Classroom Parties

What does a classroom party involve?

• Classroom parties take place during the school day.  They are usually one hour in length, and involve games, crafts, snacks and favors.  
• Each class has its own party and all the activities should be age appropriate.  
• The room parents are the “hosts” of the party, although the teacher will always attend the party.
• The holiday parties at Valley View Elementary are:
• Halloween 
• Christmas
• Valentine’s Day
• Spring Party

Room Party Basics

• Fill out a Room Party Checklist for each party.  You’ll feel more organized and the party will be much more successful.
• If you are the “Lead Party Parent”, plan to arrive fifteen minutes early to unload, set up and be ready for the party to begin.  Make arrangements with the teacher to have the classroom available for set-up before the party starts.
• Ask all party volunteers to arrive 15 minutes early to help setup and finalize plans.
• Start and end the party on time.
• Don’t assume that pre-school siblings are welcome.  Check with the teacher first.
• Bring everything you will need for each game or craft.  Don’t assume the teacher will have masking tape or a glue gun if you need those items.
• Bring along a large plastic trash bag and some paper towels.  The teacher will appreciate not having an overflowing trashcan and the school custodian will adore you!

Here are some suggestions for holiday parties:

When planning parties for younger children (under 10), or if you are working with a limited amount of time, divide your activities into "stations". Recruit enough volunteers to work at each station, and divide the children into small groups—four to five in each group works best. Have the party guests spend no more than 10-15 minutes at a station, then blow a whistle, or ring a bell and have everyone rotate.

Select a couple of games, a craft, and then read an age appropriate book to the group while the snack is being prepared and served. Always plan two or three extra games or an extra craft just in case you finish faster than anticipated.

When awarding favors and prizes, make sure that the party ends with identical treasures in everyone's hands!

Always plan to have extra snacks available so that the teacher, school principal, and parent helpers can enjoy them also.

Always add a few decorations. Simple table decorations can make all the difference in the world in the fun quotient! Balloons, streamers, curling ribbon, and plastic tablecloths are inexpensive, but go a long way in making a room look festive.

Don't forget the camera and film or video camera.

Above all else, be flexible, and have fun! 
These ideas came from FamilyFun.com