Is it possible to have a classroom party and not have to scrape the students off the ceiling?
I promise you, that YES IT IS!
It’s all about the battle party plan!
And I am here to help you get ready so that not just your kids will enjoy the party – so will you (without the aspirin) (or the Zanex) ;).
So here are 3 tips for a stress-free classroom party:
I have learned from experience that turning parties over to parents can often be disastrous. So for my own sanity, and desire to give the students a great party – I plan it – parents DO NOT PLAN – they are your worker bees – you are the queen bee!
I only enlist parent help after I know what I want.
To get organized ahead of time, I use an organizer for my parties, so that I don’t forget something important. (One year I forgot to put ice-cream on the list for our ice-cream sundaes – YIKES!)
Decide what Valentine crafts, games, activities, and decorations you are going to include. With plan in hand, you can now delegate to some of those marvelous parents who love to help.
(If you would like this planner, you will find link below.)
Gather all materials for each activity. I like to put each in a tub or box – so in the thick of the battle party, you can just grab it and be ready.
The party plan: starts out slow (individual) – gets a little wild (but controlled) – quiets back down with partner and small group games – ends with the BANG!
(And then they fly out the door to their own homes.)
You have a plan – but remember to be flexible. If a game you thought they would love is not being enjoyed – change it!
This is the general sequence my parties have:
- Easy Craft – whole group
- Bingo Game – whole group
- Minute-to-Win-It Games
- Partner or Small Group Games
- Refreshments & Valentine Opening
Once those Valentines and refreshments are out – the kids are GONE!
So that brings me to my 3rd tip:
You can be Prepared, Have a Plan, and still have a crazy party…. You need to be able to quickly get the partiers’ attention to give instructions for the next activity on your plan. And if you have a signal, you can do that without shouting.
So what is your signal going to be?
- a bell
- a clap pattern that they echo
- a phrase they echo
- or your favorite signal
Whatever your signal – be sure that it is something that has been agreed to, taught, and practiced before the party!
You have your
- Valentine Party PRE-PARTY PREP DONE
- you have a PLAN
- you have SIGNAL
Now, I have some resource for you to help you have a stress-free Valentines Party!
Do you need more:
Games,
Decorations,
Crafts,
Puzzles
If yes…. check these out….
Color-by-Code are always a great way to integrate curriculum content with a special day! These are perfect for Valentine’s Day and the days leading up to Valentine’s Day.
Kids LOVE doing these color by code pages! And you have the satisfaction that they are learning and practicing important skills!
After the party – look over your plan – reflect:
What worked?
What do you wish you had done differently?
What did not work?
Jot it down and file it with your resources for next year.
Next year will be even better!
PIN FOR LATER
Please leave a comment and let us know how your ‘Stress-Free’ Valentine Party went!
My name is Peggy Means. I am a child of God and a retired elementary teacher. I loved teaching and creating engaging resources for my students. Now, I love sharing my resources and ideas with busy teachers around the world.
5 Comments
I seriously was just thinking about how stressed out I was over the Christmas party… for the Valentine's Party, we are starting state testing this week too! Stress on top of stress! This blog post is wonderful 🙂 I will definitely be using your tips! Thank you 🙂
Love your tips and the Classroom Valentine Pack! Mentioned it on my blog. TeacherMsH
Thank you, Julie! I really appreciate you!
Thank you, Stephanie! You are so encouraging! I hope you had a delightful (stressless) party! <3
Delegating to my parents party responsibilities. They love doing it. Parties can only last the last 30 minutes of school, so they plan accordingly. The best party is they understand a little about teaching and keeping scholars interest the ENTIRE time:)