This is what we did when everyone in our area had their first day of school (almost a month ago).
Another day we re-organized our school closet. Jim added two shelves for this year, so everything fits very comfortably now. This makes life so much easier!
We joined Logan in Colorado for a whole family vacation, and returned four days ago. Last night we discussed the new school year in our family meeting. The kids gave input for things they'd like to learn about and projects they'd like to work on this year. They also requested the school store again. So I sent them to bed promising the 'school fairy' would come overnight and have things ready for their first day of school.
The first thing the 'school fairy' completed were the guidelines for the school store. Our school store has a few changes from last year, but is mostly the same. It works as a motivator for areas in which we sometimes need an extra boost.
The 'school fairy' also prepped their 'surprise folders' for the day (explanation below) and their supply boxes (pencils, crayons, glue, scissors, etc.). They were quite excited about them. Simplicity works so well. We had a special breakfast consisting of an oatmeal bar just for fun, completed our morning chores, and dove in.
The 'surprise folders' are a variation on the workbox concept. I discovered last spring that I could use these as a self motivating and inspiring tool. I put various activities in their folders like math games, writing activities, other educational activities (i.e. Mad Libs), and open ended options (i.e. 'Read something of your choosing, and then draw a picture or write about what you learned.' 'Choose something for Mom to read to everyone.' 'Explore a topic in the encyclopedia and share.' 'Select something from the school closet.' Etc...). The folders are a surprise because I fill them when they aren't around, and then they are only allowed to pull one file out at a time in the order I've placed them. If an activity requires everyone (like a read aloud), we all stop what we're doing to join in. That might sound crazy, but the kids all love it. The 'everyone' activities tend to be the most fun and involve the most learning anyway. I don't use the folders every day; much of the time we have lengthier activities that we work on all together that wouldn't allow for the folders. I like the folders for days we need a little more enthusiasm, when I'm not feeling up to par, or when we don't have anything particular we are working on. They take about five to ten minutes to prep total, so they are also an easy option.
Logan picked up right where he left off after our long break, and enthusiastically started his folder. I was quite amazed at how quickly he flew through everything! Once he was finished he decided to build a clock, and I finally remembered to take a picture.
Annie was almost as enthused as Logan. She was a little stressed about certain things because she tends toward perfectionism. I don't require perfectionism in their work because they are still so young, but she holds herself to a high standard AND she wants to do everything. I can't count the number of times she's asked for 'harder math' only to cry because she doesn't like the way she writes her numbers. The math isn't difficult for her, but she wants it to look perfect. It's tricky finding a balance sometimes. She was mostly fine, though, and really had a great day. Her final folder had an art activity in it (pictured below). I try to make the last activity one they will thoroughly enjoy; it serves as a motivator.
Alex flew through his folder. I only gave him three activities because that was about right for his attention span the last time we did them. I think he needs more next time. He was really excited about this color and cut page I slipped in his folder today. Jonah is his favorite scripture story. He was also the most excited about his supply box.
This little lady threw the biggest tantrum of her young life this morning. It was incredible! I have no idea what she was so mad about. She continued being cranky for a long time after she stopped pounding the floor, so she spent most of our first school day in bed. After a nice long nap she seems to be more herself.
After 'official' school activities, the kids have continued doing various things from the school closet all afternoon. The school closet is off limits without permission, so the items in it are considered special. It has art supplies, educational games/ activities, puzzles, messy creative items (play dough, clay, bubbles, etc.), school supplies, a few very special books, and various odd things (music maker, light bright, Bendaroos, etc.). Our closet has served as a wonderful inspiration time and again.
