Voting is Now Open!
Thank you for all the First Day of Homeschool Photo submissions! We're so happy to see Sonlight familes enjoy our curriculum! The First Day of Homeschool Photo Contest Submission Period Has Ended and Voting for the top 3 finalists has begun. Voting will be open until September 16th and the winners for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be announced September 17th.
Vote for your favorite to take 1st Place!
The photo with the most votes will be awarded 1st Place, followed by 2nd Place, and 3rd Place with the least amount of votes.
TOP 3 FINALISTS
One Vote per customer.
***Finalists are in no particular order***
Contest Dates:
Submission Period: August 15 - September 7, 2025
Voting Period (top 3): September 10 - 16, 2025
Winner announcement: September 17, 2025
Prizes:
1st Place: $250 Sonlight Gift Certificate
2nd Place: $50 Sonlight Gift Certificate (or choice of select Hands-On product) + a Sonlight branded Planner & Journal
3rd Place: $25 Sonlight Gift Certificate + physical End-of-Year Memory Book + Sonlight T-Shirt (size availability varies)
Voting Process:
- Sonlight will select the top three photo finalists.
- Public voting takes place September 10 - September 16, 2025 on the Sonlight website.
- Voting link will be shared via email and social media.
- Final placements will be based on vote counts:
Most votes = 1st Place
Second-most = 2nd Place
Third-most = 3rd Place
Winner Announcement:
Winners will be announced on September 17, 2025 via Sonlight’s website, email, and social media channels. Winners will also be contacted by email or Social Media to claim their prize.
Rules and Fine Print
For complete contest terms, entry rules, and usage permissions, view our Official Contest Rules.
*By submitting your photos, you are accepting the Assignment of Rights and providing Sonlight with permission to share your photos in our printed materials and on our website and social media platforms.
Download Your FREE Printables
The first day of homeschool is more than just another day—it’s the beginning of a new chapter in your family’s journey of learning and growing together. Whether it’s your first year or your tenth, creating simple, joy-filled first-day traditions helps set a positive tone for the entire year. Share your First Day Traditions with us using the hashtag: #Sonlight1stDayTraditions.
Need Some Inspiration?
We've got you covered with free printables, easy activities, and keepsakes your kids will love.
1 Start the Day with Something Special:
Kick off your morning with a First Day of Homeschool Breakfast your kids will remember—maybe that's pancakes in fun shapes, a yogurt parfait station, cinnamon rolls, breakfast pizza or something that the kids pick, it's up to you. For additional inspiration, check out these recommendations.
2 Take a First Day of Homeschool Photo:
Print our First Day of Homeschool Sign (Free Download below) for your student to fill out and take a photo of them to remember this special day.
3 Give a First Day of School Keepsake:
A small surprise can go a long way! Give your kids a special keepsake or gift to celebrate the start of the new year. It can be something as simple as a special pencil, bookmark, bracelet, Sonlight’s End-of-Year Memory Book or anything your student would like.
4 Add Fun & Games to the Day:
Keep things light with activities that spark smiles and laughter.
- Take short "brain" breaks throughout the day and do short funny Mad Libs.
- Make a Time Capsule—Free Download below.
- Play Back-to-Homeschool Bingo—Free Download below.
5 Celebrate the Close of the First Day:
Wrap up the day with a celebration—whether it's a trip for ice cream, a family walk, or movie night.
You don't need to do them all. Choose a few ideas that feel right for your family and build traditions that bring joy, not stress. However you celebrate, make it yours—and make it meaningful. We'd love to hear your ideas on your first day of school traditions. Tag us at #Sonlight1stDayTraditions.
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First Day of Homeschool Traditions
FREE printables
