Because we all know how time flies, here are some fun back to school ideas to get the kids motivated. School for us starts toward the end of August, but May and June just flew by, so instead of procrastinating this year, I am going to be on top of it...I hope!
Cute and Maybe Even Tradition Worthy Back to School Ideas!
- Make Survival Kits (Awesome idea for teachers, but Homeschoolers Would love it too, I know my kids would) adapted from thesnailtrail.blogspot.com
- Basically buy or make a small bag with some items that generate lots of appropriate discussion about caring and sharing etc:
- an eraser - we all make mistakes but can fix things too
- Starburst candies - we are all stars here
- a sponge - we soak up knowledge
- chewing gum - we stick together
- pack of pocket tissues - we help each other when we're upset
There are other ideas for contents to be found online :) Some teachers make individual kits for every child! - tipjunkie.com has cute ideas and printables for survival kits here is an example:
-
and Shady Lady
- Have a Not Back to School day. On the first day the public school buses run, sit on the front porch and wave. Then pack up swimsuits and go have ice cream sundaes for breakfast at a Not Back to School swimming party (or something similar, be creative)!
- thesnailstrail.blogspot.com says: We have a Not Back to School day at the local amusement park on the first day of public school. It's a blast and amazing to see so many homeschoolers all together.
- Kids Purchase School Wardrobe!!
- Visit a thrift store and have your children pick out and try on a new wardrobe (preferably on a 50% off day) or even better, scout out yard sales to pick up children's clothes. The point of your child choosing his/her own clothing is to make sure they want the clothes. After purchasing, have your children do chores, extra chores, etc. to earn money to buy the clothes from you. This way your children want the clothes, you get help around the house, and kids have a sense of responsibility over those items they purchased through their hard work. Hopefully it reminds them to take better care of their clothing, while also incorporating learning about money into the process! Love this idea, don't remember where I heard it from (probably from a friend) but I want to try this!
- Wrapped Presents idea adapted from thesnailstrail.blogspot.co
- Build up the excitement by not letting the kids see new
back to school supplies [of course not the stuff they picked out for
themselves in "Back to School shopping] until the first day of school.
When it is time to do that activity/lesson, the kids get to unwrap it! You can also wrap up school items throughout the year!
Homework Charts & Calendars
From familyfun.go.com
Crafty School Supplies
from familyfun.go.com
Backpack Shirt
Take the shirt off your back, and turn it into a bag you can wear — on your back!
- Book Blankets
- Give favorite books the protection they deserve with these felt book covers.
- Bookmark Bracelet
- This cute, interlocking bracelet doubles as a smiling bookmark!
- Card Mark
- Don't throw that awesome birthday card in the recycling bin! Turn it into a page-grabbing magnetic bookmark.
- Personalized Notebooks
- Customize plain notebooks with collaged covers tailored to each recipient.
- Add-a-Bead Bookmark
- Encourage your kids to read with an add-a-bead bookmark.
- A Sweet Bookmark
- Catch this gingerbread man, and he'll hold your page as fast as he can.
- Bookmark This!
- Last year's calendar gets new life as nearly instant bookmark cards.
- Checklist Place Mat
- Table your constant stream of morning reminders with this clever checklist place mat, which allows kids to take responsibility for their own ... Read More
- Clutter Busters Gallery
- Tips and tricks to help you stay organized.
- Count the Days
- Here's a totally tubular craft to mark the last week of summer and a fun way to present kids with their new school supplies. ... Read More
- It's a Stretch Notebook
You don't have to worry about these notebooks being left behind -- it's simple to make.
- Locker Pockets
- Make this simple pocket to hold all your supplies -- an easy craft.
Additional Back to School Tips and Ideas
from knowledgehouse.info
- Children enjoy the casual habits of summer, snacking all day long, going to bed late and sleeping in. The more regimented schedule of the school day may come as a shock to their systems and result in an unpleasant first week of school if they're forced to make a sudden change. A week before school begins, have your children start going to bed early, getting up early, dressing and getting ready by the time they would normally have to go to school. Have them eat a good breakfast and then keep them out of the refrigerator until the same time their lunch will be served at school. This will help set their internal clocks to school time.
- The days just before a new school year begins are full of anticipation and excitement, as well as uncertainty and apprehension. To instill confidence, take a trip to school with your children before the first day of class to see where their classrooms are located and to meet their teacher if possible. Have your child bring a friend along to make it an enjoyable event, and let them try out the playground equipment.
- A transition as significant as the beginning of a new school year can be difficult for children of all ages. Tell your children some stories about your own school days, like the time you got chased by a dog and fell into the mud on the way to the bus stop. Sharing these stories will let your children know that you survived these experiences and can even laugh about them. This may help alleviate their fears, seeing that tragedies like that aren't so bad when you look back.
- Check out some library books to read from now until school starts, and plan some fun educational activities for the remaining vacation days to get your children in the mood for learning. You may also want to help your children set goals for the year, such as making new friends, brushing up on old skills, or learning a new subject.
- Set aside a special day to go shopping for school supplies and clothes as a family. Let your children choose their own clothes and supplies from the wide variety of styles and themes that are available. This way they can express their individuality, and they will be more likely to enjoy using those items that they had a say in picking out.
- Although they won't need every supply on the first day of school, try to start your children off well equipped. Depending on what grade they are in, essential school supplies may include: pens, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, highlighters, markers, pencil sharpener, white glue, glue stick, transparent tape, erasers, book covers, folders, three-ring binders, spiral notebooks, composition notebooks, assignment pad/planner, construction paper, drawing paper, lined loose-leaf paper, graph paper, scissors, rulers, paperclips, stapler, calculator, wristwatch, backpack, and lunch tote. Even those homeschoolers who are taught all year round will appreciate having a brand new set of school supplies when moving up to the next grade, so stock up now while the stores have everything on sale.
- Finally, remember that whether you homeschool your children or send them to a public, private, or charter school, you are your child's first and most important teacher. The best way to prepare your child for school is to provide love, support, stability, discipline, and encouragement. Parental involvement has the single most significant impact on a child's educational success.
Here is a secure money holder that will come in handy at school
Lunch Money Holder 
