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34 bloggers are participating in this year’s iHomeschool Network Back-to-Homeschool Gift Basket Giveaway. We hope it will be a blessing to you!
I put together an Organized Homeschooler basket filled with fun & pretty things to brighten your year. It includes:
- A Simple Plan Homeschool Planner – This is my favorite paper planner! I used it last year and loved how easy it was to plan for five children. It allowed me to see lesson plans for all of my kids on one page. (We are using a game-changing online planner this year.)
- Dayspring Good Things Sticky Notes – for those little daily reminders
- Colorful pens & storage baggies
- Chalkboard tags, stickers, and reward tickets
- An apple chalkboard for Bible verses or inspirational quotes
This giveaway ends August 24th, and is open to U.S. residents only.
Enter more Back-to-Homeschool Gift Basket Giveaways.
Posts you might like:
A Few of My favorite Homeschool Things
Fun Surprises for the First Day of School
Before I started homeschooling I would always take a picture of my girls waiting at the bus stop on the first day. I haven’t started anything now that we are homeschooling. I will have to think of something fun
We really don’t have any first day traditions – we just jump right in!
We take a picture on the first day of school.
We go get donuts at the local bakery and eat them in the park nearby for first day of school. To be honest now that we do year round and always seem to be cycling through our curriculum at different points throughout the year, our donut outing just occurs some random day in the fall. But hey, it may not technically be first day, but who can argue with donuts in the park!
only tradition is a slow morning with big breakfast. Great giveaway!
We always take a picture on the porch on the first day. Then we go back inside and get busy!
Sadly, we do not have any first day of school traditions. We just start slow.
Usually, we take a picture in front of the school
We discuss our new school books, what activities we’d like to do, and any field trips ideas anyone might have. Other than that, we just jump right in.
I usually get up early and get donuts for our first day of school. This year I want to make little goody bags with fun pencils, erasers, etc. 🙂
We are going to do a first day of school picture
LOVE the sticky notes and little plastic bags!
We have a Back to School party on the first day of school every year. The kids love it. I have no idea what we will be doing this year, but I know I need to get on the ball planning it!
We usually have a fun breakfast, but I’m getting some other good ideas by browsing the other comments here! Thanks!
We have always done pictures on the first day.
We have donuts or another treat for breakfast and go swimming after school when the community pool is empty.
Our back to school tradition includes purchasing and organizing school supplies, planning field trips/group gatherings/lessons, marking important dates on the calendar, and setting goals for the new school year.
We always take a picture in front of the house every year. It’s been the tradition since I was a little girl. And with my kids we have a big breakfast celebration after. It’s so much fun.
We usually have a NOT back to school party. This year we went out to the lake, made s’mores, and stayed up late to watch the Perseid meteor shower. We are pretty relaxed so our homeschool just blends in with out daily activities.
No, we don’t. That’s horrible! I need to start doing that….
We just take our first day a bit easier and then plan for the week ahead.
Starting our first year! Pictures, of course, and making a poster of things we want to learn 🙂
This is our first year. I’m excited to hear what others do and start my own traditions.
First day of school photo and a fun theme for the whole day.
No, we don’t. I’m a lame mom. lol
I do not have any particulare tradition
A few little goodies (a food treat, school supply, and a toy) and a dessert. This time we had chocolate muffins for breakfast.
We always take the typical “First day of school” pic but we also do silly pics!
We go out for lunch on our first day back!
First day of school photo!
No but I should look into starting some
Our back to school tradition is usually something special (sweet and not particularly healthy, usually) for breakfast. Maybe a jammie day. Maybe both! My kids would like to start a tradition of something like going to Legoland, but that sort of just puts off the first day until the next day. Sorry, kids. 🙂
I always take a picture of my girls, and they fill out a 1st day of school sheet that records their height, weight, favorites, etc… It’s fun to look back and see how they’ve changed and grown!!
School pictures!
Fun organizing basket!! I haven’t seen this planner before, neat! Good luck everyone!
We take a silly picture in pajamas and jump right in!
I’d like to take a picture, but hasn’t happened yet😄
We don’t have any traditions yet as this is our first year, but when i homeschooled my son years ago we would go out for breakfast, then do something like a nature hike, or play games, or do a craft. This year I am giving my girls a new game and a kid’s cookbook on the first day, then we’ll do the breakfast and I’m not sure what else yet!
This will be our first year homeschooling. I’ll need to make some traditions!
