Supplies: Real fallen leaves, paper plate, glue, yarn, hole punch, raffia
How to: Cut out the center of the paper plate. Now paint or color the rest
of the plate red, orange, yellow, brown or a combination of those colors.
Punch a hole at the top of the plate and insert the yarn for hanging.
Glue the fallen leaves around the plate, overlapping if you wish. You
can also add a few small twigs acorns to the wreath.
Now add a raffia bow and attach to the wreath.
If you don't have real leaves, trace your
child(s) hand onto several sheets of fall colored construction paper.
Cut those out and use them as leaves on the wreath.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Pine Cone Turkeys
These will look so cute on your Thanksgiving table!
Supplies: feathers or felt, construction paper, glue, pine cone and marker
How to: Glue the feathers or felt cut into feather shapes onto the pine cone to make the tail. Then cut out construction paper into head and feet shapes, then glue to the pine cone. Add features with marker.
Supplies: feathers or felt, construction paper, glue, pine cone and marker
How to: Glue the feathers or felt cut into feather shapes onto the pine cone to make the tail. Then cut out construction paper into head and feet shapes, then glue to the pine cone. Add features with marker.
Thanksgiving dinner placemat
This one is simple but so cute!!
Supplies: small corn cobs shucked, dried or fresh, paint in fall colors, white construction paper
How to: Paint the corn with paint, then roll them on the paper to create a very cute placemat for dinner! Laminate them for safekeeping!
ds of the corn if you'd like to avoid messy hands.
Supplies: small corn cobs shucked, dried or fresh, paint in fall colors, white construction paper
How to: Paint the corn with paint, then roll them on the paper to create a very cute placemat for dinner! Laminate them for safekeeping!
ds of the corn if you'd like to avoid messy hands.
Thanksgiving ideas
Here's a fun craft to make in time for Thanksgiving.
Supplies:
White paper, brown and other colors of paint, crayons, construction paper, glue or glue stick
How to:
Print this poem on the white sheet of paper:
This isn't just a turkey
As anyone can see
This very special turkey
Was by hand by ME!
Then have them sign the bottom and
THEN:
Paint the child's palm and thumb with the brown paint, then the other fingers with other colors, whatever they like. The colors are the feathers. Have them put their handprint on the paper with the poem. When it's dry, they can add the face and other features with pen or crayons. Mount it on a piece of construction paper with glue.
A very cute Thanksgiving craft!
Supplies:
White paper, brown and other colors of paint, crayons, construction paper, glue or glue stick
How to:
Print this poem on the white sheet of paper:
This isn't just a turkey
As anyone can see
This very special turkey
Was by hand by ME!
Then have them sign the bottom and
THEN:
Paint the child's palm and thumb with the brown paint, then the other fingers with other colors, whatever they like. The colors are the feathers. Have them put their handprint on the paper with the poem. When it's dry, they can add the face and other features with pen or crayons. Mount it on a piece of construction paper with glue.
A very cute Thanksgiving craft!
Treat ideas for any occasion!
Check out these non-fishy sushi treats!!
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups crisped rice cereal
20 to 25 gummy worms
OR Swedish fish for a different look!
1 to 2 boxes fruit leather
Directions
Grease a 12- by 17-inch baking sheet. Melt butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until smooth.
Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the rice cereal until it's evenly coated. Turn the baking sheet so that the shorter ends are at the top and bottom. Then press the marshmallow mixture onto the sheet, distributing it evenly.
Starting at one side an inch up from the lower edge, place gummy worms atop the mixture end to end in a hortizontal line. Gently roll the lower edge of the marshmallow mixture over the gummy worms.
Then stop and cut the log away from the rest of the mixture. Use the same method to form 4 more logs. Slice each log into 1-inch-thick "sushi" rolls and wrap them individually with a strip of fruit leather.
Makes 4 to 5 dozen.Friday, May 2, 2008
Girl Scout, Brownie and VBS crafts
Here's an easy one to make and fun to use too! It's a Boo Boo Bunny, made out of a washcloth and a couple other things. Put your finger through the hole or an ice cub to soothe someone special's boo boo!
CRAFT MATERIALS:
Washcloth (a baby sized washcloth works great)
Rubber band and ribbon
Glue
Googly eyes
Small pom-pom
Large pom-pom
1. First, place the washcloth on a tabletop and evenly roll two diagonally opposite corners toward the middle. Fold the rolled washcloth in half so both sides are even.
2. Fold the cloth in half again and wrap the rubber band around the second fold to form the bunny's head. Gently pull apart the rolled ends that extend above the rubber band so that they resemble rabbit ears.
3. Next, decorate the face by gluing the googly eyes onto the face and the small pom-pom for a nose. Glue the large pom-pom onto the back of the original fold to serve as a cottony tail, and the bunny is finished. Just be careful that a baby doesn't get it and ingest the eyes or pompoms.
CRAFT MATERIALS:
Washcloth (a baby sized washcloth works great)
Rubber band and ribbon
Glue
Googly eyes
Small pom-pom
Large pom-pom
1. First, place the washcloth on a tabletop and evenly roll two diagonally opposite corners toward the middle. Fold the rolled washcloth in half so both sides are even.
