Last year we homeschooled Sammi for Kindergarten. Elli and Scott came along for the fun of it 🙂 Our “back to school” celebration was fairly non-existent since we hadn’t gone back to school yet and we weren’t technically going any where. After moving to a new city this summer, both girls were registered for school. My heart has been very heavy over this decision. While I seriously considered homeschooling again, and even got excited about the possibility, in the end, the girls really wanted to GO to school and we decided as a family it was a good year to try that route out.

Since we were committed, I wanted to make it special for Sammi and Elli to go to school. Brent helped me and we found several cute ideas for back-to-school breakfasts and picture ideas. Then we scavenged our stashes for school related decorations we could use. Brent offered to get up early to make pancakes, Sammi’s favorite.

Since Sammi would be gone (and Elli, too, starting next week) most of the day, I really wanted to create a morning routine that included a spiritual start to her day. I came up with a morning devotional that was simple enough to do every day but that would get her started with a prayer in her heart and a song on her lips. We sing a Primary song they are learning for their program this fall, read an excerpt from a scripture verse that they can memorize over the week, and have a spiritual thought,  a short story or quote that illustrates a gospel principle or doctrine. I also found some cute images to color while they wait for breakfast to be served. So far this has been very successful!

We set the table with little place mats and a back-to-school basket of gifts. These were all things I had already but hadn’t given out yet.

Unfortunately Elli slept late on Sammi’s first morning so I don’t have a picture of her. But her first day of preschool is next week and so we’ll have something special for her that day.

Scott enjoyed his gift and loved coloring. He is showing the same kind of interest and dedication to coloring, cutting and crafting that Sammi did at this age. So fun!

After breakfast, Sammi donned her backpack and we went outside for a picture. She sure is a cutie.

Then it was off to school. She found her name on the door of her classroom and then found her seat.

Good luck this year, sweetie. We’re cheering you on!

Do your kids go off to school? What do you do to make your time together special?