http://blog.hwtm.com/2012/11/crafty-kids-chevron-thanksgiving/

http://www.dumpyourfrump.com/2012/11/05/5-sweet-thanksgiving-treats-for-the-kids/

43 spooky cupcake ideas!

All from Better Homes & Gardens
http://www.bhg.com/halloween/recipes/17-frightfully-good-halloween-cupcakes/#page=1

More treats!

Here are a few more simple treat ideas for your classroom Halloween parties. Remember to always check to see if you have any kids with peanut allergies in your classroom before you send anything with peanuts or peanut butter.  It's almost party time! Don't forget to check your volunteer spot sign-up lists to make sure you have all of the supplies you need!

recipe links:

http://www.yourcupofcake.com/2012/10/halloween-puppy-chow.html

http://blog.paperandparcel.com/2012/09/zombie-boogers.html

http://therecipegirl.blogspot.com/2008/10/candy-corn-cookie-bark.html

And a few more!

More Random Halloween Ideas

OK Procrastinators, if you haven't figured out what you are doing for the Halloween party, now is the time! Don't forget to gather your supply lists and send out a message using Volunteer Spot.  Here are some random party and snack ideas for Halloween. 

'Smore + Peep = Awesome!

I know some 5th graders that will be getting these!

Oreo Pop Ideas

Zombie Party!

Halloween Party Games

Lots of party games can be found on the sites below.  Be use to look at the archived posts from last October for more ideas!

http://www.partygameideas.com/halloween-games/
http://party.kaboose.com/holidays/halloween/games/halloween-partygames.html
http://www.halloweengames101.com/halloween-games.html
http://www.partygameideas.com/halloween-games/games-list.php

Monster Mash Bash!

Hostess with the Mostess - www.hostessblog.com has a great monster party feature this month, be sure to check it out!

One more witch treat

Pictures from the 4th grade mummy party are posted in November 2011 under the VolunteerSpot heading if you are interested.  There are also a couple of witch theme treats on the blog from last October, but I am totally crushing on these witch cupcakes from the Hostess with the Mostess blog right now: 

http://blog.hwtm.com/2012/09/haunted-house-halloween-party-ideas-2/  

Halloween!

There are a lot of fun witch theme snacks to make, witch fingers, witch hats with hershey kisses and a chocolate wafer, etc.  You can search the internet for witch theme snacks and you will have a really good start.  Here are a couple of links I used for this post.  

http://www.halloweengames101.com/ - lots of halloween party games

http://www.karaspartyideas.com/category/witch-ideas

Welcome Fall with a Classroom Snack!

I hope that you remembered to talk like a pirate at least once yesterday in honor of National Talk Like a Pirate Day.  If not, no worries--you can make up for it by sending a Welcome Fall snack to school tomorrow. If you don't like any of these ideas, make one up!  

Fun Fall Crafts

Fall is just around the corner, why not send some fun craft supplies to school for a project.  Don't forget to send one project completed for an example.

Mrs. Florey's Birthday!

The room moms made a chocolate "cake" for Mrs. Florey today! It made it through the trip to school, let's see if it makes it through the day with all of those hungry 5th graders!

Welcome Back!

Even though it is hard to believe, school is back in session!  Celebrate with the kids in the classroom with a welcome back themed snack time or treat!  Instructions for the ideas above can be found on the following websites.

http://www.snaptheconference.com/back-to-school-party-favor/

http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2012/07/back-to-school-free-printable.html

http://www.everydaycelebrating.com/2010/09/back-to-school-pencil-treats.html

http://www.volunteerspot.com/

If you are a new room mom, please register at Volunteer Spot to help organize your field trips and parties.  For some classes, field trips start early. 

Make sure you set up a time to meet with the teachers in your classrooms to cover parties/field trips/expectations for the year.  If you are interested, please follow my Room Mom Ideas board on Pinterest, I gather all of the fun ideas for the classroom that I find. 

I usually have a blog post once a week--more during holidays and party planning.  Be sure to look at the archive posts for lots of fun ideas for your classroom.  Have a great year!  

Summer Rocks!

Our theme for the 4th grade end of year party was Summer Rocks! The kids were given backstage passes with their pictures and scan bar (the numbers at the bottom are the date of the party). We divided them into 4 groups (one for each station).  The stations were: Concession stand with fruit, cupcake microphones, water with theme labels, and cupcakes.  These kids were the concert audience; Paparazzi Escape obstacle course-we designed challenges that the kids had to complete to escape the paparazzi; Design your own guitar-we purchased posterboard guitars from Oriental Trading Company and the kids used craft items to decorate them; Lip Synch Concert- The kids divided into bands and chose a song from the playlist to sing in concert.  This station was a big hit!  The goody bags included a studded bracelet, 80's sunglasses, and pop rocks.  The decorations included a cardboard drum set and a concert backdrop purchased at Oriental Trading Company.  I get color themed paper at United Art and Education in Castleton by the yard to help decorate.  The fonts that I used were Beckett and 28 Days Later. What a fun way to end the school year!

Superkid Wrap-up

Zap! Zowee! Pow! Bazinga! 

 The  Superkid cookbook is complete and distributed! It is such a fun project, I recommend volunteering for it if you will have a 4th grader next year. I used a booklet style and added a small comic in the middle highlighting some of the events that happened throughout the year.  Each page has the superkids's picture above their recipe.  The font I used is called Goofball. The program that I used to cartoonize the pictures is free.  It is at www.befunky.com .  I used PIP printing downtown to staple and cut the books.  I made a fun display and served popcorn using the print from the comic pages to make holders and adding a POP! sticker to hold it together.  I also made Trix Crispies (like Rice Crispies using Trix--they have awesome color).  What a Super way to end a Super Year!

