While summer is technically still here, summer vacation is officially over. Yesterday was our first day and we got the year started with a bang. I remember loving the first day of school...new outfit, new backpack, new crayons (I loved the crayola box with the sharpener), new lunch box...and I want my guys to have happy memories too.
We began the day, as usual with chores and breakfast. Chores come first because I am seeking to instill in my guys that if a man doesn't work, he doesn't eat. They have a tangible goal to reach and a time frame to work within. Next was the Pledge of Allegiance, Bible reading, a hymn and prayer. I then spent time with each one discussing our schedule, expectations, goals, behavior, attitude etc...
Next came the fun stuff. As I said, I like to give them something fun to remember. Last year we began with a study of the military, and the first 3 days were spent in boot camp. Well, this year we kicked off with a treasure hunt. I hid a few special items (cute pencils, pencil grippers, small dollar store toy, sports notebook, snack, $5 ChikFil-A gift card) around the apartment. I made up clues for them to follow and sent them on their way. They had a ball. Here they are with their loot.
They were so geared up that by this time they were ready for math drills. There was still extra loot, so for each correct answer they could choose another "prize" (erasers, pencils). Other than a little journaling and letter writing, the boys had not done much composition for awhile, so they each wrote a paragraph about their first day of school. My academic goals for the day included Bible (check), math (check) and writing(check). All of this before lunch!
Speaking of lunch, if you've read this blog before you know that food is very important to me. My kids are also inheriting this trait. First day festivities around here included a meal of their choosing. They had been asking for months to make paninis. IJ bought me a panini press for Christmas that had yet to be used. Why did I wait so long? If you don't know, a panini is really just a grilled cheese sandwich, however there is something about the use of that caste iron weight that makes the bread so absolutely golden and delicious! Take a look. This sandwich was made with roast turkey breast, provolone cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, salad greens and pesto (made with basil from our garden). Yummy!What would the first day be without a picture of those happy faces, full of anticipation for all the wonderful knowledge to be gained? Here they are.
First day of 2nd grade
If you've had your first "official" day of school for the year I would love to hear about it. I'm praying that all of you homeschoolers will have a great year of guiding and directing your children and that their hearts will be turned toward God.
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Cynthia, sounds like you all had a great day!!! I love the treasure hunt idea and the "if you don't work, you don'g eat" idea!!! I am definitely going to use that! The panini looks yummy and sounds yummy too. I have been toying with the idea of getting one, but I think you have got me sold!
ReplyDeleteWe are going to begin school soon, too. I have never started this late, but with the move and the fact WA schools start after Labour Day, I am starting late. I, too, have been thinking about ways to make the first day special. Great ideas.
ReplyDeletewhat a fun first day of school I love the if you want to eat you have to work idea, might instill that here.
ReplyDeleteCute treasure hunt , I remember the new paper and crayons and lunchboxes.
We began our year with a fieldtrip to Ft.McHenry and a picnic in the park.And we are making a paper Mache globe- this is the time to do messy stuff cause we can go outside:-)