Ask the Party Expert...

"Dear Party Expert,

Help, somehow I ended up as room mother in my Kindergarteners class. We are supposed to have a Halloween party. I've got 45 minutes to fill and have no clue what to do other than perhaps decorate cookies. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Denise B.

Dear Denise-

Sometimes we're put in a position, before we realize it. But, that's okay. Look at this as an adventure. And forty-five minutes isn't too long with five and six-year-olds. :>)

If you start the party with a snack and drink, then plan two games and one 
short craft that should fill your timeframe. You'll also want to have a few 
minutes for the kids to clean up before going home. Check out the Halloween 
Party for a Mom's Club Q & A in the Party Talk archives for more suggestions. 
Here are a few other ideas to jump-start your party preparations.

TANGLED WEB
Materials for one: empty toilet paper roll
5 yards of yarn (rug yarn works well)
tape, hole punch, scissors

To Make: Write the student's name on the paper roll and on the index card. 
Punch a hold in the card. Put one end of the yarn into the hole and knot. Tape the other end of the yarn to the paper roll. Make one for every child.

To Play: Have children leave the room, drape the yarn throughout, over desks 
and under chairs, etc. Be careful not to overlap too many pieces of yarn as 
they will tangle and be too hard to untangle. First, the children find their roll marked with their name on it, then they follow their web until they find the end of the yarn with their card. First one finished, wins.

Tips: Announce "no running." If the students will march in a costume parade, do this while they are away. When they return, meet them outside the 
room, explain the game before they enter. When the game is over, then start 
the snacks.

CRACKER SPIDERS Ingredients for one: 2 round crackers (RitzTM) Smooth peanut butter 8 small pretzel sticks 2 chocolate baking chips

To Make: Spread peanut butter on one cracker and cover with the other. 
Insert 4 pretzels into the filling on one side and the remaining ones in the 
opposite side for legs. Dab a bit of peanut butter on each chocolate chip 
for glue and place on top of the cracker for eyes.

Tips: You could make these ahead of time for the snack. Or you could have 
the kids make these themselves. Not only will they get a kick out of it, but 
this could be your craft, too. If you do this, supply plastic knives, a 
paper plate with a bit of peanut butter on it in addition to the other 
ingredients. Also, ask the teacher if any of the children have any allergies 
to peanuts just to be safe.

Have fun. 

Mary Jo
Every Day Should Be A Party Day!

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