Party Time at The Children's School

There are some significant skills one can put to use in putting on a good party. Not the least of these is setting a pretty party table. So of course, here at The Children's School, we like to practice this skill. We have a small table, often found in the hallway, in between Rooms 341 and

343 (Mrs. Banks' snack room, and the MWF classroom), and a rolling cart full of table-setting tools. Looking carefully at the picture below, you can probably identify the "theme" as well as the color choices around these supplies. Usually included are things like: tablecloth, cups, vase(s),

flowers, plates, utensils, and sometimes napkins. The table below was set by one of our friends in the M-F class. Mrs. McArthur was there to help, should the need arise. (I don't recall that ever turned out to be necessary!)

Another simple, but very fun party preparation is to make table runners for our snack tables. With a few paint sponges, and or cookie cutters, we can practice our stamping work (or hopping) and decorate a long sheet of paper that can then be used as a table runner upon which to place other decorations. Flower arranging, which is a skill we have been practicing in our older classrooms now for a couple of months, becomes an important and useful skill for our parties.

We also take advantage of these special occasions to do some "secretary work" with our children around the idea of cooking special foods, and so writing down recipes the children share with us. Here's an example from a couple of years ago:

Pumpkin Pie by Karsten

apples

pumpkins

oranges

crust

cherries on top

Picture of a bunny hopping on a rainbow plate. It serves the whole class.

We might also have the opportunity to write down some party planning ideas for someone.

From last year:

Lily and Grace's Costume Party

Costumes:

Lily - Sleeping Beauty, black shoes

Grace - Belle, yellow shoes

Treats:

M&M's - blue, orange and yellow

Candy bar

Fruit - Strawberries

Water and Apple Juice

TV Show:

Dora

Decorations:

Flowers - Blue, Pink, REd, Yellow, and Orange

Game:

Dora Game

Princess Game

Backpack Game

We don't always take on the responsibility of the writing. Our invitations allow for, not only the obvious "announcement" of an upcoming party to our families, but also the opportunity to practice our writing.

Another really important component to Party Planning here at The Children's School is the opportunity for special clothes. It is FUN to have the opportunity to dress up and wear our special clothes. Here at TCS that is defined as dress shirts, dresses, ties, and slippery shoes! If you don't have a tie, you are always welcome to borrow:

None of these preparations alone is very complicated. And that is by design. Because when you put all of these lovely events together, you create an amazing and memorable experience for the children that is fun without being overwhelming or complicated.

And one more party plan - this time from Hannah who is planning a party at her house:

Food will include:

Macaroni and Cheese (rainbow colored)

Salad Cheese (green)

Ham

Decorations:

Pumkin

Jack O Lantern

and a decoration pumpkin

White pumpkins to paint

7 people will come to her party; bring a costume. Hannah's costume is a Snow White Princess!