Ask the Party Expert...

"Dear Party Expert,

Help.  Do you have any tips for homeroom party moms?
Kathleen

Dear Kathleen,

I sure do.  Being a homeroom party mom for many years, there's a few
suggestions that could make or break the classroom party.

1.  Enlist help.  You may be able to plan the party yourself, but you cannot
offer to help twenty or more children.  You need the help of at least three
to four parents.
2.  Remember space.  Keep in mind you will have a limited amount of space for
games.  Circle games work well for younger children while the older students
like music-related ones.
3.  Party planning. Plan the agenda for your parties down to the last detail,
including which parents are to supply what items.  Write out the order of
events for the day. 

For example:    1. seat game  2. craft   3. snack   4. active game.

4.  If your craft idea involves pre-thinking, visit the classroom earlier in
the day or week.  This gives the students time to decide on their creation.
5.  Arrive 15-20 minutes early.  Set up crafts, games, and snacks, if
possible.  Delegate and divide parents into designated areas.
6.  A hand signal.  Raising one hand in the air, tells the class to zip their
lips.  Inform the class at the beginning of the party.  Explain, you want to
do as much as possible, therefore, you need everyone's attention.
7.  Write each student's name on a Popsicle stick.  Store in a can, this is
great for dividing teams and giving out jobs.  Ask the teacher to keep these
on hand for future use. 
8.  Take a class photo.  Make copies. Frame at a later date or possibly use
this as the craft for the next party.
9.  If you have treat bags or small gifts to hand out, wait until the
students have settled and the desks are back in order.  This actually works
as a bribe for quick clean up.
Now, all you need to do is have fun.

Enjoy!

Mary Jo
Every Day Should Be A Party Day!

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