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!!