Homeschool Graduation Traditions
Guide to Rituals and Graduation Ceremonies for Homeschoolers
Apr 17, 2009
For parents who are finishing up their homeschooling years, a graduation ceremony can be a rite of passage for the entire family. Planning a homeschool graduation can mean a lot more than sending out graduation invitations and praying for enough gifts to cover the rise in auto insurance premiums. Graduation traditions take on a new and deeper meaning for homeschooled teens who are often heading off to college with a far different perspective than their peers.
Homeschool Graduation Invitations
Graduation announcements for homeschoolers can be just as fun and festive as for teens in a traditional school setting. Announcements are usually postcard-sized notes with photos and basically state “We're proud to announce that our student is graduating.” While these aren't technically formal graduation invitations, parents may choose to use them as a low-cost invitation that conveys the student's personality, or party theme.
Graduation Caps and Gowns
A homeschooler might consider renting a cap and gown for the sake of photography, or simply to feel official. Graduation tassels are often purchased through graduation diploma companies. Homeschooled graduates can choose their favorite colors, instead of arbitrary school colors, and customize their cap, gown and tassel however they wish. For a June graduation, begin shopping in January for the best bargains on graduation supplies.
Grad Night Parties for Homeschoolers
Some homeschooled teens are plugged into the local teen scene and have the desire and opportunity to carry on irresponsibly for one last night with their childhood friends. Others, however, deserve a rollicking good time even though the teen party scene might not float their boat. Consider a road trip, a barn dance a potluck, a weekend at the beach or a ski trip to help graduating homeschoolers honor the rite of passage with a memorable holiday.
Graduation Traditions
When Grandma adds the tassel to the family's collection, or when the diploma is hung in the hall next to Uncle Jim's, it becomes clear that an era has passed. Whether families choose to celebrate graduation with a local support group, or independently, implementing traditional graduation rituals or turning them on their head can make a homeschool graduation personalized and memorable for everyone involved. Traditions can connect a child to past and future generations.
Graduations are meant to honor the child that has grown, the adult he is becoming and mark the start of an adult life. Many teens enjoy participating in graduation planning. Use the relationship and personality that has developed over the years to plan a personalized homeschool graduation that reflects carefully chosen traditions and honors the actual student as a growing adult. Order a diploma, then create new traditions or rituals to honor the unique experiences the graduate has enjoyed, as well as the future she has planned.
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