Back-to-School Homeschooling with The Kissing Hand
The first days of a new homeschool year are full of excitement and a little nervousness—for both parents and children. When my kids feel uncertain or shy about starting fresh, I turn to a special story that always brings comfort and warmth: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.
This gentle book tells the story of Chester Raccoon, who worries about going to school until his mother shares a secret—the “kissing hand” that will remind him of her love all day long. It’s a perfect way to talk about feelings, courage, and reassurance at the start of any school year.
To make the story even more meaningful, I created a Kissing Hand printable pack designed for early elementary children. It includes:
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Word Search — fun practice with important vocabulary from the story
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Character Analysis — encouraging kids to think about how Chester feels and why
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Tracing Pages — handwriting practice that connects to the book’s theme
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Matching Game — a playful way to boost memory and story comprehension
These activities are simple to prepare and use, making them ideal for busy homeschool mornings or quiet afternoons. You can find the full pack here:
👉 The Kissing Hand Pack – Word Search, Character Analysis, Tracing, and Matching
Creating a Gentle Morning Routine
Starting the day with a calm, predictable routine helps children feel safe and ready to learn. Here’s a gentle morning routine I use alongside The Kissing Hand activities:
Morning Routine Chart
Start Your Homeschool Day with Calm & Connection
1. Storytime Connection
Read The Kissing Hand or another favorite book together.
2. Focused Activity
Pick one page from the Kissing Hand printable pack:
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Word Search
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Character Analysis
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Tracing
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Matching
3. Gentle Transition
Use a calming signal to move on:
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Ring a bell or chime
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Play soft music
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Dim the lights or light a candle
4. Encouragement Moment
Share a kind phrase, like:
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“You are loved and ready to learn.”
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“We’re going to have a wonderful day.”
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“I’m proud of you.”
How to Use:
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Use a clothespin or dry-erase marker to check off steps.
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Keep the pace relaxed—this routine is about connection, not rushing.
This approach helps my children settle their worries, build literacy skills, and feel connected before starting the day’s learning. I hope it brings as much comfort and joy to your homeschool mornings as it does to ours!
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