2. Fold the cloth in half again and wrap the rubber band around the second fold to form the bunny's head. Gently pull apart the rolled ends that extend above the rubber band so that they resemble rabbit ears.
3. Next, decorate the face by gluing the googly eyes onto the face and the small pom-pom for a nose. Glue the large pom-pom onto the back of the original fold to serve as a cottony tail, and the bunny is finished. Just be careful that a baby doesn't get it and ingest the eyes or pompoms.
Another good one that my kids and I STILL do...
a bracelet or ankle bracelet made from fishing supplies.
You need a pair of need nosed pliers, some tiny seed beads, and fishing fasteners.
You can thread the beads on the fishing fasteners, then connect them all together in a circle. Very easy!!
For more ideas.... check out www.crayola.com
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Games for older kids
Obviously, you want games to fit the ages of your class.
Here's a fun calculator game that will challenge those smart alec older kids!
You'll need a calculator.
The trick is, when the calculator is turned upside down, the numbers look like letters.
So on a normal calculator, the digit 0 becomes O, 1 becomes I, 2 becomes Z, 3 becomes E, 4 becomes h, 5 becomes S, 6 becomes g, 7 becomes L, 8 becomes B, and 9 becomes G.
Of course, turning the calculator upside down also reverses the digits, so 1234 would be hEZI, not IZEh. With a little effort, one can easily find numbers that correspond to words.
We spelled out my daughter's name Elise easily. Kids love to figure out their own!
For example, do you want your calculator to be more friendly?
Try this calculation :
enter 6.2
multiply this by itself
add 0.23
divide by 50
turn the calculator upside down, and you have a friendly greeting!
Or what about a nice breakfast? Try this :
multiply 17 by 2
multiply by 1000
divide by 6
throw away the part to the right of the decimal
subtract 3
These are more advanced, for more advanced calculators.
Now some questions for animal lovers :
Does the ( 19 + 19 - 1 ) x 19 + 2 x 3 x 5 have (47 x 47 + 10 x 10 ) x 5 x 5 - 3 x 3 or (47 x 10 + 47 x 10 + 47 x 10 + 47 x 10 - 1) x 3 ?
or lay 7 x (800 + 9)?
What about the 2 x 13 x 13 ? Or the 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 101 - 3000?
The (50 x 50 x 3 + 1) x 6 - (50 x 50 x 4)? (Of course, the plural of (50 x 50 x 3 + 1) x 6 - (50 x 50 x 4) is (8 - 1) x 8 x ( 8 x ( 8 x (8 + 1 + 1) - 1 ) - 1 ), isn't it.)
Let the kids experiment with their calculators, to come up with a formula for the words they're looking for, it will keep them occupied for long periods of time!
Here's a fun calculator game that will challenge those smart alec older kids!
You'll need a calculator.
The trick is, when the calculator is turned upside down, the numbers look like letters.
So on a normal calculator, the digit 0 becomes O, 1 becomes I, 2 becomes Z, 3 becomes E, 4 becomes h, 5 becomes S, 6 becomes g, 7 becomes L, 8 becomes B, and 9 becomes G.
Of course, turning the calculator upside down also reverses the digits, so 1234 would be hEZI, not IZEh. With a little effort, one can easily find numbers that correspond to words.
We spelled out my daughter's name Elise easily. Kids love to figure out their own!
For example, do you want your calculator to be more friendly?
Try this calculation :
enter 6.2
multiply this by itself
add 0.23
divide by 50
turn the calculator upside down, and you have a friendly greeting!
Or what about a nice breakfast? Try this :
multiply 17 by 2
multiply by 1000
divide by 6
throw away the part to the right of the decimal
subtract 3
These are more advanced, for more advanced calculators.
Now some questions for animal lovers :
Does the ( 19 + 19 - 1 ) x 19 + 2 x 3 x 5 have (47 x 47 + 10 x 10 ) x 5 x 5 - 3 x 3 or (47 x 10 + 47 x 10 + 47 x 10 + 47 x 10 - 1) x 3 ?
or lay 7 x (800 + 9)?
What about the 2 x 13 x 13 ? Or the 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 101 - 3000?
The (50 x 50 x 3 + 1) x 6 - (50 x 50 x 4)? (Of course, the plural of (50 x 50 x 3 + 1) x 6 - (50 x 50 x 4) is (8 - 1) x 8 x ( 8 x ( 8 x (8 + 1 + 1) - 1 ) - 1 ), isn't it.)
Let the kids experiment with their calculators, to come up with a formula for the words they're looking for, it will keep them occupied for long periods of time!
Graduation and End of School Year Treat Ideas
Cap off the school year with these cute cookies. I actually did make these cookies with my kids' help. They are so cute and easy! Your child can help you put these together.
Chocolate Mortarboard Cookies
Put a miniature peanut butter cup, upside down (narrower end up), on your work surface. Then with a drop of frosting or peanut butter, stick on a small rectangle shaped chocolate-covered cookie/graham cracker (right side up) on top of the peanut butter cup.
For a tassel, you can either use frosting in school colors to draw it on or use a tightly rolled up small square of fruit roll-up. Cut fringe on one end and attach the top end to the center of the graham cracker with more frosting or peanut butter. I personally think it's easier to use the frosting to draw on the tassel. Or leave it off altogether. People get the idea that they are mortarboards.
