We’ve made it! Well, at least most of you all have made it, to the end of the homeschool year! We are year round schooling this year, so our official last day is the end of June. We are psyched and ready to begin our summer vacation!
One thing I try to do each year with my kids is celebrating the end of the homeschool year. How we do this has varied through the years, but the key is to do SOMETHING we don’t do every day and SOMETHING that the kids have been really wanting to do.
Here are 5 ways to celebrate the end of the homeschool year!
Picnic with Friends
We have an end of the year celebration with our homeschool group each year. Normally this is our official last day of school. We have had a water day, we have had track and field days, we have had just a picnic and free play. The kids love it because regardless of whether or not there are activities planned they get to spend the whole day playing with their friends.
If your homeschool group doesn’t offer something like this, consider planning one yourself. It takes little to no money, you just need a location and a few friends. Everyone can pack a lunch, bring balls, jump ropes, bubbles, whatever they want and show up! Voila! You’re celebrating the end of the homeschool year.
A Large Homeschool/Educational Purchase
Has there been an item you have wanted for your homeschool or that maybe your kids have been dying to have? Celebrate the end of the year by purchasing it! One year I bought my daughter the whole Magic Tree House series. It was her first year into chapter books and she had been so sick of waiting for the library to get them. Another year we purchased a new book shelf. Maybe you have been wanting a microscope or a computer program. Whatever it may be, consider grabbing it to celebrate the end of the homeschool year!
Go on a Trip
Have the kids been wanting to hit that local zoo, aquarium, water park, or children’s museum? Do it to celebrate the end of the homeschool year! Most of these places offer great homeschool discounts and you can still count it at as a school day! If you’re not sure what discounts are available for homeschoolers, look on the website of the attraction you want to visit. Find the education section. If nothing is mentioned there, email or call the facility and ask to speak with the education coordinator. They should be able to let you know whether or not there are homeschool discounts available. Most places will let you use the same discounts that public schools receive.
Head out for a Treat!
What kid doesn’t like ice cream, cake, or another sweet treat? When the books are closed head out for a treat with the kids. My kiddos personal favorite is frozen yogurt. The price keeps us from going there often so they are all three tickled when we actually get to go!
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Nature hikes, fishing, geocaching, are all great fun and can be done for FREE (in most states kids fish free, check your state guidelines to see if you need a license to fish)! Head out to the great outdoors and celebrate the end of the homeschool year together enjoying the beauty around you.
As we wrap up our school year, let’s celebrate our accomplishments by spending time together as a family. Do something fun, out of the ordinary, and let your kids know how proud you are of them for finishing up another homeschool year! PS: You did a great job this year too!
Misty Bailey is the voice behind the Southeast Homeschool Expo’s Facebook page, as well as one of the convention planners here at the Southeast Homeschool Expo. She has worked in the homeschool market for nearly a decade with a multitude of curriculum companies, and as a former blogger and podcaster. She brings to the table 17 years of homeschooling experience working with her own three children, as well as founding her local homeschool group. Her goal is to encourage and inspire you on your homeschool journey by providing practical tips for real life (not cookie cutter perfection) homeschooling.
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