The first day of homeschool preschool is the perfect time to get a fun start to learning at home.
These easy and fun ideas (plus free printable activities pack) can help you get ready to help your preschooler enjoy their big day. As a homeschool mom of five boys, I’ve learned that the first day sets the tone—not just for your preschooler, but for you, too. That’s why I loved making the first day of homeschool preschool feel fun, relaxed, and full of memory making.
I’m sharing practical tips and print-and-go activities to help you kick off your preschool at home year with confidence and joy.
Why Simple + Sweet is Just Right for First Day of Homeschool Preschool Fun
Over the years of homeschooling my five boys, I’ve learned that simple and sweet truly is the way to go, especially when it comes to preschool at home. That lesson, however, didn’t come overnight. With my older two boys, I didn’t even realize we were “homeschooling preschool” at the time. We were just having so much fun learning and exploring together!
By the time I started homeschool preschool more intentionally with my younger boys, I had a better grasp on what really mattered to our family. I was excited to get started with each of them, but I also knew I needed to dial back my expectations and keep our plans for the first day light and fun.
Instead of trying to do all the things, we focused on a few meaningful and easy-to-enjoy activities. We’d sit on the floor so we could have plenty of wiggle room. I would introduce our homeschool preschool time board (a.k.a. Preschool Power Board – more on this coming soon!) and read a short and sweet book. We’d sing a couple of songs and then take a break with a healthy snack. Then, we’d go outside for some preschool activities. When we came back in, I’d wrap it up with a few printable keepsake activities (like the ones I’ll be sharing here with you).
It might sound like a lot but I broke it down into small blocks (at most 10 minutes each) that were flexible and engaging. And you know what? That gentle and relaxed approach was more than enough. It helped me stay calm and actually enjoy the experience. And it gave my preschooler the space to feel excited and connected instead of overwhelmed.
Now, I’m thrilled to pass those ideas along to you, so your first day of preschool at home can be just as magical, simple, and memorable!
Tips for a Successful First Day of Homeschool Preschool
If you’re like me, you are so excited to get started and have been asking yourself a bunch of questions. Like, what do we actually need to do on the first day? How do I know what’s enough?
Before you dive into your first day of homeschool preschool, take a deep breath and know this: You don’t have to do everything. In fact, doing less can actually lead to more – more fun, more connection, and more confidence (for both you and your preschooler!).
Also, I highly recommend that you take it slow. Take measure of how your preschooler and you are doing. If you need to skip something, no worries! Try that activity the next day – or the next. This experience is your homeschool and you get to set the pace that works for you!
Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful to make your first day of preschool at home feel like a win—for everyone:
1. Keep It Light + Fun: Let your activities be short, engaging, and hands-on. If something doesn’t go as planned, no biggie! You can always try again later or skip it altogether.
2. Start with a Relaxed Routine: And be ready to pivot! There’s no need to launch into a full schedule. Just introduce a gentle routine for the day so your child gets a feel of what your homeschool time can be.
3. Set the Mood, Not the Agenda: No need to worry about checking off boxes. Focus on creating a welcoming and joyful learning space. You can light a candle, play calming music, even snuggle up with a favorite blanket.
4. Plan for Wiggles: Expect movement, giggles, and short attention spans. Your preschooler will still be getting a lot out of the experience. My boys were little wiggle worms and I would wonder how in the world they were picking up what we were working on. But, they sure did!
5. Capture the Memories (But Don’t Force Them): Printable keepsakes are sweet ways to remember this special time. But, please remember that they are optional. If trying to get your child to still still long enough to finish is causing stress, skip it. You can try again another day or take pictures (or video) to document.
6. End on a High Note: I could always tell when the “crankies” were creeping in. When my boys would start to get tired or hungry, I knew it was time to grab a snack and maybe a nap. Wrapping things up at that point is smart and a positive finish to feel good about.
First Day of Homeschool Preschool Ideas
You can make your first day (or week) extra special without spending a bunch of money or time. These ideas are fun, flexible, and budget-friendly. Oh, and you totally can mix and match based on your child’s interests and your energy level!
- Read-Aloud Fun
- Choose a short and sweet story that sets a positive tone
- Add a favorite stuffed animal or blanket for snuggles while reading
- Preschool Power Board (more on this idea coming soon!)
- Create a board to use as a visual tool
- Great for reminders of themes, etc.
- Music and Movement Activities
- Start the day with a cheerful welcome song
- Play freeze dance, Simon Says, or “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”
- Sing an alphabet, counting, or colors song
- Printable Activities and Keepsakes
- Use our free printable pack of First Day of Preschool at Home activities (learn more at end of this post)
- Special Snack Time
- Serve a simple treat like apple slices and peanut butter or cut sandwiches into fun shapes
- Set the table with a little sign or note that says “Happy First Day of Homeschool Preschool!”
- Outdoor Play and Exploration
- Blow bubbles, run through a sprinkler, or go on a short nature walk
- Draw (or paint) with sidewalk chalk or do a colors scavenger hunt in the yard
- If the weather isn’t cooperating, pop on a raincoat and jump in puddles (my boys loved this!)
- Enjoy a Simple Craft
- Make a name banner or decorate a folder for preschool papers
- Use stickers, washi tape, or dot markers to make a letter or number collage
- Try the “My Learning Hand” craft in the free printable activities pack!
Get Your Free Printable First Day of Homeschool Preschool Activities Pack
Big high five! I think it’s awesome that you want to make your preschooler’s first day of learning at home special!
This free printable First Day of Homeschool Activity Pack includes 17 PDF pages (with cover). You’ll also find:
- “All About Me” keepsake page
- Printable first day signs (multiple versions)
- Handprint and footprint templates for precious keepsakes
- First day coloring pages
- My Learning Hands craft with step-by-step instructions for this easy project
- First Day Crown templates
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- A special wrap-up page with links to more free homeschool preschool resources!
To get your FREE activity pack for first day fun, simply subscribe (for free) to Rock Your Homeschool.
⭐️ An email will be sent to your inbox with the PDF file plus a password to open the VIP Resource Library to all RYHS freebies. Please email Amy at rockyourhomeschool@gmail.com if you have any issues!
You’ll also be added to our email list and receive emails with ideas, resources, and encouragement to make life and learning fun.
(Current VIP member of Rock Your Homeschool? Nice! All you need to do is go to the VIP Resource Library and enter the password in your welcome email.)
⭐ Get your free First Day of Preschool at Home Activity Pack now! ⭐
And please come back and let me know how it all went! Wishing you tons of preschool at home fun!
