Back to Homeschool 2022
Yesterday we kicked off our 4th year of homeschool and I still find myself saying I can’t believe we’re doing this! But, I wouldn’t want it any other way! We had planned to start school on August 15th, but last week my three older kids begged and begged to start school early. I was not ready at all, but how could I say no?
The next morning, unbeknownst to me, they all got up early cleaned our kitchen and living room and then made me breakfast in bed. The kids told me they were so excited and so grateful to start early that they wanted to do something special for me. It’s little moments like these, that make all the hard parts worth it!
So, ready or not…4th Grade, Kindergarten, Preschool…here we come!!!
We had such a great first day! It’ll take a few weeks to smooth our rhythm out, but I’ve learned to just embrace any bumpy spots these first few weeks. It can be hard because you plan and prep and set high expectations for these first weeks and they often don’t go quite how you picture and that’s okay. Be flexible and know it takes everyone a while to settle back into routine.
Each year, the night before we start school, my husband blesses and prays over all of our kids…and me! It is so special because I know the first day is often loud and busy and so I’ve come to really cherish this quiet and peaceful time that ushers in the Spirit for our school year. After the kids were in bed, I got everyone’s school books and supplies out and prepped our Back to School breakfast and Back to School Baskets.
Here are all the details and links for what we did this year:
Table Decor
Alphabet Puzzle Pieces (mine are an older version of this so colors are a bit different)
Black Table Runner (linked similar)
Place Setting
Placemats: We got ours at IKEA but these similar ones on Amazon are cheaper.
Apple Plates and Napkins: Saving the extras to use again next year!
Mugs (linked similar) and Straws
Hello My Name Is Name Tags: I made these so I just included a blank free download here for you guys. I’d recommend printing on cardstock.
Back to School Baskets
Mini Rope Baskets: Doubling up and using these for some school room organization this year.
Mini Yoto Players: If you use THIS link you get 10% off. I bought two of these - one for my girls to share and one for my boys to share, but by the end of the first day of school we ordered a third one! My kids loved these and I can tell we are going to get a lot of use out of them. We also got one of the travel cases. I knew my 5 year old would love it (which he does). My twins have a little purse they’ll carry their’s around in.
Yoto Story Cards: We went all out and got a bunch to start off with: My First Classic Stories Collection, My First Classical Music Collection, Yoto+Lego Vroom Vroom Beep Beep, Lego Duplo - A is for Alphabet, and The Gruffalo and Friends Collection.
Educational Games: Proof and Tiny Polka Dot
Student Planners for my twins (almost 9) and Owl Pens
Toddler Cutting and Pasting Practice Book for my three year old
I SPY Early Reader for my Kindergartner
After the kids explored their baskets, listened to some Yoto stories over cinnamon rolls and bacon, we all got ready, took traditional pictures and then dove into the books. This year it already feels different because my older twins have a lot more independent work. As we were wrapping up our second day, I could tell they just aren’t going to need me as much which feels weird and exciting at the same time. I am looking forward to see how this year unfolds!
Happy Back To School!
Other Posts You May Like: