10 First Day of Homeschool Ideas

Are you looking for some first day of homeschool ideas? You’ll find ten in this post, which is our last post from our Homeschool Tips Blog Series.

Maybe your first day of homeschool is fast approaching. I know ours is. The best thing about homeschooling is the flexibility it affords. You get to decide what day you begin on and what you and your kids do-Woohoo! Here are 10 First Day of Homeschool Ideas to get your wheels turning.

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10 First Day of Homeschool Ideas

Idea 1: Keep in short and simple.

I highly recommend starting simple. Instead of jumping into every single subject on day one, just go with a couple that you can do altogether. Keep your first day short. I recommend ending before lunch if you can.

Idea 2: DON’T start on a Monday.

I know this is probably all about preference, but I don’t recommend starting on a Monday. This can make for a VERY long week. I recommend instead starting on a Wednesday or Thursday, introducing some of your routines and expectations. That way you can gently ease into your year.

Idea 3: Introduce routines slowly.

Like I mentioned in our post about creating a homeschool routine, you need to set up and teach routines so your year will run more smoothly.

For example, in the first few days, I taught my kids how to set their own timer before working on their keyboarding skills. This lasted all year and kept me from being responsible for this.

Idea 4: Do something fun together.

Cook something fun in the kitchen together on the first day like pancakes or cookies. Maybe your idea of “fun” is a craft or a game outside. Maybe is a scavenger hunt. It doesn’t matter what it is. Just have fun.

Idea 5: Start a read aloud.

I firmly believe that reading aloud to your children is a wonderful way to bond and grow together. If you’re thinking of starting a chapter book, all my kids {ages 7-13} and I HIGHLY recommend The Green Ember Series by S.D. Smith. Once you start, you’ll seriously be hooked!

You could also read some silly poetry from authors like Shel Silverstein or Jack Prelutsky}.

I have even more book lists here for toddlers through 5th grade.

Idea 6: Brainstorm ideas for the school year.

Ask your kiddos what they’d like to learn, what they’d like to read, or maybe even ideas for field trips for the year. You could even plan a few “fun” days into the year together. You could even write the ideas on a “School Bucket List” or put them in a jar to pull out later in the year.

Idea 7: Preview your curriculum.

Let your learners look through what they’ll be learning this year. This doesn’t have to take long and some learners might not even be interested. But it might be something fun to do together.

Idea 8: Complete an “All About Me” Page.

This page will be a keepsake for years to come…just be sure to date in on the back! I have some All About Me Pages for preschool, K-2, and grades 3-5. Enter your email below to snag them!

Idea 9: Take a field trip.

Here’s a serious perk of homeschooling! Chances are, if you start homeschooling when schools start back in session, the museums, parks, and zoos will be empty. You can have it all to yourself!

Idea 10: Have an indoor or outdoor picnic for lunch.

If it’s too hot, spread out the blankets inside. If you can, go outside and soak up the sun while you dine!

Find all the posts in our Homeschool Series!

Enjoy homeschooling!
~Becky