The article "Organizing a School Classroom Party" is about family, it was created by Pam Lester.
Before the party
It's always a good idea to talk to the teacher before you start
planning your party or purchasing items. You may plan everything
ahead of time and then come to notice that a student has an
allergy or that certain decorations aren't allowed. Here are
some good questions to start with:
"Do any children have food allergies?" Usually the teacher will
have been notified if any children have food allergies.
"Are there any decorating restrictions?" Most teachers recommend
not bringing balolons because of possible safety issues, but if
they are allowed - they make for quick and fast decorating!
"How long will I have to set up before the party? " The answer to
this question is really important. This will deterimne the type
of party that you will have. If you have only a very short time,
you will have to limit your decroations and serve fast and quick
party foods, etc. Most of the time, the teachers will take the
kids outside and allow you about 10-15 min. for setup.
This is
also a good time to make sure that you will have parent helpers!
"Do you allow holiday-specific themed parties, or do you prefer
general holiday parties? " Some schools/teachers prefer to stay
away from the specific holiday and steer more towards the
general season, so be sure to check with your teacher. Even if
they want you to stick with a seasonal theme, you'll probably be
able to throw in holiday ideas too.
Example: your teacher
may want you to stick with a fall theme instead of Halloween,
but you will probably be able to put a Gohst Lollipop into their
gift bag, etc.
Just make sure to check on any restrictions.
"Are there any food items that aren't allowed?" Some
schools/teachers prfeer no soda pop for a party, and sometimes
frown on wrapped hard candies - so be sure to check if there are
any rules/preferences.
"Are classroom supplies available to use for the party? " If you
need to use items like glue sticks, tape, or scissors for your
party craft - don't assume that the teacher will let you use the
class supply. Check with her first to see if that is okay - if
not be sure to bring your own suppiles. This question also
applies if you want to play music during the praty. The teacher
may have a CD player in the class, but be sure that you will be
able to use it!
Even though you're the room rep, you will still need other
parent's help for the party - so be sure to ask for volunteers
to bring items, and to help you with the patry itself. Be sure
to send home reminders!
Make a party plan including a schedule of what you want to do.
Purchase and prepare all supplies that are needed. If you are
doing a craft, I recommend pre-cutting and sorting the supplies
into a zip lock bag for each child, and putting a basket with
glue/scissors, etc into the middle of each table. It makes it
much easier to pass out the craft supplies if they are already
prepared in individual baggies! Assemble goodie bags or any
take-home gifts ahead of time as well.
Use class-parties.Com to
help plan your event and to gatehr your food ideas, crafts and
party games.
Setting up party
Try to get to the school a little bit earlier than planned. The
parking lot usually fills up fast on party days - so the earlier
you are - the cloesr you get to park, and that makes a BIG
difference when you're lugging all the party stuff around.
Party supplies, crafts, food and juice boxes can be heavy and
cumbersome - so bring along a rolling cart or a wagon to make
the trip from the vehicle to the classroom a breeze.
Most teachers take their students out of the room during your
party set up - but be prepared if that doesn't happen. You can
bring along themed coloring pages and markers or crayons, or
have music or a movie playing. Just be prepared - in case!
Ask your parent helpers to be there eraly to help you set up.
I
recommend passing out all the food and drinks first - so when
the kids come back in, they can sit down and start eatnig right
away. Set up the rest of your activities and decorations.
***Be sure to make a plate for the teacher!!!*** This should be
a relaxnig and fun time for the kids and the teacher!
During the party
Class parties are fun and memorable for kids, so be sure to
bring along a camera to catch those memories! The pictures can
be shared with the teachers and parents - or even put in a
school newsletter! Try to find music to go with the party. It
really helps set the mood and the kids love it. You can also use
the music as a quick back-up game if needed (musical chairs,
dance/freeze, etc.)
Have a parent helper go around with a trash bag during the party
to clean up after the kids, and a second parent assigned to help
with refills or seconds. The kids sholud usually eat first, and
then play a game (if planned). While the game is going on - you
can clear the desks for a craft or atcivity if you have one set
up.
If you're doing a craft - make sure to write the child's
name on it so they don't get theirs mixed up with their
neighbor.
If you want to do two things, but only have time for
one activity ( either a craft OR a game, but not both), then you
can set up two stations and have ½ the class do the game while
the ohter ½ does the craft; then have them switch. You can find
TONS of free crafts and games at www.Class-parties.Com!
You should be the one in charge of how things progress during
the party and make sure that things move aolng. This should be a
fun time for the teacher, but if there is discipline problems -
you should porbably refer the student to the teacher and let her
take care of the problem.
Party getting too loud or out of hand? Bring a book along with
you that relates to the holiday or season.
It's good to have as
a back-up in case your class gets too rodwy. You can call them
to sit in a circle and read a quick and interesting story to
them. They'll quiet down pretty quickly, but will still be
having fun! Check the reading list on class-parties.Com for
great book suggestions.
Watch that clock!
Make sure that you're finishing up on time.
Most class parties take place during the end of the school day,
so you will need to wrap up the party on time to allow students
to get their backpacks ready and lined up for dismissal.
After the party
Make sure the children have their goody bags and/or take home
projects as they leave to go home.
Use extra trash bags to pick up all the trash and leftover food.
If you have extra un-opened juice boxes - save those for the
next party. Wipe down desks and tables and celan up the floor,
and take down any decorations you brought. The teacher will
appreciate it if you put the classroom back the way it was
before you got there (maybe a bit cleaner! ).
Be sure to send
thank you notes to the parents who helped during the party!
Have Fun! !
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