My daughter starts kindergarten this year. We have decided to homeschool. This year. Just meaning I have no earthly idea if either one of us will take to it so I have no expectations whatsoever of what we'll do next year. But since we are doing it this year, I'm needing to get things in order around here.
I've been caught up in researching our teaching/learning materials and haven't thought much about preparing my daughter for the event. She's never been to preschool so the whole concept of school (except, of course, for her experience in our one-morning-a-week co-op last year) is still foreign to her. And homeschool is foreign to me. I think we both need something special to kick off the new year.
I prepared the idea for this back-to-school scavenger hunt for the Celebrations radio show, but didn't have a chance to share it. I've decided to use it with my daughter, whom I expect will be thrilled. Ours will, of course, be the start-of-school version.
Here you go....
Collect some of the items your child will need for school: pencils, crayons, glue, scissors, maps, book (on a topic they've chosen to study or one you know they'd enjoy reading), homemade reusable sandwich/snack bags, lunch bag, thermos or water bottle, interesting ribbon or key chain for house key, favorite snack, bracelet, socks, tiny tissue pack, markers, clay, paint, etc .
Find a school-related image (books, bus, globe, crayons, map, school building, etc.) online or scan one into your computer then print out several small copies onto cardstock. Cut them out and fold like cards or leave them flat like postcards. Use these for your scavenger hunt clues.
Hide the supplies/gifts around your house or outdoors and create clues to lead your child on a hunt for each item. Provide your child with something for collecting her goodies or lead her 1st to a new school bag or box.
Print or write your clues inside or on the back of your clue cards. Be cute and simple.
Example: I'll carry water or milk for you to drink. Look for me under your kitchen sink. (New drinking bottle in the play kitchen).
Monster, bug or bike. Sculpt me how you'd like. Stretch me, roll me, push me, pull me. Find me next to your blanket that's woolly. (New clay hiding on the bed).
After your child has collected all her new items, help her open them and prepare them for school, putting in her bag or arranging in her home study space.
If you're thinking of going green this school year, here's a short list of resources.
Stylish and eco-friendly snack bags, boxes, and bottles
Betz White's sandwich wrap
LunchSkins Reusable Sandwich Bag
Fresh Snack Pack
Stainless steel lunch box
Stainless steel lunch bowl and boxes
Not your plastic Strawberry Shortcake thermos
Eco-art and school supplies
Smencils and more at Stubby Pencil Studio
Recycled newspaper colored pencils and cute stuff
Adhesive paste
Binders, notebooks, and paper
I always loved the start of a new school year, as a child AND as a mom. Now I'm excited as the nanna of a homeschool kindergartner! The scavenger hunt idea is fabulous...even more so for being eco-friendly.
ReplyDeleteWe home school too, this will be the start of our second year. We are trying out an adapted version of the workbox system this year to keep more organized. You can read more about it at Our Nifty Note Book blog. She started school this week. Good luck and I think you will enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI was homeschooled from Kindergarten through high school. Loved it! I hope you do too!
ReplyDeleteAnd here's what my mom says to people just starting out: remember that you've already been homeschooling throughout your little one's life so far! All that they know, you've taught them. And one other piece of advice: don't try to do too much. You'll all be happier.
I love this idea! We just started our homeschool year for 1st grade, and I wanted to make it feel special for my son. This would have been so cool for his first day, I wish I'd thought of it.
ReplyDeletewhat a fun idea! thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletevery nice blog. I found it whilest looking for plum pudding recipes...grin...and here you are! Not quite what I was looking for but what a great place you have here. I am just sending my one and only off to university this year...and you have one off to kindergarten. Sigh....hits me like a ton of bricks how quickly time flies. Anyway...great blog...great links to recipe sites...I find similar connections everywhere I go and many of your favorites are mine as well. All the best! feel free to come on by sometime...I love to cook, write and just journal....
ReplyDeleteRemember when Dad had to follow the clues to his Christmas gift?
