We make a special outing with the whole family to pick out supplies and then go out to eat to celebrate. Then the week before our actual first week we allow each kid (we have 4) to pick a subject so each day we are introduced to one subject of new material. On our actual first full day of school we start the day by measuring everyone and marking their heights on our master closet doorpost then have a special first day of school breakfast and devotion. One of the best things about homeschooling is being able to start our school year by doing special things like these!