It’s that time of year again! We’re shopping for school supplies, buying books, and planning outings. In Missouri, our legal homeschool year is July 1st to June 30th. While many of our homeschool friends start their school year later in August, we school year round. We like to spread our breaks out throughout the year. We also have a kiddo who can’t afford a summer slide. Whether you homeschool year round or take an extended summer break, the first day of homeschool can feel like a drag. Here are some first day of homeschool ideas to help you start your year with fun!
First Day of Homeschool Ideas
First Day Photos
Pick a spot to take first day photos of your kids. We’ve used the fireplace, a tree in the backyard, and the door to my bedroom (it’s a nice door). Use a fun First Day Printable to take the pictures. I made a set of first day printables to use with my own kids and thought I’d share them with you. I originally made a different set, then I made a set that was dated with the 2021-2022 school year.
And then I made an undated set, because I realize I may want to use these each year. LOL
The First Day printable set includes a separate page for each of the grades from Pre-K through 12th grade, a Middle School page, a High School page, and a “first day of another homeschool year” page. The dated set has that page with and without the dates on it.
And now this set has been updated to include college-related first-day milestones – because we’ve hit college age. Eeep!
Special Breakfast
Making a special breakfast may require a little extra effort on your part, but this can become a fun tradition that your kids look forward to.
Special Lunch
If making a special breakfast is not optimal for you, consider a special lunch. Whether you spring for ordering pizza, or get their favorite takeout, it’s sure to make them feel special.
Special School Supplies
Break out some fun, special, school supplies for the first day back. Perhaps your high schooler wants a new trapper keeper, or your kindergartener wants glitter crayons. Either way, new special school supplies will put a smile on their faces.
Take a Field Trip
Starting the school year with a field trip is a great way to get them excited. You could simply visit a local park for a picnic, go to the zoo, or you plan a day of visiting local attractions. Getting out of the house is a great way to spend the first day.
Ice Cream
Nothing says fun like popping over to the local ice cream parlor for a first day treat!
Family Movie Night
Start the year with a fun family movie night, complete with popcorn and other goodies. Be sure to pick a FUN movie, not one that will FEEL like homework.
Play a New Game
Get a new game that they’ll love and break it open on the first day. Check out my Gifts for Family Game Night article for some great ideas.
Have a Class Party
Class parties are so much fun. Balloons, cupcakes, and special activities will have them looking forward to getting back into the routine. Let them help plan it, and decorate, for even more fun!
Team Building Activities
Plan some “minute to win it” games or team building activities that will get them laughing.
Obstacle Course
Create an obstacle course, indoor or outdoor, and give prizes to everyone that completes it!
S’mores
Make s’mores, either over a fire pit or over the stove, and tell them you’re looking forward to s’more fun this year!
First Day Celebrations
As a homeschooler, you can make your first day celebrations whatever you want them to be! Just be creative, and if you need ideas, ask the kids!
***This article has been updated a few times. Latest update 08/11/2026***
