I swear by having a foolproof plan for little kid parties and this is it: TRAPP. This is my own little acronym I follow to ensure an enjoyable, successful, low-stress celebration.
T- Theme
R- Refreshments
A- Activity
P- Program
P- Photos
What does this look like when it's executed? Well, I'm glad you asked! Autumn is here and provides a perfect opportunity to show how TRAPP works. Introducing "Pumpkins on Parade"!
P- Photos
Who doesn't love a good theme party? Honestly, I don't trust anyone that doesn't! Theme is huge and really what inspires everything else. Kids love pumpkins and we do science/math/sensory/literacy activities using them in class, so celebrating with them is a natural culmination.
Refreshments are easily what people remember most at a party and coordinating snacks with the theme is mega fun for this Pinterest addict. I have pretty strong feelings concerning party food. I mean, if you can't appreciate cute, kid-approved theme snacks, then we can't be friends...ha! And you know what? Families are happy to donate ingredients and supplies when they know what you need and are given the chance to contribute. I always involve them in this process.
Another word here, this time about the activity: Games do not have to be wild to be fun and projects do not have to be complicated to be precious. I have been to classroom parties that are out of control and it's not enjoyable- it's stressful. Likewise, projects need to be at the students' ability level or they will not finish it or create a mess trying to do so, which also stresses-me-the-heck-out. This is where trying the activity ahead of time and advance prep work come in handy. I do love Pinterest, but I've had my share of epic flops from things I pinned that looked 'so easy'. Better to find out what doesn't really work on my own time than in a room full of parents and excited kids in front of God and everybody, know what I mean? That way you can make changes beforehand to ensure everything goes smoothly at the party.
Program and pictures are the last party aspects to discuss. Program is a pretty broad term for the song or skit the kids will perform but it fit for my acronym, so there you go. Parents LOVE watching their kids in action and anytime you can give your students a chance to get up in front of an audience and share you should. One cannot overemphasize the importance of this skill. Why not practice it during this time when they're motivated to show off and have fun? Which brings us to our final P...photos. Is taking pics classified as a love language yet? I feel like it should be! I always set up a photo prop area where families can stage pics at the party. I act as photographer if the family wants to be together for a photo. I love seeing family photos from our party posted on social media because it serves as evidence that a connection was indeed made at our celebration and we had an awesome time together. Mission accomplished!
One last word on transitions because in case you haven't picked up on it, they're kind of a big deal. The agenda at the party doesn't necessarily follow the TRAPP order. Here is the party agenda I prefer to follow:
1) Start with the program. Kids can already be in position when guests enter the room and the performance begins the party with a bang!
2) Students pass out their memory art and sit with their family during the game/activity explanation. Then they are in position to actually do the activity together.
P.S. Always have someone besides you know what is going on at the party so they can help pass out supplies and field questions.
3) Eating refreshments after the activity is a good plan in case the activity takes longer than you think. I like to have some snacks packaged in a way that is convenient for kids to take with them and have later.
4) While eating or when finished, guests can take photos at their leisure. I make sure they know to sign out when they are ready to leave, have party favors at the door, and encourage them to share their pics on our class facebook page. And it's a wrap!
Do you have any fantastic class party themes or party formulas you swear by? I hope you'll share them with me. Let's hear how you create the joy!
Refreshments are easily what people remember most at a party and coordinating snacks with the theme is mega fun for this Pinterest addict. I have pretty strong feelings concerning party food. I mean, if you can't appreciate cute, kid-approved theme snacks, then we can't be friends...ha! And you know what? Families are happy to donate ingredients and supplies when they know what you need and are given the chance to contribute. I always involve them in this process.
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| Wrapping little cutie oranges in tissue paper to look like pumpkins is a fun snack. |
Having an activity for kids to do with their parents at the party is essential. The doing/playing/creating during a party allows parents to connect with their kids. I love engineering that! I always do as much organizing and prep work in advance as possible because the key to a successful party is smooth transitions. The students have a memory art piece they have created in class to give to their family at the party and then we are on to playing a simple game or making an easy craft project. A word about memory art: Anytime you can remind parents that you appreciate them and invite their support is a plus. Handprint, poem, or personality- driven art projects that go on display in their home and eventually make their way into child memory boxes accomplish that for sure.
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| 'Punch the Pumpkin' is a perfect low-key game with guaranteed winners when each cup has a gift inside. |
1) Start with the program. Kids can already be in position when guests enter the room and the performance begins the party with a bang!
2) Students pass out their memory art and sit with their family during the game/activity explanation. Then they are in position to actually do the activity together.
P.S. Always have someone besides you know what is going on at the party so they can help pass out supplies and field questions.
3) Eating refreshments after the activity is a good plan in case the activity takes longer than you think. I like to have some snacks packaged in a way that is convenient for kids to take with them and have later.
4) While eating or when finished, guests can take photos at their leisure. I make sure they know to sign out when they are ready to leave, have party favors at the door, and encourage them to share their pics on our class facebook page. And it's a wrap!
Do you have any fantastic class party themes or party formulas you swear by? I hope you'll share them with me. Let's hear how you create the joy!
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