Back to School

Just because you homeschool, doesn't mean you can't celebrate this special time.

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Since this school year looks a little different for us, I want to make it fun. It's my eldest's (1st grade) first year of homeschooling, my middle's (Kindergarten) second year of homeschooling, and my little one (age 3) will still be along for the ride; however, he will begin potty training when we start school. Am I crazy? Just maybe.

Since our first day will be here before we know it, here are a couple of things that I plan on doing for our first day/first week of school.

1. Special breakfast!

   My kids usually graze when it comes to breakfast, but they rarely say no to yummy pancakes and fruit. Plus, making pancakes is fun.

2. All About Me

   I grew up in public school, and I remember I had few teacher that would have us fill out an "all about me" questionnaire on the first day. I always thought it was fun, so I want to do that too! I want to know more about my kids, but I also want to compare their answers from year to year, seeing how they have grown and the ways they may have changed.

3. School Supplies Gift

   Buying school supplies as a kid was something I looked forward to. Getting to pick out my favorite Lisa Frank folder, finding the mechanical pencils that I deemed superior to all others, and dreaming of getting the Crayola marker set with all the colors. Just me? Probably not. Anyways, given that we don't have to follow a supplies list, our kiddos don't understand my excitement when all the school supplies start popping up at the store. So how can I get them excited? By doing something different. I have already let them pick out a folder for their binders, but how fun will it be to give each of them a gift bag filled with new crayons, pencils, and whatever else I know they will use and enjoy.

   Shopping on a Budget TIP! Wait until all of the school supplies go on sale. I understand there might be some items you need immediately or don't want to discover are gone later, but generally, there's a lot left after the rush, making it worth waiting for. Nowadays, this is what I'm most excited for when all the school supplies get put on the shelf! SALES!

4. Create a vision board

   What are some things you want to see for the school year and for your family? Any special trips you want to take or parks you want to visit? Maybe you want to save up for something or are simply believing God for something. Put all of this and more into a vision board. Talk about it with your kids, make plans for the things that you can, and pray and thank God for the rest!

5. Decorate Your School Area

   Put up a fun banner, maybe some balloons, and set up the table with a fun tablecloth. Make it special, almost like a birthday. The excitement in their eyes when they come downstairs and see it makes it all worth it!

I want to close with this: I definitely understand what it's like to be on a budget, and I can assure you that these things don't define your worth or success. Doing your best is more than enough, and your children will appreciate whatever you can do. I just wanted to share a few things I hope to try this year, and maybe even inspire you to try some too!

I greatly appreciate your time and hope you'll follow along on our homeschool journey!

Have a blessed school year! And remember, you've got this, Mama!

Here's a list of budget friendly things that we have purchased for our school year!

My must have School Supplies!

3 Ring Binders (Set of 4 - different colors) - https://amzn.to/4mJ1rRm

Ticonderoga My First Pencils (I love these for our littles) - https://amzn.to/4mibs88

Ticonderoga My First Pencil Sharpener (this will go with the pencils listed above) - https://amzn.to/4mibs88

Paper Mate Colorful Gel Pens (These are my absolute favorite & highly recommended pens! Mom's deserve gifts too!) - https://amzn.to/3Hulkwg

Crayola Twistable Colored Pencils (50ct. perfect for traveling and nature journals) - https://amzn.to/4fC3LY3

Construction Paper (our kids go through paper so fast) - https://amzn.to/3JuxRjT

Melissa and Doug Stickers - https://amzn.to/3HxlMKd

Classroom Caddy (must have!!!) - https://amzn.to/45mw8o4

The Homeschool Planner (I have this exact planner and I love it. Perfect for Homeschooling!) - https://amzn.to/3HyR4jX

Decorations!

Back to School Banner! - https://amzn.to/45O1Yvu

Back to School Table Runner (cloth & cute with a cheap Walmart plastic table cloth) - https://amzn.to/4marNLZ

Red Apple Plates (because why not?) - https://amzn.to/4lt2SSB

Aurora Pencil Plush (So cute! & they also have glue, crayons and apple plushies. You're welcome!) - https://amzn.to/3JwSTOQ

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