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The first day of homeschool comes with fresh slate and excitement for what the new year can bring!

What do you do on the first day of school to make it special? Here are great ideas from members of our Homeschooling in Oregon Facebook group!

“On the first day of public school, we do “Not Back to School Day.” I take them out to breakfast, and then we do something fun with other homeschoolers (lake, river, swimming, etc.). Then on the first day of our school, I take them out to donuts, and we do our grade pictures. We come home and talk about what we’re doing for the year, establish a schedule together, etc.” ~ Brooke

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“We try to do something no one who has to go to school will be doing. It makes homeschooling extra special. Usually, it’s breakfast out or a fun place that’s open but pretty empty with all others in school, or a local travel spot, mini-vacation, camping, etc.” ~ Tami

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“We made homemade donuts on the first day of school. Everybody helped. Also, they made handwriting samples of their name, Mommy and Daddy’s other names, address, phone, email in printing and cursive (as appropriate). These are very cool to look back upon!” ~ Deborah

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“The night before, my kids each get a new pair of pajamas. They get to spend the whole first day wearing them. We do donuts for breakfast, take photos, and go to dinner that evening.” ~ Nicole

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“New school supplies, a little time to decorate new notebooks for various subjects, and M&M math.” ~ Shelli

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“We talk about what they want to learn over the course of the school year. If they have any special interests or personal goals for the year.” ~ Leah 

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“We open back-to-school cones. It’s a German tradition. They are filled with school supplies and a special treat or two.” ~ Jamie

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“We gather at a park or river with as many homeschoolers as we can find to celebrate freedom.” ~ Angie

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“Scavenger hunt for school supplies around the house.” ~ Connie

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“First day of school pictures with homemade signs, then I text the photos to our family members. Grandma usually sends a text that she is praying for us on the first day, too.” ~ Annalisa

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“We start our first day of school in a different state and spend the day exploring.” ~ Kim

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“We go out for breakfast on the first day. We talk about plans for the year. When we get home, the kids get to see all their new curriculum.” ~ Korri

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“This year I’m going to do something new. Each day for the first month, I’m planning on staging the giant plastic dinosaurs doing something silly, getting into trouble, or having fun.” ~ Pam

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“We usually do something fun that day, like go to a park or museum. This year since we’re leaving for a long road trip it’ll be a little different! I’m thinking of having some fun school supplies and road trip activities ready.” ~ Stephanie

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“We have a morning tea. We have afternoon tea most days out of the year, so a morning tea seems special.” ~ Heather

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“The support group has a Back to Homeschool Picnic on the first day of school. Not only is it special to not be “doing school” when the public school children are, but it also provides a great opportunity for our kids to make friends and not feel like they are all alone in this homeschooling adventure.” ~ Dorothy

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“We start the first day of school with new notebooks & sketchbooks and a wrapped reading book. We start with hot cocoa, coloring, and reading! Also, have them part of the planning on which topics they’d like to study for the month and draft a plan together.” ~ Janine

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“I am going to wrap their school planners with a movie theater box of candy and their new mechanical pencils. Not a huge thing, but something fun.” ~ Jody

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“We start a homeschool yearbook on their first day of school. We sit down together in Shutterfly and pick a homeschool yearbook cover and upload their first day of school pics. ” ~ Karli

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“We get together with another homeschool family for a fun outing and give them each gift bags with a little something to sweeten the start of the homeschool year. In the past we’ve added a audiobook, coloring book, a travel game, special supplies, treats, etc.” ~ Tauna

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“We do a first-day-of-school picture in a new outfit and have a special dinner with a treat! Sometimes we make a banner too. You don’t have to go crazy. Just think of what your kid(s) LOVE and go for it. You’ve got this! ” ~ Jennie

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Join the conversation! Tell us in the comments what your family does to celebrate the first day of homeschool!

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