Going back to school elicits different feelings for different people. Some are excited with the promise of new adventures. Others are happy to continue with the lazy days of summer. But what’s true for everyone is that learning can be fun. You just have to get creative.

Here are a few idea’s to jump start the fun for your back-to-school crew. Tweak these as necessary to best work with your family.

• In general, start the first day off lighter than usual. Ease back into learning/teaching.
• Take your “yearbook” picture.
• Read some “First Day of School” books like: The Berenstain Bears Go to School -Jan and Stan Berenstain, The First Day of School -P.K. Hallinan, Curious George Goes to School -Margaret and H.A. Reys.
• Give a small gift to each child such as a pencil, a special folder, or notebook with their name on it. They’ll enjoy having something all their own & it will teach them the responsibility of keeping up with something themselves.



• Make a list of “Firsts”. It can be common things like “first foods” or “first friends”. Or it can even be more along the lines of educational things like “first leaders” or “first cities”, etc.
• Have a “Back to School Scavenger Hunt”. Make a list of common school items such as paperclips, chalk, etc & hide them beforehand. Print up sheets with “clues” to each item and/or it’s location. Have fun!
• Start learning a Word-A-Day. Include the part of speech, pronunciation & even example sentences. Introduce your new word at the beginning of the school day & see how many times you can use your new word that day. You can use these words for dictionary & grammar work. At the end of each week, you can even have the children put the words in alphabetical order.



• Ask your children what they want to learn about on the first day. You might be surprised at their answers!
• Suggest that you start a family newsletter. This can be whatever time frame you want, weekly monthly etc. Inquire on what each child would like to contribute to the newsletter. Let them show you what they know! If their strong suit is art, let them draw the highlight of your week (or month). If their strong suit is reading, have them list the books or other articles that were read during the week (or month). Taylor the newsletter to your family’s learning & make it personal. It’d be a great addition for your homeschool yearbook!
• Have a “Back to School” party! Invite family and/or friends. This is a great opportunity to promote homeschooling and share your resources with those who might have doubts. Have gifts if you’d like (educational of course) & party decorations. Don’t forget the cake!

Check out my article on page 28 of the funky flipbook edition of Heart of the Matter Magazine.

Nikowa is a 2nd year homeschooling mom to two boys. With her “learning never ends” philosophy, they have an eclectic year-round approach to learning. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys photography, organizing, cooking, and reading. She is a #1 LOST fan and watches UGA football too! (Go Dawgs!) You can visit Nikowa at Knowledge House Academy.