Thursday, August 20

Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt and Eco-friendly school supplies

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

28 comments:

moomer said...

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.

Beverly said...

We 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!

Mollie said...

I was homeschooled from Kindergarten through high school. Loved it! I hope you do too!

And 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.

Sara said...

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.

Bran said...

what a fun idea! thanks for sharing.

Trish said...

very 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....

Amy said...

Remember when Dad had to follow the clues to his Christmas gift?

Hally said...

If you're looking for an Eco Friendly Laundry Soap...try Rockin Green. I can't say enough good things about it!

Nicola said...

wonderful 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.

i love your treasure hunt and eco goods.

and i want a globe just like in your photos!

nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com

Wendy said...

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!)
Now 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!!

beth Engelman said...

Hi Megan,

It 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

Lenetta said...

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!)

Cwybrow said...

Hooray! Love the scav hunt - I was homeschooled too and it was brilliant. Circumstances permitting, I plan to homeschool my eventual brood too :)

Erin said...

I 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!

Welcome to homeschooling! I am starting my third year. We love it! I hope that your family will too.

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Earth4energy said...

It's easy to make your school- and office-supply purchases lighter on the earth – and your wallet.

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I 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.

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