You can also try this idea for a cute treat, that looks like a diploma!
Mix up 8 oz, of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of seedless fruit jam. Lightly spread the cream cheese and jam mixture on a flour tortilla or Lavash bread, then roll up each sandwich diploma style and tie on a ribbon made of cut up Fruit Roll-ups. Adjust to fit your chosen size. Mixture makes 4 to 6 sandwiches. Easy and yummy!
"You're a Star" Watermelon Pops
Cut slices of seedless watermelon about an inch thick, then use a cookie cutter to cut star shapes. Insert a Popsicle stick into each star, then put the pops on a baking sheet covered in foil or in a tupperware container. Cover the star pops with another sheet of foil and freeze for 1 hour or until firm. You can also do this with cookies, by putting them on a stick before they bake.
MUD CUP TREATS In clear plastic tumbler-type cups, layer crushed Oreos first on the bottom, then chocolate pudding, more crushed Oreos, gummy worms, spiders, bugs, candy rocks, and a flower stuck in the middle so that it looks like a flower planted in dirt.
Other ideas include any kind of finger foods, some better for outside parties:
Smoothies
The "ever-popular" cupcakes, decorated in countless ways to fit your theme!
Cut up veggies and fruit
Deviled eggs
Fruit kabobs
Cheese and meat kabobs
Meatballs
Chicken Nuggets
Chicken Wings
Pigs in a Blanket
Pretzels dipped in chocolate and decorated
Banana Pops
Homemade or ready-made ice cream sandwiches
Chocolate Mortarboard Cookies
Put a miniature peanut butter cup, upside down (narrower end up), on your work surface. Then with a drop of frosting or peanut butter, stick on a small rectangle shaped chocolate-covered cookie/graham cracker (right side up) on top of the peanut butter cup.
For a tassel, you can either use frosting in school colors to draw it on or use a tightly rolled up small square of fruit roll-up. Cut fringe on one end and attach the top end to the center of the graham cracker with more frosting or peanut butter. I personally think it's easier to use the frosting to draw on the tassel. Or leave it off altogether. People get the idea that they are mortarboards.
You can also try this idea for a cute treat, that looks like a diploma!
Mix up 8 oz, of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of seedless fruit jam. Lightly spread the cream cheese and jam mixture on a flour tortilla or Lavash bread, then roll up each sandwich diploma style and tie on a ribbon made of cut up Fruit Roll-ups. Adjust to fit your chosen size. Mixture makes 4 to 6 sandwiches. Easy and yummy!
"You're a Star" Watermelon Pops
Cut slices of seedless watermelon about an inch thick, then use a cookie cutter to cut star shapes. Insert a Popsicle stick into each star, then put the pops on a baking sheet covered in foil or in a tupperware container. Cover the star pops with another sheet of foil and freeze for 1 hour or until firm. You can also do this with cookies, by putting them on a stick before they bake.
MUD CUP TREATS In clear plastic tumbler-type cups, layer crushed Oreos first on the bottom, then chocolate pudding, more crushed Oreos, gummy worms, spiders, bugs, candy rocks, and a flower stuck in the middle so that it looks like a flower planted in dirt.
Other ideas include any kind of finger foods, some better for outside parties:
Smoothies
The "ever-popular" cupcakes, decorated in countless ways to fit your theme!
Cut up veggies and fruit
Deviled eggs
Fruit kabobs
Cheese and meat kabobs
Meatballs
Chicken Nuggets
Chicken Wings
Pigs in a Blanket
Pretzels dipped in chocolate and decorated
Banana Pops
Homemade or ready-made ice cream sandwiches
Book Trade Idea!!
Another newer popular party activity is a quick and Crazy Book Trade. Several weeks before one of your class parties or even as a fun side activity, the room parent should send home a note asking each child to bring in a new or gently used book wrapped (make sure to provide a few extras in case anyone forgets).
At the trade, the kids sit in a circle while the room parent reads a story, holding on to their wrapped books. Whenever you say the word "the" during the story, the kids get to pass their book to the right; whenever you say the word "a," they pass the books to the left. The kids will have a hilarious time! Then they get to keep the book they're holding at the end of the story!
At the trade, the kids sit in a circle while the room parent reads a story, holding on to their wrapped books. Whenever you say the word "the" during the story, the kids get to pass their book to the right; whenever you say the word "a," they pass the books to the left. The kids will have a hilarious time! Then they get to keep the book they're holding at the end of the story!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Allocation of funds...
Each school and classroom has its own "policies" regarding how the classroom parties are financed. Basically, one of the following three procedures is typically used. Your teacher will be able to advise you, but remember to be flexible. In addition, don't feel you need to bear an unnecessary financial burden in order to make your party picture perfect…children are very easily pleased!
Some PTA/PTO organizations allocate portions of their budget to be distributed evenly among all the classes in the school for classroom parties. The money is distributed to the teacher at the beginning of the year. The teacher then decides if he/she will turn all of it over to the head room mother, or if she will determine how much will be spent on each event and give direction prior to each party.
At some schools, the head room mom or teacher sends a memo home at the beginning of the year, asking each student to contribute to a "classroom party fund". The amount of the contribution can range anywhere from $2.00 per student to $10.00 per student. Some parents may still supplement the parties with snacks or favors. Always work with the teacher to determine the amount, as she will be aware of any special financial needs. No child should ever be made to feel embarrassed.
