Homeschool Graduation: Celebrating This Milestone as a Family
During the pandemic, 11% of households began homeschooling their children. Even though there is research to show the benefits of being educated at home, sometimes it's hard to recreate the social elements.
For example, hosting a homeschool graduation event is not the same as what you see in movies when there are ceremonies, buffets, and courtyards full of families.
But, why shouldn't be as special?
Just because getting a homeschool diploma is different than your normal graduation event doesn't make it any less significant. Here's how to make memories and celebrate on this big day.
How to Plan a Homeschool Graduation
Firstly, you need to find a place that offers diplomas for homeschoolers. As your homeschool graduate is not part of an institution, you need to organize the paperwork side of things for the event.
Luckily, Realistic Diplomas has you covered. It's easy to order a homeschool diploma from the website, so you can be able to present the diploma at the event in front of loved ones.
Having the diploma will make the whole day feel more official and the graduate will have something to keep forever. Plus, you can hold a mini ceremony where the graduate can wear a gown and cap.
That way, you can take photos to remember the day!
Organize the Event
The second most important part of a homeschool graduation event is planning the day. You'll have to organize a date, time, and location for hosting the ceremony.
However, you'll also have to think about where you want to have the party afterward. If the graduation will be in summer you can always host the ceremony outside and have a BBQ to celebrate.
Alternatively, if the weather is bad you can plan a graduation day at home with a group of close family and friends.
It's a good idea to ask friends and family when they're available so you won't have to rearrange due to a clash in calenders. A few things to consider when planning the day are:
- Music
- Food and drink
- Invitations
- Ceremony details
- Thank you notes
- Graduate gifts
- Diploma
It can be helpful to write yourself a checklist of these points so you don't miss anything!
However, if you need a little more help on the specifics of the planning process, then don't worry. Let's take a look at how to make the event even more special.
Little Details to Make It Special
Food is one of the biggest problems when it comes to organizing a graduation event. Most of the time, people overthink what they have to provide for guests.
A simple way to keep everyone happy and full during the ceremony is having a buffet of some kind with hamburgers, wraps, or finger food. You can also ask people to bring different dishes for a potluck kind of party.
That way, you can focus on preparing one or two dishes, and your guests will bring the rest!
Although, if you want to go the extra mile you can have smores after the main meal. By creating a small fire pit and buying some marshmallows, you can all sit under the stars and celebrate the graduate.
During this time you can pass around a guest book and get people to write pieces of advice for graduate life. This is a nice way of creating a gift for the graduate and everyone can get involved in making it.
Make Memories
You can't have a graduation party without a photo booth. So, you should make sure to place a backdrop for people to take photos. You can also include a pinboard and leave a polaroid so guests can pin the photos on the wall.
Once you have a collection of photos you can put them into a scrapbook or send them as part of a thank you note. Having a visual record of the graduation is great for looking back on in the future.
Not only is having a photo booth a good way to make memories, but you can also hang photos of the graduate around the venue. This is a lovely way to surprise your loved ones on their big day.
For decorating, you can even hang the photos with some fairy lights to make it extra cozy for celebrating. As well as lights and photos, you can also decorate with other materials.
You don't need to spend hundreds on decorations, you can make them at home or buy them online. Just remember to check measurements before putting them up!
Don’t Forget to Decorate
Lastly, you shouldn't forget to decorate for the graduation ceremony. Using the right decorations is the final part of making your event memorable and unique.
You can find a range of posters, buntings, napkins, and other decorations to use online or at your local store. Plus, you can always make your own with family or friends so it doesn't need to be expensive.
Can you sew? If so, why not make a personalized quilt with their favorite things and graduate-related motifs. This is a guaranteed way to make your family member or friend smile on the day.
Once you have your graduate diploma ordered in time from Realistic Diplomas, the rest of the planning details will fall into place. All you have to do is write a checklist and tick everything off the list in time!
Make a Homeschool Graduation a Once in a Lifetime Experience
Making a homeschool graduation event spectacular doesn't mean you have to spend thousands of dollars on a venue and invitations.
Sometimes, it's the small things like a personalized quilt, photos, smores around a fire, or a homeschool diploma that can make or break a graduation day.
If you put in the effort to spill the graduate, it will be an unforgettable day. Once you have the diploma and all the other details planned, you can look forward to picking your outfit!
Now, all you have to do is order your diploma from Realistic Diplomas. If you have any questions regarding the size or style the team will be happy to help.