We like to cook a FABULOUS breakfast, take pictures, make a self-portrait, and write down our favorite things. Fun to see these change from year to year.
pics, back to school bbq/party, back to school gift bag for kids
We are planning to start a tradition this year now that we have another one joining in on the fun. I think we will start with pictures in our new homeschool clothes or jammies and have a special breakfast.
My kids are only in first grade, so the only homeschool tradition we have right now is First Day of School pictures.
We don’t have any back to school traditions, we homeschool year round and try and get in sit down school whenerver we can between our many many learning fieldtrips/lifeschool.
Our only tradition is taking pics of the kids not going back to school. Really just sitting in pjs with a book reading or coloring to start off our year.
We don’t really have any first day of school traditions except taking pictures.
We have a prayer circle of thankfulness at our co-op.
No official traditions here . . . just an extra cup of coffee for mom!
We don’t have a back to homeschool tradition, but
I would like to start one. Maybe this year we can do it!
Dressing up in something besides pajamas and sweats, and taking a picture!
We always wake up extra early and have a big breakfast.
No official traditions but we try to go to a couple local places that are too busy during the summer like beach, lake, parks, etc.
Our tradition each year is that we do something different to celebrate each school year. We don’t start until after Labor Day, so I haven’t decided what we will do this year yet.
On our first day, my son and I start out by setting his goals (what he hopes to get out of school) then we make something of his choice to add as decoration to our classroom!
We don’t really have any first day traditions. We just set a start day and get going.
We like to go out to McDonalds for breakfast on our first day and usually take pictures reading books in pajamas to post on Facebook
We actually start our count-down to Christmas around when we start back haha. We really like the Holidays lol.
This is our first year so we don’t have any traditions yet.
First day pictures and voting on fun days to have our first full week for homeschool spirit week…like superhero day, crazy hair day, pajama day, etc… 🙂
We take a first day picture and also, start with fresh new pencils, crayons, and erasers, so it feels like a fresh start!
we don’t have any traditions!
Our back to school tradition includes pulling out our time capsule from the year before, reading our ‘letter’s to ourselves’, looking at our first day pictures from the previous year and then, filling it up with new letters and photos, as well as a few ‘fun’ things to play with! Bubbles are still a favorite!
No traditions here
We like to make signs and take pictures!
I don’t really have any traditions.
We take pics and have a fun, special breakfast!
Each year we do an “about me” page and mark kids’ heights on the wall in our school closet. This year I am going to make an extra effort for back to school fun – goodie bags with supplies and a treat for each kid, a special breakfast and activity, etc.
First day of school photo is one of our traditions.
We don’t have a lot of traditions, but this year, we may take a first day of school picture.
No. We’re pretty new to homeschooling; but reading the comments to get some ideas as we’d like to begin some.
I was just telling someone today that we might start a new tradition of going shopping on public school’s first day back and letting the kids pick something fun. I’m thinking new “school clothes” like a Minecraft t-shirt, not more toys or junk.
We take first day of school photos by the front door. We get some cool supplies that they get to pick out at the store. This year I think we may even try the special breakfast idea.
My babes put on an oversized t shirt with their graduation year imprinted on it and we take pictures. We also write on a chalkboard their age, grade, and what they want to be when they grow up and, again, take pictures. Lots of pictures 🙂
This is our first official year homeschooling so we don’t have any traditions yet.
We are going to start a tradition this year….special breakfast, photo or two, and a personal goal or two for the year.
This will be our first year of homeschooling, so do not have any traditions developed yet.
I take the obligatory photos, but I like that doughnut outing I read about!
first day of school tradition? it’s the only day that school is done in our pj’s.
We usually take the required “first day of school” photos. Two years ago, we also had the kids make life sized drawings of themselves on butcher paper. They traced each others outlines and then filled in the details. We also go out to ice cream or dinner to celebrate.
I always make a big special breakfast, we take first day of school pics to send to dad because he’s always out of town the first day of school, fill out an all about me sheet, and always ice cream to top the day!
Normally we make it a fun day and I like to take pictures, too, but I am seeing so many fun traditions to start that this year we may add a thing or two!
We get dressed up and take first day of school pics with a chalkboard saying what they want to be when they grow up. Kinda cliche but it’s cute seeing them grow this way and how their dreams change!
We try to have the best first day by having a big breakfast and school themed snacks throughout the day.
We don’t, but I would like to start something this year. Thanks for the chance to win your fun giveaway!!