Many classes do not ask for a one-time financial contribution, but rely on the participation of parents at each party. The room mom recruits parent volunteers to donate snacks, beverages, favors, decorations, or paper goods, etc. for the party. Sometimes teachers/room moms request that each parent plan to make 2-3 "donations" through the year. The busiest of parents will make time to send items to a party, even if they can't attend.
Thanks to everythingelementary.com for the info!!
Some PTA/PTO organizations allocate portions of their budget to be distributed evenly among all the classes in the school for classroom parties. The money is distributed to the teacher at the beginning of the year. The teacher then decides if he/she will turn all of it over to the head room mother, or if she will determine how much will be spent on each event and give direction prior to each party.
At some schools, the head room mom or teacher sends a memo home at the beginning of the year, asking each student to contribute to a "classroom party fund". The amount of the contribution can range anywhere from $2.00 per student to $10.00 per student. Some parents may still supplement the parties with snacks or favors. Always work with the teacher to determine the amount, as she will be aware of any special financial needs. No child should ever be made to feel embarrassed.
Many classes do not ask for a one-time financial contribution, but rely on the participation of parents at each party. The room mom recruits parent volunteers to donate snacks, beverages, favors, decorations, or paper goods, etc. for the party. Sometimes teachers/room moms request that each parent plan to make 2-3 "donations" through the year. The busiest of parents will make time to send items to a party, even if they can't attend.
Thanks to everythingelementary.com for the info!!
Class party basics...
Know that every teacher has different expectations. Some teachers will give you a party plan, laying out all the details for you. Others will await the party as anxiously as the children to see what fun you have prepared for them! ALWAYS check with the teacher FIRST.
- Fill out a Room Party Checklist below for each party to get more organized.
- Plan to arrive half an hour before the party is supposed to start.
- Make arrangements with the teacher to have the classroom available for set-up 15 minutes before the party starts.
- Ask all party volunteers to get there 15 minutes before the start of the party to set up, and finalize plans.
- Don't assume that pre-school siblings will be welcome. Check with the teacher first. It's not fair to have someone else watching your child while you work with the students.
- Bring everything you will need for each game and craft.
- Bring along a large plastic trash bag, and some paper towels for cleanup.
- When planning parties for younger children (under 10), or if you are working with a limited amount of time, think about dividing the activities into "stations". Recruit enough parents/helpers to work at each station, and divide the children into small groups. Have the party guests spend no more than 10-15 minutes at a station, then rotate.
- Select a couple of games, a craft, and then read an age appropriate book to the group if you're stumped for time. Always plan two or three extra games or an extra craft just in case you finish faster than you expect.
- Always plan to have extra snacks available so that the teacher, school principal, and parent helpers can enjoy them also. Students love to deliver those, if possible!
- Don't forget the camera and video camera. It's great to print out pictures for the teacher, the class or parents.
- Above all else, be flexible, and have fun!
Thanks to everythingelementary.com for this info!!
Class party checklist
Room Party Checklist
Party Occasion: ________________________________________________
Theme: _________________________________________________________
Teacher Name & Grade: ______________________________________
Party Chairperson (Phone #): ___________________________________
Budget: ____________ or Parents will contribute: _____________
Teacher Preferences/Recommendations: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
ASSIGNMENTS:
PARENT VOLUNTEER
PHONE #
1. Game #1
2. Game #2
3. Craft
4. Decorations
5. Book
6. Snack #1
7. Snack #2
8. Paper Goods (plates, napkins, and cutlery)
9. Beverage/cups
10. Favors(treat "bag", goodies, items to match the theme)
a.
b.
c.
d.
11. Set Up/Clean Up
(Parents volunteering to help with the games, craft, book reading, and set up/clean up need to attend the party, and have all necessary items for their assignment. Parents contributing paper goods, snacks, decorations and favors can send the "contribution" in to the chairperson prior to the party if they are unable to attend.)
Contingency Plans: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
Thanks to everythingelementary.com for this info!!
Party Occasion: ________________________________________________
Theme: _________________________________________________________
Teacher Name & Grade: ______________________________________
Party Chairperson (Phone #): ___________________________________
Budget: ____________ or Parents will contribute: _____________
Teacher Preferences/Recommendations: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
ASSIGNMENTS:
PARENT VOLUNTEER
PHONE #
1. Game #1
2. Game #2
3. Craft
4. Decorations
5. Book
6. Snack #1
7. Snack #2
8. Paper Goods (plates, napkins, and cutlery)
9. Beverage/cups
10. Favors(treat "bag", goodies, items to match the theme)
a.
b.
c.
d.
11. Set Up/Clean Up
(Parents volunteering to help with the games, craft, book reading, and set up/clean up need to attend the party, and have all necessary items for their assignment. Parents contributing paper goods, snacks, decorations and favors can send the "contribution" in to the chairperson prior to the party if they are unable to attend.)
Contingency Plans: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
Thanks to everythingelementary.com for this info!!
A room mom is...
WHAT IS A ROOM MOM?
A room mom is someone who volunteers to assist the teacher. The extent of parental involvement varies from teacher to teacher, so one year you may be very involved, and the next you may find yourself with very little work to do.
