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