My kids LOVE the first day of school!!! The second day is never as fun. I think it is probably hearing about all our new plans, the smell of new Crayola crayons, (what you never smelled your crayons when you were a kid, go smell some!!) all the new school supplies and brand new books. Well, thanks to my friend Mimi, I found out about a German tradition which goes back centuries and I learned that American kids are missing out big here.
It is called the Schultuete. It is basically a cardboard cone, the translation is literally “school cone” and it is filled with candies, sweets, school supplies, small gifts and any little delights the child would love on this special day.
I wanted to use items I already have so instead of posterboard, I used butcher paper (love this stuff) and instead of using colored tissue, I used colored tulle which is now nicely folded back in my sewing room. I have to say this was the best first day of school ever and we will add this to our family traditions.
They each took the time to examine each cone and see how I personalized them with stickers that match their interests. Of course they love any excuse to get candy but the best part was seeing how truly grateful they were for everything that was in their cones. And once they were empty… of course they wore them. Here are the coneheads.
One of the best parts of homeschooling are these little moments that we share as a family and knowing that my children will remember them.
how fun!!! i am going to print this off and put it in my calender for next year… thank you so much for sharing! what a great new tradition 🙂
What a fabulous idea and such a beautiful family. I think I shall do something like this next September.I am glad to have found your blog!
I started school before the public school here… Through the summer we do some homeschool to help retention… Then when the time the public school is close to starting we ease into schooling a few subjects at a time… I don't take the same break schedule as the public school either… I base theirs on burn out, family needs and where they are mentally in their learning… IF they start having frustration… we step back and let the mind have a rest period… maybe turn on the history or science channel… then come back to it again the next day…
LOVE them Tricia!!!!!So glad you could use the idea. It was a hit here too:)