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for an Eco Friendly Laundry Soap...try Rockin Green. I can't say enough good things about it!
ReplyDeletewonderful post. our daughter starts K this year too and i am so nervous about it and wanting to research homeschool options, if for no other reason than for how we can supplement and support her education at home.
ReplyDeletei love your treasure hunt and eco goods.
and i want a globe just like in your photos!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
I was homeschooled off and on myself, and now we homeschool our four kids. We started our daughter in public kindergarten, 5 year ago, and regretted it almost immediately. She went for 3 months before my husband begged me to pull her out.(And he was initially opposed to homeschooling!)
ReplyDeleteNow we're having a blast!! There are hard days, but it is SO worth it. I just can't stress that enough! :-)
Your Scavenger hunt is a fun way to start the year!!
Hi Megan,
ReplyDeleteIt was so great hanging out with you megan and jess last week! As I mentioned, my friend write an awesome blog re: Homeschooling her 8 kids and more. her website is...http://www.preschoolersandpeace.com/
Best,
Beth
Love this idea! I have high hopes for homeschooling, and so many ideas that I need to sit down and start getting them organized NOW - and the little one is only two. Anyway. Love this idea, and linked to it on my weekly roundup (post is here. Thanks so much for sharing! (Which reminds me - I need to leave a link on your bath toys post to the fishing game I made from your idea!)
ReplyDeleteHooray! Love the scav hunt - I was homeschooled too and it was brilliant. Circumstances permitting, I plan to homeschool my eventual brood too :)
ReplyDeleteI saw your craft idea in Country Living. My kids handprints were a gift to my mom! Since then I check your blog every few days. You have great ideas!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to homeschooling! I am starting my third year. We love it! I hope that your family will too.
Blue topaz ring will certainly be thpmas sabo your best option if you are intended to thomas sabo jewellery include a ring into your gemstone jewelry collection. cheap thomas sabo charms Either if you wish to wear the ring on a special occasion or thomas bracelets wear this sort of ornaments on a daily basis, silver charm carriers it is up to your account. Blue thomas sabo necklaces topaz ring can ensure you that you will attract every person.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to make your school- and office-supply purchases lighter on the earth – and your wallet.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is better to let the teacher to do that kind of work because they can get bored if they learn things ahead in class.
ReplyDeleteHey its been really a very good and informative post to read on. I will keep these points in my mind from now onwards, hope will not commit mistakes
ReplyDeletenatural minerals
best naturals
Lovely post and good to know about eco-friendly school supplies. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletewaste management audit
recycling and waste management
토토
ReplyDelete먹튀검증
What’s up Dear, are you genuinely visiting this web page
daily, if so then you will definitely take good knowledge.
토토사이트
ReplyDelete안전놀이터
As I website possessor I believe the articles here is very excellent, thanks for your efforts.
I like what you guys are usually up too. This type of
ReplyDeleteclever work and exposure! Keep up the terrific works guys
카지노사이트
바카라사이트
카지노사이트
ReplyDelete바카라사이트
What’s up, yeah this post is truly nice and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.
Wow, great article.Really looking forward to read more. 스포츠토토
ReplyDeleteI wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already! want to learn more? click the link here:
ReplyDelete스포츠토토
바카라사이트
ReplyDeleteYour web site is great. I was extremely touched by this post. I'm so pleased to locate the write-up I have actually been seeking for a long period of time. I covet the amount of individuals sympathize with your writing. You discover a great deal of expertise from my writing.
I have read your article; it is very informative and helpful for me. I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it. Feel free to visit my website; 바카라사이트
ReplyDeleteI’m now not positive the place you are getting your info, however great topic. 온라인바둑이
ReplyDeleteThe Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt and Eco event combines fun and environmental awareness. Participants embark on an exciting quest, searching for school supplies and eco-friendly items while learning about sustainability. Engaging activities promote teamwork and creativity, making it a memorable way to kick off the school year while fostering eco-conscious habits.Dui Lawyer Fredericksburg VA
ReplyDelete