| In the past several years I've volunteered to | | | | items pre-cut if necessary. Put individual |
| help in my children's classrooms in a lot of | | | | craft supplies into sandwich bags and create |
| different capacities. To me, being a room | | | | one bag for each child to make it easy to |
| mother is the most challenging and stressful | | | | pass them out and get started. Be sure to |
| volunteer positions I've held.Room mothers | | | | have extra supplies on hand to handle |
| are usually responsible for planning and | | | | accidents. You should also make up one of the |
| hosting holiday parties for the class. | | | | crafts ahead of time so you can show them |
| Unfortunately, teachers often don't provide | | | | what they will be making.If you plan to have |
| much information or guidance, and children | | | | goodie bags for the children, prepare them |
| have high hopes for a fun party.Here's what | | | | ahead of time and make sure you have one for |
| I've learned over the years to make it the | | | | each child. You may also want to have a |
| most fun for everyone involved.Know What To | | | | couple extra on hand.Make sure you have a |
| Ask The TeacherOkay, you've volunteered to be | | | | couple of food choices on hand so that |
| a room mother... now what?You've got to ask | | | | everyone will have something that they like. |
| questions. I usually send in a note with the | | | | It usually works well to have something |
| following questions, but you could also call | | | | sweet, something salty, and a couple of |
| the teacher and ask.- What is the room mother | | | | healthy choices like fruit or veggies. Don't |
| responsible for?- Are there other parent | | | | forget the drinks.In addition, you'll want to |
| volunteers?- How many parties will there be?- | | | | make sure to have plenty of napkins, cups and |
| When will they take place?- Are the parties | | | | plates available. Bring along a roll of paper |
| for the holidays or are they "generic" like a | | | | towels in case there are spills or |
| Winter party instead of a Christmas party?- | | | | accidents.The Day of The Party...Get there |
| Is there are budget or is each party donation | | | | early to set up. You may not have a lot of |
| based?- How many children are in the class?- | | | | setup to do, but you'll at least need to set |
| Are siblings welcome?- Are there any food | | | | up the food. It will also take some time to |
| allergies?- Do any of the children have any | | | | bring everything in from the car. Many |
| physical disabilities?- How much time will be | | | | parents use a wagon to help them get |
| allotted for the party?- When will it start | | | | everything into the classroom.Display all the |
| and end?- Are decorations necessary?- Are | | | | food for the children to see... you want to |
| paper supplies like napkins, plates, and cups | | | | try to keep them excited. In addition, you'll |
| available through the school cafeteria?- What | | | | want to set up game props, craft supplies, |
| activities do you prefer for the party? | | | | etc. before the party. Children won't be able |
| (Usually there is food, a craft project, and | | | | to wait around for you to get your act |
| a few games, but your teacher may have a | | | | together when it's party time.This is also a |
| different idea.)- Will any classroom supplies | | | | good time to let your party helpers (parent |
| be available for the party? (Scissors, glue, | | | | volunteers) know what they can do to help out |
| paper, etc.)- Is music allowed? (Some classes | | | | with the party.One last preparation tip - |
| are too close together to allow for music | | | | bring along a couple of trash bags. Clean up |
| during the party.)- Can classroom furniture | | | | as you go as much as possible... picking |
| be moved around?- Do you have any food | | | | things up as you go will make spills and |
| preferences or are there any rules about the | | | | accidents less likely and after party cleanup |
| food? (Our school requires all food brought | | | | will be a snap.It's Party Time!You've done |
| into the school to be commercially | | | | your homework and planned everything out... |
| prepared.)- Will you have access to a | | | | now it's time to follow your plan and enjoy |
| refrigerator and/or freezer?- Are goodie bags | | | | the party. Be sure to take pictures (they |
| appropriate?- When will you be able to set up | | | | make great classroom gifts later on) and |
| for the party?- If you're hosting a Halloween | | | | interact with the children. Don't be afraid |
| party or other special event, be sure to ask | | | | to talk to them and help them if they need |
| about costumes or other things relevant to | | | | it.Most of all, try to have fun! If you're |
| the party. Once You Have The Answers...Once | | | | having fun and smiling, the kids will have a |
| you have a good idea of what is expected, | | | | ball.Don't forget to pass out the goodie bags |
| it's time to start planning the first party. | | | | at the end of the party!After The PartyClean |
| Try to allow yourself at least three weeks to | | | | up all the food, pack away the |
| pull it all together.Write out your party | | | | left-overs(unless the teachers or other |
| plan. Be sure to include food, supplies, | | | | parents want to take them home), and try to |
| crafts, and any props you'll need for the | | | | leave the classroom as clean as it was when |
| party games. Once that's done, you should | | | | you arrived.Last, but not least, thank the |
| send out requests for help.If you need to | | | | parent volunteers and the teachers for their |
| have other parent volunteers on the party day | | | | help!Discover how to have an Awesome |
| or you would like parents to send in food and | | | | Children's Party! Kid Party |
| supplies, you'll want to send out your | | | | |
| requests for help at least a week or two | | | | Ideas makes it Easy with tons of Free ideas, |
| before the party. Keep a list of who is | | | | tips, themes, |
| bringing what and be sure to follow up and | | | | |
| remind them the day before the party.Prepare | | | | games, and activities. Make A Memory That |
| Ahead As Much As PossiblePreparation is | | | | Will Last A Lifetime! |
| really the key to a successful party. Here | | | | |
| are a few tips...If you plan a craft, have | | | | Visit Now! |