We don’t really have any first day of school traditions. In the past, our oldest has returned to her moms house and we would begin the next Monday t help distract the kids as they miss her so much” now our oldest is in college
We don’t really have any big traditions but I do try to take a picture, talk about goals. I also let them decide on a few unit studies and extra curricular activities to add in to our regular schedule.
We do pictures and have a nice meal and celebrate a bit. We can jump into working hard the next day! 🙂 Thanks for the great giveaway!
We go out to a restaurant during the first day of public school in our county and celebrate first day of no-school!
We usually do something extra fun the day everyone else goes back to school! Thanks for a fun giveaway!
We don’t. But seeing how pretty much everyone else does, I feel like we should start something. We homeschool year round so we just keep going and don’t pay much attention to first and last day.
The only first day of school tradition is having a good big fun breakfast together.
We take a first day of school picture.
No, I really don’t have any back to school traditions. I love looking at everyone else’s though.
We did pictures just like everyone does for those going to public school. It’s fun. Also, the boys are super excited to see their new folders and supplies!
We do school year round so we don’t really have a “first day”!
We sit out our school table and pray for the year. Then I ask them what they want to learn that year.
I usually just take a pic of each kid and blog about it. 🙂
I absolutely love the apple chalkboard for weekly Bible verses! We don’t have any first day of school traditions, but we do try to give a “this year’s gonna be great” pep talk. 🙂
Many times we go on a field trip on the first day.
We take pictures. I was thinking of adding one or two new traditions….we’ll see. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway.
Our first day tradition is to have a special breakfast chosen by the kids. Then we take pictures with our “1st Day” signs.
We take school pictures on the first day.
Our first day traditions are a special kid-choice breakfast, followed by first day photos. We only do half day of school on the first day.
We don’t usually have 1st day traditions, but this year we are planning on doing pictures and going out for ice cream after the day is done.
We take photos and have a special breakfast
The only tradition we have is to take a picture.
We put away all the old finished things from last year and get out new folders, picking out new colors, writing our names on them, ect.
We school year round, so we don’t really have a definitive start date for school – so we don’t do anything.
We always take a picture and we cook a meal together in the evening.
We don’t have too many traditions, but we normally have donuts for breakfast (which we rarely have) and ease back into our homeschooling routine.
Our tradition is a photo and some sort of “about me” poster. This year we had a scavenger hunt where the end of it was new school supplies.
Hoping to! Just starting our first year soon! 🙂
We make French Toast for Breakfast.
Our tradition is to have a big, tasty breakfast together!
We take first day photos and then jump right in.
No specific traditions…just digging right in. With a picture or two along the way.
This is only our second year homeschooling but last year we took a picture on our first full day. We school year around but not a full load. Hope to start something new and fun this year.
No tradition for us. This planner this wonderful!
We have a tea party with a preview of the year.
We school year round.
No traditions. I am a lame mom too.
mostly just brand new back-to-school supplies and a few fun items thrown in
Special breakfast on our first day each year.
We do not have any traditions for the first day of school. After a decade of homeschooling, we should probably celebrate it a bit more. I am glad you asked this question, I am getting great ideas from the comments!
We start our first day by going to a museum. After the museum we go out to eat and come home to play a board game. We bond and have fun the 1st day.
We go out to breakfast
the only thing I like to do is talk about what we did over the summer
Not really traditions but we usually all stay in our pjs
We take pictures and draw portraits so that we can look back on them through the year.
Our traditions are taking a picture on that 1t day and the weel prior go school supply & clothes shopping then have dinner out.
Carol L
cute basket
We take a photo
No first day traditions here.
We don’t have any first day traditions or routines,nex pet it is a day of introducing new books casually. We tend to all sit on the sofa or floor as we discuss what the year may hold, field trips or anticipations.
For our first day we usually have a special breakfast. Take pictures and talk about what we hope to accomplish during the year!
Pictures
I make a special breakfast and then we take photos before school beings. We also sit together as a unit and discuss what we are most excited/fearful of for the upcoming school year.
We always have doughnuts for breakfast and have fun opening up new school supplies! That night for dinner, we usually get a pizza!
I tried to make pancakes this year. Actually, I did make pancakes, but they were nasty. I cannot figure out why either. It’s the same recipe I had used the previous week!
we take pictures
We don’t have any first day traditions. But now I’d like to think of something! I will have to talk to the kids and see what they think! 🙂
setting goals for the year and journal what we are looking forward to the most
We don’t have any traditions yet, but I am pondering some of the above suggestions.
