Planning A Class Party They’ll Remember

Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, planning a classroom party is a huge undertaking. There are a lot of aspects of parties that need to be considered. Today we’re not going over specific ideas, but breaking down the party planning process in a few simple steps that will apply to any classroom party!

Step One: Theme

The theme of your classroom party dictates everything else. Often the party theme is going to be based around a holiday or season, but don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd!

Throw a party themed after a book read in class, for example. You could also throw a party based on another culture. Parties can be great ways in integrate learning opportunities into something students see as fun.

Step Two: Purpose

What purpose does the party serve? If it’s a fall themed party, it could be about appreciating where food comes from. If it’s a Valentine’s Day themed party, make it about students appreciating each other.

Having a purpose in mind when planning can help you ensure that your students aren’t just having fun, they’re learning something.

Step Three: Budget

Before you make any plans for this party, figure out the budget. If you want to dip into personal funds that’s fine, but even if you’re paying out of pocket you should have a budget in mind.

A classroom party will only last about an hour, so you don’t need to spend a lot of money going all-out to completely transform the classroom. Keep all the money in a specific place and write down your estimated costs vs. actual costs as the planning gets underway.

Step Four: The Food

The first thing you have to do is get a list of all student allergies. When requesting food make sure parents know not to send these items into the classroom.

If you can, try to bring in a snack that fits the theme of the party. You’ll also want to encourage parents to send in healthy snacks, not just cupcakes.

Step Five: Decorations

You don’t want to go too crazy, but having some decorations can really make a party stand out. Even something as simple as choosing paper plates in a color that suits the theme can make a difference. Consider making a backdrop against the wall where the party food will be.

Don’t forget to check with friends or colleagues for décor items. This can really cut down on the costs and they may have some great ideas!

Step Six: Activities

Make your party memorable. Activities will make students really remember your party, and they can learn things, too.

Simple crafts make for an easy, fun activity in the classroom. If you’re presenting a craft at a party it is better to prepare everything needed in advanced. Get outside for activities if you can to burn off more energy. If you can fit activities to the theme that’s great, but you don’t have to!

Step Seven: Parent Communication

You’ll want to communicate with other parents to see what they can contribute to the party. If you’re a parent ask the teacher to send home a note, perhaps with your email address attached, so parents can get in contact.

This makes it easier to coordinate food and drinks so you don’t end up with nothing but a table of cookies. Send out this letter a week or two ahead of the party.

Step Eight: Plan

Once you’ve figured out all these logistics, it’s time to put everything together. Figure out the timing of your activities and the serving of food. Figure out when to decorate and where food will be stored. This part should be easy since you’ve planned everything else out already.

Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to planning the perfect classroom party!