5 Ways To Celebrate Back-to-School

The return to school after the summer break can either be met with an “augh” or a “yippee”. Both are expressions that could come from either your child or you. The return to school can be one that is exciting as well as well anticipated if you create some unique and memorable ways transition into the new school year. Here are five ways to make back-to-school be oh-so-much-fun!

1. Take School Pictures

While the idea of taking school pictures may not seem unique, it can be for the homeschool student. Sure, we can go the traditional route and take a picture showing the serious and well behaved student, that will be sent to family and friends. That is way too easy. Let them dress up as their favorite character. They could also dress up as a historical figure or from the time period they will study about that school year. Another idea is allowing your child to take a “silly” picture or one that has a theme, like trains (conductor), princess, dinosaurs or other.

2. Take Notes 

This one will be fun for both you and your child. You can have them write basic information about themselves (ex: name, age and grade). The really fun part will be having some questions they can answer (ex: Who is your favorite music group?, What is your favorite snack food?, How would you spend $5,000 (or other dollar amount) and others? Your older child can answer the questions and also include their thoughts on what they enjoyed about their summer (or school break), their goals for the new school year, what they are looking forward to learning about and more. Once they are finished, it is your turn. You can write the goals you have that school year for your child. This is also an opportunity to write any memorable thoughts you have about your child. Do not allow such sweet memories to pass without documenting what you can. It will be fun to return at the end of the school year and read what every wrote.

3. Serve a Special Meal

Everyone loves to eat, so either whip up something special for your child or have him join you in the kitchen to prepare the special meal. The food you serve can be some favorite recipes. You can also decide on one special meal or dessert that you only serve for back-to-school (think Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner).

4. Take a Field Trip

I usually try to keep the first day close to home. As you know, once the school year begins, there are less crowds at those fun-to-go to-places. If there is somewhere you put off going to during the summer, because there are too many people, make plans to visit. Go to a museum, go see a movie, go skating or go to some special venue of choice.

5. Watch Them Grow

Let your child choose some seeds and plant them. Your child will be able to nurture a beautiful plant or flower during the school year, as you are nurturing them. They will blossom as will their plant with proper care.

How do you celebrate the first day of school or how have you celebrated it in the past?

Jennifer Smeltser writes for HomeLife Academy. HomeLife Academy is an official private school serving thousands of home educators. For more of Jennifer's articles, visit the Homeschool Roster.