Free First Day of Homeschool Printables to Start the Year Strong
First day of homeschool printables have become a little tradition in our house.
We never start with a full schedule, instead, we ease in with photo signs, silly icebreakers, and a few keepsakes I know Iโll stash in our portfolio.
Over the years, Iโve realized the first day doesnโt have to be perfect, it just has to feel like us.
Whether weโre doing a scavenger hunt for school supplies or eating waffles in pajamas, these free homeschool printables help set the tone for a year of learning together.
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Printable Activities for a Fun and Memorable First Day
Whether youโre starting your very first year or just trying to make the first day feel less like a Monday, these printable activities are an easy way to ease in.
Weโve used all of these over the years, some for fun, some for keepsakes, and some just to shake off the summer brain fog.
Pick one or two, or print the whole stack and let the kids choose!
Capture First Day Memories
We always start with a photoโand honestly, it’s one of my favorite traditions. These printable first day of homeschool signs are simple but meaningful.
The kids fill out their name, age, and a few fun prompts, then hold it up for that classic โfirst dayโ picture.
Iโve kept every one of them in our homeschool portfolio, and itโs wild to look back each year.
All About Me Printable
Even though weโre together all day, I still learn something new when my son fills this out.
This all about me printable is tailored for homeschoolers and makes a nice, low-pressure way to ease into the year.
It also sets a more personal tone for the days ahead, especially if youโre working with more than one child.
My Favorite Things
These are nice and easy to start with. Kids fill in their favorites, book, food, color, you name it.
Theyโre quick wins and also a fun way to look back at whatโs changed over time.
Weโve done these most years, and I always tuck them into our end-of-year folder.
Homeschool Scavenger Hunt
The first day of homeschool scavenger hunt is a must in our house.
It gets the kids up and moving (and usually laughing) as they track down books, supplies, and random things Iโve tucked around the house.
Itโs also a sneaky way to get them organized without it feeling like work. My son looks forward to this every single year.
First Day Crowns
Yes, even big kids like wearing these, at least at our house!
There are two first day of school crowns and a homeschool version too.
Itโs just a silly, lighthearted way to mark the day. We always snap a photo once itโs decorated.
We usually pair this with our first day handprint art, itโs quick, a bit messy, and ends up being one of my favorite things to save in our portfolio.
Homeschool Word Puzzles
I like having something on hand that feels academic but doesnโt really feel like schoolwork. The back to school word scramble and back to school word search are perfect for that.
My son usually ends up racing himself to finish, and itโs a good way to ease back into spelling and vocabulary without complaints.
If your kids are working on early literacy, the school letter worksheets are a great option too. Each one focuses on a single letter with a simple school-themed image to color and trace.
First Day Interview Questions
We do the get to know you questions every year and itโs one of those simple things that turns into a great keepsake.
There are 15 fun, open-ended questions, some are silly, some are thoughtful, and I always make a note of a few answers to compare next year.
Another calm, creative option weโve used is the back to school color by number. Itโs perfect when kids need a quiet momentโand a good way to ease back into number recognition and fine motor skills.
Reading-Themed Printables
Weโre big readers, so I like starting the year with something book-related.
These printables include a movie vs. book comparison (always fun when weโve recently watched something), a bookshelf scavenger hunt, and a book report template thatโs great for older kids.
It gets them thinking about stories again without jumping into a full assignment.
First Day of Homeschool Traditions
Why should public school kids be the only ones who get a treat to kick off the year? We always choose a few back to school gifts for homeschoolers, like a new t-shirt, fun supplies, or something small that makes the day feel special.
Over the years, weโve built a few traditions that help us ease into the new year without jumping straight into lessons. Some of our favorite first-week activities include:
- Taking first day photos (with our printable sign)
- A themed or just-for-fun breakfast
- A short field trip or nature walk
- Starting a fun online course
- A first day interviewโalways good for a few surprises
- Watching a movie (usually Star Wars) and writing a mini report
- A school supply scavenger hunt
- Ice cream for breakfast (highly recommend)
- Playing an educational board game together
These little rituals have made the first week one of our favorite parts of the homeschool year.
Last Updated on 30 May 2025 by Clare Brown