Every year we make a big deal of the first day our book lessons start. We never stop learning in our house, but as far as days being counted for our year, that starts in June. What my children consider the “official” start of our year is the day they jump into their new books. That day came a few weeks ago and every year, I make a big deal out of it. Year Three was no different.
The night before I decorated our kitchen table lesson room. I look forward to this every year. I make new grade level signs (this year it was made easy with PicMonkey and Canva!). I set up their bins, and went to town! I do not want to replicate what goes on in school because that is not what homeschooling is about, but create a new and fun memory for them.
Both of my children were so excited to start in their new Abeka Books. I guess they kind of get that from me. I used to LOVE the first day of school with all the ‘newness” of the books, my new Crayola crayons (especially when I got the 64 count box with the sharpener!) and all the toher new supplies. My children are no different.
One of the beauties of homeschooling is that I am in control of the supply list, so we have much more freedom over what we buy. You’d be amazed at the deals I get on all the supplies that go clearance after all the school kids have picked up their supplies. All the things that aren’t required in the schools, are often greatly reduced. Score one for Mommy! 🙂 I take my children shopping with me and give them guidelines for what they need to get, but what it looks like is up to them. I love being able to give them that freedom and we always make a lesson out of it. Is it cheaper to buy 3 10 packs of crayons versus a 24 pack of crayons that are on sale? Learning goes on all the time!
We always end our first day of book lessons in a big way. I let them decide what we are going to do a few days before, so that I have time to look for coupons. This year it was once again Chuck E. Cheese. Normally, I dread going there because it is usually crazy crowded, but another beauty of homeschooling is that we can go when everyone else is in school. Ask any homeschooler what their favorite time of year is and they will inevitably answer, “Fall”. 🙂
If you are a homeschooling mom, how do you start your year? Or if you are not, do you do anything special for your children’s first day of school? I’d love for you to share that with me and if you have pictures, please share them with me on my Facebook page!