The primary purpose of a room mom is to host the classroom parties.
Most teachers also rely on parent helpers to cut, make copies, organize work folders, help with centers, assist with field trips, help on cooking days, and organize book orders.
WHAT IS A "HEAD" ROOM MOM?
She generally works directly with the teacher to organize parent volunteers and relay information to the other room mothers.
On occasion, two head room moms will be selected. One will organize the parties, and the other will organize all the other tasks.
She typically collects and disburses the money.
She recruits volunteers for specific events, and assigns the commitments for the coming school year.
She sends out two letters to parents during the first month or two of school after conferring with the teacher. The first letter should be a "Recruiting" tool, and the second letter should be a " Thanks for Committing To…" tool. This is quite possibly the most time consuming task for a head room mother, but well worth the effort.
HOW CAN I BE MOST EFFECTIVE?
Respect the teacher's wishes. Just because "Mrs. Smith did it this way last year", don't expect all teachers to be alike in their needs.
Be as organized as possible at the beginning of the school year, and you will find that all the other parents will sign up to help more, and follow through with the commitments they have made to help.
Send out recruiting and commitment letters as soon as possible. Seeing a commitment on paper is so helpful.
For each party, fill out a Room Party checklist and send one copy to each volunteer on the list two weeks prior to the party. The party "chair" can then follow up with a phone call a few days before the party. Never assume that everyone will just show up as planned!
Organize a binder or folder to gather the class list, parent list, notes from the teacher, filled-out "recruiting" forms, Room Party Checklists, and any other correspondence.
Practice your delegating skills and most of all, take the time to enjoy seeing your child in his/her classroom!
Thanks to everythingelementary.com for this info!
A room mom is someone who volunteers to assist the teacher. The extent of parental involvement varies from teacher to teacher, so one year you may be very involved, and the next you may find yourself with very little work to do.
The primary purpose of a room mom is to host the classroom parties.
Most teachers also rely on parent helpers to cut, make copies, organize work folders, help with centers, assist with field trips, help on cooking days, and organize book orders.
WHAT IS A "HEAD" ROOM MOM?
She generally works directly with the teacher to organize parent volunteers and relay information to the other room mothers.
On occasion, two head room moms will be selected. One will organize the parties, and the other will organize all the other tasks.
She typically collects and disburses the money.
She recruits volunteers for specific events, and assigns the commitments for the coming school year.
She sends out two letters to parents during the first month or two of school after conferring with the teacher. The first letter should be a "Recruiting" tool, and the second letter should be a " Thanks for Committing To…" tool. This is quite possibly the most time consuming task for a head room mother, but well worth the effort.
HOW CAN I BE MOST EFFECTIVE?
Respect the teacher's wishes. Just because "Mrs. Smith did it this way last year", don't expect all teachers to be alike in their needs.
Be as organized as possible at the beginning of the school year, and you will find that all the other parents will sign up to help more, and follow through with the commitments they have made to help.
Send out recruiting and commitment letters as soon as possible. Seeing a commitment on paper is so helpful.
For each party, fill out a Room Party checklist and send one copy to each volunteer on the list two weeks prior to the party. The party "chair" can then follow up with a phone call a few days before the party. Never assume that everyone will just show up as planned!
Organize a binder or folder to gather the class list, parent list, notes from the teacher, filled-out "recruiting" forms, Room Party Checklists, and any other correspondence.
Practice your delegating skills and most of all, take the time to enjoy seeing your child in his/her classroom!
Thanks to everythingelementary.com for this info!
Meeting with the teacher
Every teacher has their own preferences as to how they wish to organize their classroom. Above all else, as a room parent, working with the teacher will have the most benefit for your children. Here's a list of questions to ask the teacher before you start planning the parties.
(Thanks to everything elementary.com for the list!)
PARTIES:
Can you provide a classroom list so that all children can be acknowledged? (Important for planning party favors, food & craft planning, and number of helpers to recruit.)
Do you have a listing of the parents along with phone numbers/email addresses?
Do any of the children have food allergies or other special needs?
How do you prefer to be contacted with questions…email, phone, note, in person during lunch or recess?
Do you have any preferences for the party in terms of structure? For example, some teachers prefer to have one game, one craft, a snack and a book, while others give the room parents free reign.
Would you prefer that we feed the children at the beginning of the party, or the end?
Do you have a schedule of parties/dates for the year in which you will involve parents and/or need assistance?
Don't panic at the length of this list – most classrooms have an average of 5 parties per year
What are your thoughts on having pre-school siblings attend the parties?
Is it okay to set up the room before the parties begin?
Can we rearrange tables and chairs for the parties?
What is the time frame for each party?
Are there any school policies we should be aware of in our planning?
Is there any PTC/PTO money available for the parties, or should each family donate money or "goods"?
Are there any families with financial needs to consider?
Do you have a schedule of field trips for the year, and the number of parent helpers you will need for each?
What other "projects" will you have for parents to help with? (Cutting, special projects, making copies, organizing book orders, helping with centers in the classroom, compiling a classroom/individual photo albums, cooking days, etc.)
(Thanks to everything elementary.com for the list!)
PARTIES:
Can you provide a classroom list so that all children can be acknowledged? (Important for planning party favors, food & craft planning, and number of helpers to recruit.)