Yes! Before school, we go school shopping. On the first day, my kiddo wears a new outfit. We take the obligatory first day of school picture. She fills out a first day of school survey (and a similar one on the last day). And we have a yummy breakfast of cinnamon rolls and milk.
This is our first year doing homeschooling since my son is three. We may have to start a tradition next year.
Always new outfits and shoes. Thanks for the giveaway.
Marilyn
We don’t really have any traditions yet, but this year we did do a back to school picture.
pictures
Sort of – we always start back to school the day after Labor Day.
Nothing specific…we do try to come to the table with happy, well-rested bodies and minds though.
Before we start the first day of school hubby gives us a Priesthood Blessing! Starting the school year with God involved makes things so much better!
We get out all our new school supplies and have some kind of treat.
This is our first year homeschooling, my daughter is starting kindergarten Monday! I hope to have a “first day bts tradition”. Anyone have any cute suggestions?
A first day picture and Mentos in a bottle of pop! We watch the geyser and then we start school!
We eat a special breakfast, take a picture and then celebrate with a special family meal that night.
No traditions, just getting started
We don’t really have any special traditions.
We take pictures, but before the first day we have a promotion ceremony with the grandparents.
Thank you for the opportunity to win!
We don’t really have a first day of school since we learn all year, just an official day for our records. So, no we don’t have first day traditions here.
Back to school pictures of course, and every other year we do an about ME video interview. Homemade donuts and board games. The first week is always lots of fun:)
No we don’t.
But these comments have been so inspiring, and it is never to late to begin a tradition!
No we don’t.
I don’t let my children see our books and materials until the first day of school, that way they are super excited to start and there are smiles all day! 🙂
No traditions – we homeschool all year long
It’s only our 2nd year homeschooling (last year we pulled DS from public school), so no traditions yet. Looking forward to doing a picture and some “fun stuff” for our first day back though.
We go have breakfast at the restaurant around the corner from our house every year before we start our first day of school.
My girls fill out a “back to school” page with goals and basic information just so we can remember where we started the year. I also have started incorporating a end of the year page with the same types of questions. They are still little so it’s pretty fun to see how far they’ve come!
It always starts on a Monday.
We don’t really have any first day of school traditions, but we usually start with the youngest child first then add the others a day at a time. It is a fun way to get into the routine!
We do not have any first day of school traditions.
We don’t have any traditions yet!
Stickers in my planner? that would be awesome!
We take pictures and have a day at the park or do school in our backyard. 🙂
We don’t have any traditions yet
We always get up a little early the first day of school for special devotions and prayer time, a pancake breakfast and pictures!
Great idea for a basket! Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
No, we don’t have any traditions yet, but I’d like to start one or two.
Not yet. This is the first year for my preschooler. I am so excited and trying to come up with some ideas on how to make it special.
No, not really. We just get started.
Our main first day of school tradition is to take a photo to commemorate.
We love our first day of school traditions: special breakfast, school surprises waiting at breakfast table (aka: school supplies), taking school pictures and going through our schedule.
Wearing new clothes and new backpack
We always take a photo and do a little interview, asking questions about what he’s into, his favorite things, favorite books, etc.
I like to take a photo of my children of their current grade that year.
no but I should start some 🙂
We vary what we do our on our first day back to full time school as we tend to learn year round. Sometimes it is a trip to the dollar store for candy, sometimes it’s a visit to the park!
No first day of school traditions… we just make it part of daily living 🙂
No traditions here, but starting one would be fun!
Traditionally, we get up, excited, and the kids jump around, waiting their turn for their very first assignments….and it’s always the same one, take the nature journals outside, and get to recording….;).
We always start our first day with a huge breakfast. We praise God for another year, and ask His blessings on our year. Great giveaway, thanks!
a special breakfast and some “fun” school supplies for each kid with a bow on top!
*kelly
kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com
This is our 2nd year of homeschooling… So we definitely need to start a tradition,
This is our first year, no traditions yet. I’m freaking out!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
We bake something on the first day of home school.
I’m in need of help in planning my homeschool year. I’m struggling with it this year. This might just give me the leg up I need.
we take pictures. 🙂
We have a big breakfast and take pictures with their age, grade, and what they would like to be when they grow up!
we homeschool year round so not really any 1st days…