child pick the meal for lunch and then have them be in charge (or help, if they’re young) by cooking for everyone!
Let them pick an activity before bed
Let your kids decide what they do before bed each night, or let them pick from a few choices. You can choose for them to do this before or after their bedtime routine, but having an activity they choose before bed can help them as they adjust to the schedule again and create some lasting memories with you!
It’s never too late to start a fun new tradition with your kids, and what better time than with the first day of school!
Annette lived many years as an exhausted wife of 1 and mother of 6. Grab your fuzzy blanket, pour your favorite drink, and browse through our encouraging tips, printables, and curriculum options. Read more about me and the ministry here at In All You Do
This Post Has 17 Comments
Hello from Pennsylvania! 🙂
I would buy our math manipulatives for this year.
Ohhhh, I would fill any gaps in our curriculum, then, with the leftovers (ha ha, crossing fingers), I would get something fun that we’ve had on our list but couldn’t afford or justify!
Math for sure, and anything else not already on the shelves.
I would spend the card on a bunch of school supplies.
Thanks for the chance to win the RR gift card- it would be such a blessing!
Most of our curricula can be purchased from Rainbow Resource. So, I’d purchase whatever is left on my list. They have such a huge selection at great prices.
I would use the card to purchase curriculum and games and supplies.
Hello! Homeschooling gramma here! It’s hard to pinpoint what I would spend $250 on right now. When it becomes a reality I believe the answer would come to me. Blessings from Trego Wisconsin!
Helps for high school math 🙂
I would buy curriculum for my 2nd grader! I’m a procrastinator. 😛
With the gift card I would buy math curriculum to get us through this year, grammar curriculum, spelling, history, geography, and preschool resources. It would be such a blessing to us!
I would get all about reading, flip-flop Spanish, and Notgrass history.
I would buy math and language arts curricula as well as preschool materials to keep the others busy!
Games and/or novels
We just learned last week that we will be adopting a 9 year old boy. So I would use the money to get his curriculum needs as well as supplemental science activities for all 5 of my kids.
We are a one income family so right now I have to find mostly free items to use for curriculum but if I won I would have to see what all is available. Thank you for the opportunity to win!! God Bless you and thank you for making this giveaway possible!!