Do you have a listing of the parents along with phone numbers/email addresses?
Do any of the children have food allergies or other special needs?
How do you prefer to be contacted with questions…email, phone, note, in person during lunch or recess?
Do you have any preferences for the party in terms of structure? For example, some teachers prefer to have one game, one craft, a snack and a book, while others give the room parents free reign.
Would you prefer that we feed the children at the beginning of the party, or the end?
Do you have a schedule of parties/dates for the year in which you will involve parents and/or need assistance?
Don't panic at the length of this list – most classrooms have an average of 5 parties per year
What are your thoughts on having pre-school siblings attend the parties?
Is it okay to set up the room before the parties begin?
Can we rearrange tables and chairs for the parties?
What is the time frame for each party?
Are there any school policies we should be aware of in our planning?
Is there any PTC/PTO money available for the parties, or should each family donate money or "goods"?
Are there any families with financial needs to consider?
Do you have a schedule of field trips for the year, and the number of parent helpers you will need for each?
What other "projects" will you have for parents to help with? (Cutting, special projects, making copies, organizing book orders, helping with centers in the classroom, compiling a classroom/individual photo albums, cooking days, etc.)
Disaster stories
This is the section where I like to share disaster stories, or games, treats and ideas that just DIDN'T work for whatever reason....I hope you will add your own!
We did a relay once for a Halloween party, where the kids had to stick their hands in a big bowl of brains (pasta) and grab the eyeballs (olives or grapes). What a HUGE mess! There were pieces of pasta everywhere and the teacher was NOT happy! Lesson learned!
I was once a room mother, new to the school, where it was a tradition for the kids to make their own gingerbread houses, start to finish, during the holiday party. There were parents assigned to make the pieces to the house, bring them in, then parents would make royal icing ahead of time (complete with powdered egg whites!), what a PAIN!! It again was a huge mess, and major inconvenience for all of the parents. I did however, find a great EASY recipe for royal icing that I will have to dig out and post. It was made with real egg whites and mixed with confectioner's sugar in a baggy, so there was no mess there. Still....major PAIN.
We did a relay once for a Halloween party, where the kids had to stick their hands in a big bowl of brains (pasta) and grab the eyeballs (olives or grapes). What a HUGE mess! There were pieces of pasta everywhere and the teacher was NOT happy! Lesson learned!
I was once a room mother, new to the school, where it was a tradition for the kids to make their own gingerbread houses, start to finish, during the holiday party. There were parents assigned to make the pieces to the house, bring them in, then parents would make royal icing ahead of time (complete with powdered egg whites!), what a PAIN!! It again was a huge mess, and major inconvenience for all of the parents. I did however, find a great EASY recipe for royal icing that I will have to dig out and post. It was made with real egg whites and mixed with confectioner's sugar in a baggy, so there was no mess there. Still....major PAIN.
Miscellaneous fun recipes
Easy no bake ideas to do in class!!
EASY S'MORES
Spread one graham cracker with chocolate frosting or chocolate peanut butter and the other with marshmallow creme and sandwich together. Microwave for a few seconds.
CHOCOLATE CHIP NO-BAKE COOKIES
1 large bag chocolate chips
1 large bag peanut butter chips
2 small cans chow mein noodles
1 bag mini marshmallows
2 cups oatmeal
Combine noodles, marshmallows, and oatmeal in a large bowl. Stir. Melt chips in microwave (many schools have them), pour over noodle mixture, and stir, make into medium-sized mounds.
ORANGE BALLS
1 1/8 cups vanilla wafers, crushed
3/4 cup flaked coconut
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 (6-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for rolling
Mix together the vanilla wafers, coconut, 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, and frozen orange juice. Mold into 1-inch balls and roll in remaining confectioners' sugar. Store covered in the refrigerator.
5-IN-1 NO-BAKE COOKIES
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey or corn syrup
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
1 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
Combine thoroughly. Now add ingredients from one of the following five options:
•OR's 2 cups rolled oats 1 1/2 cup raisins Mix. Shape into balls, then flatten.
•Crispy Balls 4 cups crispy cereal Mix. Shape into small balls.
•Raisin Clusters 1/4 cup cocoa 4 cups raisins Mix. Cluster into small balls.
•Coc O Balls 1/4 cup cocoa 2 cups rolled oats 1/4 cup chopped peanuts 1 tsp. vanilla Mix. Shape into balls.
•Grahamys Add 1/4 cup raisins. Spread between graham crackers.
Applesauce in the classroom - burner needed
Ingredients - apples, cinnamon candies, big pan, water and food mill
Apples, cored and cut up - no need to peel
Heat apples in large dutch oven on burner, covered with water. When the apples are soft, drain off the water, then add cinnamon candies to taste.
Put through a food mill. The kids love to do this. My mother has gone to my kids' classes several times each to make applesauce.
Organizing your parents and parties
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Everyday craft ideas
Easy Stickers
• Old magazines, pictures from comic books or gift wrap
• 2 tsp. flavored gelatin
• 5 tsp. boiling water
• PaintbrushCut pictures from the magazines, comic books or gift wrap.
With a paintbrush, brush the backs of the cutouts with a thin layer of gelatin solution. Let dry, and the stickers are ready to lick and stick!
