CLASSROOM CELEBRATION IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS



CLASSROOM CELEBRATION IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS

The suggestions below came from the input of many seasoned room parents. These comments are based on their experiences and can be used or not depending on the individuality of each classroom, set of children, room parents and teacher. They are merely provided as something to think about when you plan your classroom activities.

Classroom Celebrations are up to the teachers and the room parents, but typically consist of a snack, craft, game and maybe some other activity – depending on the time. There is no right or wrong way to host a classroom celebration (as long as you are within the guidelines stated above). The objective of a classroom celebration is to have happy kids. The section below is meant to launch you in the right direction as you begin your classroom celebration planning.

Crafts

The following sources are good places to find crafts, treats and gifts for all types of classroom celebrations.

← Michaels– craft sheets

← Oriental Trading Company

o Web site

o Phone Number 1-800-875-8480

NOTE: To avoid excessive shipping charges, be sure to order in advance, and think about working with other classes to place one large order.

← Family Fun Magazine

o Magazine available at local bookstore

o Web sites:







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Notes:

• Anything that can be prepared ahead of time should be.

• May want to organize craft supplies into individual bags for each child.

• TEST the craft at home to make sure that it is doable by a child in the allotted time

Games

Games are a fun way to let the kids burn off some of that extra energy. The type of game will vary depending on the children’s grade level and maturity level

o The game should be uncomplicated and fun.  This is where you can plan to give each child a pencil, candy or any small item as a prize.

o Bingo is ALWAYS a fun game to play as either an entire class or as a small group in a center. The children love using candy pieces as markers.

o Pin the Tail on something

o At Valentine’s Party, buy paper Conversation Hearts, cut them in half in different designs and have the students find their partner or the other half of the heart by matching up the edges and the saying

Craft Ideas

o Paper Spider Webs: Use Black Paper Plates – luncheon size and cut ½ inch slits (about 8) around the edges. Each child gets a piece of precut white yarn. Tape the yarn to the back of the plate and have the children weave a web on the plate. Attach a plastic spider.

o Gifts for parents or grandparents (potholders, aprons, etc.)

o Cards for family members or possibly “adopt” an elderly group (maybe the church across the way) and make cards (valentine’s ) for them.

Academic Activities:

o Estimation of candy hearts in a jar.

o Making hot chocolate mix to bring home as a gift – uses measurement.

Miscellaneous Thoughts on Classroom Celebrations:

C. “MUSIC – BRING MUSIC.”

D. “Keep the party simple and do as much prep work as possible”

E. “Set the deadline for donations earlier than needed because some people are always late.”

F. “To make it easier for the teachers, always write the child’s last name on the top of whatever you are sending home.”

G. “When asking people to bring things to the classroom or to a party, make sure that you give them enough lead time. Try to give people a weekend to shop…..if you want to you can send them a reminder a few days before just in case.”

H. Always have a contingency plan (bring extras and stash them in your car in case someone forgets to bring something in).

WINTER CELEBRATION IDEAS

The festive atmosphere of the season can be enhanced when it reflects the beliefs of all children of the school community. Here are two examples to celebrate the various winter holidays. Activities in the classroom that are connected to religious or cultural holidays are selected for their educational content and to increase students’ awareness of different cultural practices and traditions without including religious teachings.

Theme: Winter (December)

Crafts:

All crafts must be approved by the teacher and will reinforce the theme of the party.

Some ideas for crafts are: snowmen made out of laundry detergent, decorating gingerbread houses, pine cone bird feeder, snow scene in a jar, snowflakes, and snowglobes.

Snack:

Foods served should be healthy. Be aware of classroom food allergies-talk to the teacher directly regarding any dietary restrictions. Please limit sweets. Fruit drinks are appropriate drinks; no soft drinks should be served.

The children love to decorate sugar cookies, cupcakes or gingerbread houses. Decorating their snack can be an activity in itself. Fruit and vegetable party tray-have each parent send in different dips for the children to try. Children love snow (ice) cream in almost any shape or form.

Games:

Games are a fun way to let the kids burn off some extra energy (or sugar). The type of game will vary depending on the children’s grade level and maturity level. The game should be uncomplicated and fun.

In keeping with the Winter theme, some ideas include ice fishing, winter Pictionary, snowball relay race, word find, and freeze.

Music:

Bring music-children love music! Make sure the music is in keeping with the theme and does not represent one particular holiday or culture. Please review your selections with the teacher before the party.

Decorations:

Decorations must represent the diversity of the season and be inclusive of all children’s cultures. The crafts completed during cultural celebrations may be displayed throughout the school and/or sent home. Other winter decorations that would be appropriate include snowflakes, snowmen, gingerbread houses, mittens, and candles.

In planning for these parties or lessons, the use of religious or cultural symbols such as a cross, menorah, Crescent, Star of David, crèche, symbols of Native American religions and the Buddha that are part of a religious tradition, are permitted as a teaching aid ONLY.

Books:

There are many delightful books available to read in keeping with the winter theme. Some recommendations are: Gingerbread Baby, Dream Snow, The Mitten, Curious George in the Snow, The Hat, White Snow Bright Snow, to name a few.

Sources:

The following web sites are great resources to find snacks, games and ideas to launch you in the right direction as you begin your classroom celebration planning:



familyfun.







For crafts:



(stores located at the Arboretum & Stonecrest)





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