Parentella

Being chosen as Room Parent can be both an exciting and scary experience, even if you are the one who volunteered for it. One of the biggest responsibilities of a room parent is class parties, of which there are several per school year. Those two words, class and party, when put together in a sentence strike fear into the heart of even the veteran room parent. But it doesn’t have to be that way! I’ve put together a short list of tried and true tips to make your class Halloween party painless and fun!

As a rehabilitated Room Mom I’ve planned and put together my share of class parties, and lucky for you I learned many valuable lessons along the way. I have also asked one of my favorite moms about her experiences and have included her advice as well. So take a deep breath, it’s going to be just fine. You can plan a party for 25+ picky small people without losing your mind…mostly.

When it comes to garnering parental support from the rest of the parents, Lisa from Mommyality says this: “Plan ahead, be specific about what the parents are to bring, specific date/time, and contact them the day before the party with a quick reminder. Because if [you don't], you will have 25 bags of chips, no cupcakes and [the parents] will either bring them 5 days early, 2 hours late or not at all.”

You can also use Online Signups to organize your parties. All you have to do is set up a list of volunteers needed and email it out to them. Then sit back and watch all the slots fill up with automated confirmations and reminders. You can watch helpful videos here to get you started.

Twenty-five kids sans the structure of their daily routine can wreak havoc on a class party, unless you’re prepared with 4 or 5 easy (to do and clean up) crafts like this paper bowl jack-o-lantern from Amazing Moms. The best way to make sure each child gets to create the same crafts is to set up craft/game stations and rotate the students quickly through each station.

When you have twenty-five kids in one spot, someone is bound to have an allergy of one kind or another. Do your research. Know what kind of allergies you’re facing and avoid nut foods totally to be safe. Food allergies can be some of the most dangerous allergies affecting children, so it is your responsibility as room parent to provide a safe party for each child.

Be aware of differing religions beliefs. Just like the world around us, in a classroom there can be several differing beliefs and not every child will be able participate in a party focused on certain holidays. Instead, think about having a “Fall Party” or other non-religious themed party and be conscious about the types of crafts, games, and snacks you include. This way every student gets the chance to participate.

Many parents are finding that the time which is allowed for parties is being cut drastically due to the increased pressure on students and teachers to pack as much education in a school day as is possible. Know how much time you will be allotted for the party before you start to plan. This will make planning the games, crafts, and snacks easier.

Most importantly, have fun. There is no reason why a class party can’t be fun for the parents too. Just a little preparation and you’ll be able to enjoy the party and your child at the same time.

Do you have an class party planning tips to add? Please Share your tips for party planning success!

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Amanda Henson is Parentella’s Community Manager and owner of High Impact Mom, a socially aware mom-blog. As Chief Executive Mom at High Impact Mom, Amanda encounters all sorts of madness while she goes to bat for teachers as local PTSO secretary, corrals two busy daughters, manages a successful social media marketing company, and occasionally even finding time for a date with her husband. Sometimes she even lives to blog about it. Amanda is a social media addict, a compulsive volunteer, and devoted mama…she might also a little bit crazy.