• Old magazines, pictures from comic books or gift wrap
• 2 tsp. flavored gelatin
• 5 tsp. boiling water
• PaintbrushCut pictures from the magazines, comic books or gift wrap.
With a paintbrush, brush the backs of the cutouts with a thin layer of gelatin solution. Let dry, and the stickers are ready to lick and stick!
Class Teacher Gift ideas
Personalized teacher gifts are always a big hit. It helps to know what your teacher's interests are of course. But it also helps when the kids are directly involved in a piece of the gift. They are more excited about this than just buying them a gift certificate or present.
It is always great to get a volunteer or two and have them come in while the teacher takes a break. For younger students you may want to do the work for them, for older - let them use their own creativity or send the project home for them to spend more time on it.
1. Give the teacher a camping or beach chair with each child's name written on it. Again, each kid can do it or an adult can. Works well if the teacher camps or has a hobby that would use this!
2. Put together a Classroom Cookbook - Send home a note with each student to bring in their favorite recipe. They can make their own pages with the recipe on it, photo and another note to the teacher or you can compile the recipes yourself. We did a cool twist on this once with young students, where one or two parents ask the students what their favorite recipe is, and how you make it. We warned parents ahead of time so the kids had a little time to prepare. This was hilarious!! Some kids would say to bake something at 1000 degrees for ten hours, and other thins like that! We ended up copying it for each student to have and also used it for a parent gift as well. Then we'll laminate the page and put it in book form with round metal hoops. My sister did this when she was in elementary school and we still pull it out for a chuckle!
3. Dishes, platters or bowls - If you have a Paint Your Own Pottery place in town, purchase a big platter or bowl, then have the kids sign it with a pencil, then you can go over it with paint, then get it glazed at the pottery shop. This is very popular!! The pottery place owner can help you with more tips.
4. Custom T-Shirts - On the front you can put the class picture and the school year, and on the back write the students' names. Or the kids can put their handprints on the shirt with their names with fabric paint. Anytime you do handprints, be prepared for a big mess and the fabric paint does not come out of kids' clothes. Have extra paint shirts and rags available.
5. Handprints or fingerprints - You can put handprints on so many different things - flowerpots, t shirts, aprons, watering cans, quilts. See miscellaneous category for more handprint ideas.
6. Quilts - send a square of muslin fabric home with each child in a baggie with directions for the parents. Have them draw their "best" picture with iron-on fabric crayons. You can also have each child put their handprint and signature on them as well. This is something that can also be done in class with several adult volunteers.
7. Video with Songs & Messages - Have the students create a precious end-of-the-year/going-away gift of a videotape which could include them singing farewell and good-luck songs, along with footage of each child sharing a favorite memory from our time together and what they liked most about the teacher.
8. Decide on a gift basket theme to give to your teacher. Have each student bring in something that they can add to the basket. For instance, if your teacher likes golf or a certain sports team, have the students purchase or make something to go in the basket.
9. Give each student a brown paper bag on which you've written a letter of the alphabet. Inside put a note asking parents to help their child fill the bag with one or more small gifts beginning with that letter. To help them, offer a few examples: muffins or movie passes for M; candles for C... If you have less or more than 26 students, ask for volunteers or double up. Obviously skip the harder letters if you want!
It is always great to get a volunteer or two and have them come in while the teacher takes a break. For younger students you may want to do the work for them, for older - let them use their own creativity or send the project home for them to spend more time on it.
1. Give the teacher a camping or beach chair with each child's name written on it. Again, each kid can do it or an adult can. Works well if the teacher camps or has a hobby that would use this!
2. Put together a Classroom Cookbook - Send home a note with each student to bring in their favorite recipe. They can make their own pages with the recipe on it, photo and another note to the teacher or you can compile the recipes yourself. We did a cool twist on this once with young students, where one or two parents ask the students what their favorite recipe is, and how you make it. We warned parents ahead of time so the kids had a little time to prepare. This was hilarious!! Some kids would say to bake something at 1000 degrees for ten hours, and other thins like that! We ended up copying it for each student to have and also used it for a parent gift as well. Then we'll laminate the page and put it in book form with round metal hoops. My sister did this when she was in elementary school and we still pull it out for a chuckle!
3. Dishes, platters or bowls - If you have a Paint Your Own Pottery place in town, purchase a big platter or bowl, then have the kids sign it with a pencil, then you can go over it with paint, then get it glazed at the pottery shop. This is very popular!! The pottery place owner can help you with more tips.
4. Custom T-Shirts - On the front you can put the class picture and the school year, and on the back write the students' names. Or the kids can put their handprints on the shirt with their names with fabric paint. Anytime you do handprints, be prepared for a big mess and the fabric paint does not come out of kids' clothes. Have extra paint shirts and rags available.
5. Handprints or fingerprints - You can put handprints on so many different things - flowerpots, t shirts, aprons, watering cans, quilts. See miscellaneous category for more handprint ideas.
6. Quilts - send a square of muslin fabric home with each child in a baggie with directions for the parents. Have them draw their "best" picture with iron-on fabric crayons. You can also have each child put their handprint and signature on them as well. This is something that can also be done in class with several adult volunteers.
7. Video with Songs & Messages - Have the students create a precious end-of-the-year/going-away gift of a videotape which could include them singing farewell and good-luck songs, along with footage of each child sharing a favorite memory from our time together and what they liked most about the teacher.
8. Decide on a gift basket theme to give to your teacher. Have each student bring in something that they can add to the basket. For instance, if your teacher likes golf or a certain sports team, have the students purchase or make something to go in the basket.
9. Give each student a brown paper bag on which you've written a letter of the alphabet. Inside put a note asking parents to help their child fill the bag with one or more small gifts beginning with that letter. To help them, offer a few examples: muffins or movie passes for M; candles for C... If you have less or more than 26 students, ask for volunteers or double up. Obviously skip the harder letters if you want!
Halloween Party Ideas, Crafts, Games and Recipes
- Candy Corn Relay Line up two bowls of candy corn and two corresponding teams. Place two plastic pumpkins some paces away (depending on how much room you have; the farther the better). Give each racer a cup, and on a signal have them scoop out some candy corn, race to a plastic pumpkin, and pour the corn in. They must race back and hand off the cup for the next child. First pumpkin filled wins.
- Leaf Pickup Cut all sorts of leaf shapes out of lightweight paper. Equip each child with a drinking straw and scatter the leaves on the floor. On GO, each child must "suck up" a leaf and place it in a basket. The child with most leaves at the end of two minutes wins. •Estimation Guess the number of candy corns in a jar.
- Bingo Play the game with candy corn as markers.
- Wrap my Mummy Have a mom volunteer to be wrapped by the kids in rolls of toilet paper. Why the kids think this is so funny I don't know, but it never fails.
- Hot Potato Game with a twist Bring in different clothing items and play the hot potato game, where you play the music, when it stops, they have to put on the piece of clothing. Make sure the clothing is age appropriate. We had a room mom that once did this game and she brought in a giant bra and girdle, my son ended up wearing it. The kids thought it was hilarious, but some of the parents and the teacher were mortified.
- Blind Pumpkin Game Have the kids with a partner, then have them each draw on the chalk or white board a picture of a pumpkin. Easy? Not when your partner is covering your eyes! Then vote on which was best!! You can also do this where they write their names, either blindfolded or backwards.
Valentine's Party Ideas
Fingerprint Hearts cards for smaller children.
1. Use a nontoxic stamp pad.
2. Stamp a V-shaped heart by joining two finger prints at the bottoms.
Recipes:
Valentine's Day Cupcakes
1. Line your cupcake tins with baking liners.
2. Make a batch of your favorite batter and fill the cups halfway.
3. Place a small marble or a 1/2-inch ball of aluminum foil between each liner and one side of
the tin (a great job for kids). This will push the paper into the batter to form the notch in the
heart.
4. Bake the cupcakes at the temperature specified by your recipe but check for doneness a few
minutes early.
5. Let the cupcakes cool, then remove the marbles or foil balls. Frost with icing and top with
colored sugar or sprinkles. The cupcake will look like a heart on the bottom!!
1. Use a nontoxic stamp pad.
2. Stamp a V-shaped heart by joining two finger prints at the bottoms.
Recipes:
Valentine's Day Cupcakes
1. Line your cupcake tins with baking liners.
2. Make a batch of your favorite batter and fill the cups halfway.
3. Place a small marble or a 1/2-inch ball of aluminum foil between each liner and one side of
the tin (a great job for kids). This will push the paper into the batter to form the notch in the
heart.
4. Bake the cupcakes at the temperature specified by your recipe but check for doneness a few
minutes early.
5. Let the cupcakes cool, then remove the marbles or foil balls. Frost with icing and top with
colored sugar or sprinkles. The cupcake will look like a heart on the bottom!!
Hail to the Room Mom!!
Whether you're a new room mom or a veteran, we're always trying to think of a new clever idea which mixes education and fun for that class party, class activity or unique teacher gift.
Nothing is worse than the kid who says, "Oh, we did this last year!" or the teacher that says, "Not in my room! That was a disaster the last time!"
So I have created this site so that Room Moms have a place to go to find unique, fun ideas that will please both kid and teacher.
You will be able to contribute your ideas, comment on others, and add tips that will help the rest of us to run the perfect class party!
Oh, and Girl Scout leaders....this site is for you too! I've been there as well....trying to find the perfect craft that will work for 15 Brownies or 15 veteran Girl Scouts.
Now....on to the planning!!
Here are some websites which have some great ideas...
- www.FamilyFun.com
- www.Michaels.com
- www.MakingFriends.com
- www.KidsDomain.com
- www.BetterHomesandGardens.com
Nothing is worse than the kid who says, "Oh, we did this last year!" or the teacher that says, "Not in my room! That was a disaster the last time!"
So I have created this site so that Room Moms have a place to go to find unique, fun ideas that will please both kid and teacher.
You will be able to contribute your ideas, comment on others, and add tips that will help the rest of us to run the perfect class party!
Oh, and Girl Scout leaders....this site is for you too! I've been there as well....trying to find the perfect craft that will work for 15 Brownies or 15 veteran Girl Scouts.
Now....on to the planning!!
Here are some websites which have some great ideas...
- www.FamilyFun.com
- www.Michaels.com
- www.MakingFriends.com
- www.KidsDomain.com
- www.BetterHomesandGardens.com
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