 

Earth Day is April 22nd

Earth day is April 22nd, why not send in a treat, craft, or activity for the classroom?

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=earth+day+crafts&view=detail&id=628958E344AAD96567F58CD49A8CC6A9168E85A8&first=31&FORM=IDFRIR



http://www.onecharmingparty.com/

http://heybubbles.blogspot.com/2009/07/1st-birthday-party-report-warning-this.html

More End of Year Themes

The 4th grade is going with a Summer Rocks theme this year, complete with karaoke, individually designed guitars, and a paparazzi obstacle dash.  Some other great ideas I have found include a Superhero party that could be adapted to a Super Summer or Summer is Super party, a carnival game theme--if you do this, you must do the ping pong ball and fish bowl game and give baggies of goldfish crackers as prizes.  They should have the label "You are o"fish"ally a ____ grader! Love it!  And, I really can;t get the Olympic theme out of my head.  There is so much you could do with this theme.  Here are some links with some great ideas using the themes above. 

http://www.marthastewart.com/270078/obstacle-course-birthday-party?czone=holiday/sixty-days-of-summer/party-ideas&center=276964&gallery=275068&slide=177989

http://karaspartyideas.blogspot.com/2011/03/vintage-comic-super-hero-pop-art-party.html

http://andersruff.blogspot.com/2011/06/beautiful-backyard-carnival.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AndersRuffCustomDesigns+%28Anders+Ruff+Custom+Designs%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

http://modernmomentsdesigns.com/2011/02/26/real-parties-jacksons-rockstar-party-part-2/

This party was one of my favorites!

End of Year Parties!

Believe it or not, it is time to start planning your end of year party!  Will the party be inside or outside?  Did you reserve some space? What is your theme?  Are you going to "Dive Into Summer", have an "IHM Olympics", use a" ___ grade is a jungle", a Carnival, "Race into ___ Grade? Here are some ideas, along with pictures of parties of the past, to help you in your planning.

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7-11th, Teacher Appreciation Day is May 8th

These are just a few of the Teacher Appreciation ideas that I found online.  These gifts are inexpensive and simple, but the labels make them special. "Thanks a Latte" label on a Starbucks gift card, Thanks for your involve"mint", or commit"mint", or invest"mint", or for creating a great learning environ"mint", etc on packages of mints, and the list could go on and on and on!  Don't forget to thank the people that spend their days educating our kids during this special week!  

 You can find these gifts and more at the following sites:

http://powellfamtx.blogspot.com/2011/04/teacher-appreciation-ideas.html

http://www.nothingbutcountry.com/category/holidays-occasions/teacher-appreciation/



Easter Crafts for the Classroom

Think about sending in a fun craft to go with your treats, here are just  a few ideas.

Paper plate bunny instructions: http://luckymecraftsandkids.blogspot.com/2009/04/paper-plate-easter-bunnies.html

Paper plate egg opening to show bunny instructions: http://www.activitiesonaplate.co.uk/gallery/list?category=Workshop+Gallery

Painted Easter egg card craft instructions:  http://littlewondersdays.blogspot.com/2011/03/shaving-cream-painted-easter-egg-cards.html

Egg with clothespin opening instructions (this is done with wood, but you could definitely substitute card-stock weight paper and let the kids decorate the egg with markers, crayons, and stickers: http://www.flickr.com/photos/molasecompanhia/2199522132/in/photostream/

Miscellaneous paper Easter crafts: http://easter.tipjunkie.com/simple-easter-paper-crafts-for-kids/

Easter Goodies for the Classroom

Since Easter week follows spring break and I have my teacher and classroom St. Patrick's day treats finished, I thought I would get a head start on Easter treats and projects for the classroom. I'm definitely sending in the peeps in baggies, I already printed my free labels!  I think I am only including 2 peeps in each bag and I am going to dip them in chocolate & sprinkles.  I know the Goldfish are a healthier alternative, but I can't resist the marshmalllowy peepy cuteness!

Instructions and free printables for the peeps in baggies:  http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2011/04/looking-back-easter-projects.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Eighteen25+%28eighteen25%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Recipe for bunny bait:  http://www.singforyoursupperblog.com/2011/04/23/bunny-bait/

Instructions for chocolate dipped peeps (and some other cute stuff!):  http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/chocolate-covered-peep-bouquet-and-peep-smores/

Instructions for bunny made of donuts:  http://jeanscraftycorner.blogspot.com/2011/04/its-basket-case-blog-hop-day-2-bunny.html

Instructions for Goldfish carrots: http://www.loraleelewis.com/blog/

St. Patricks Day Fun!

If you aren't on Pinterest yet, sign up now! All of these adorable ideas for St. Patrick's Day came straight from the site.  I will warn you, it's addictive.  Use the links below for information/tutorials/free printables for the projects above. I love the little packages for the teachers, what a fun way to show them a little appreciation!

Pot of gold label: http://bethproudfoot.blogspot.com/2011/02/youre-my-pot-o-gold.html

Clover necklace tutorial:  http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/

Rainbow cookie recipe:  http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2011/03/st-patricks-day-rainbow-slice-and-bake-cookie.html

Printable Lucky label: http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/search/label/st.%20patty%27s%20day

Hershey kiss labels: http://www.scribd.com/doc/49754628/St-Patrick-s-Day-Kiss-Me-Labels   I used labels like these on Valentine's day, you just need to print the design on full sheet sticker labels and then use a 3/4" punch (sold at Michael's) to cut the circles to fit the kisses.

Teacher appreciation pots:  http://robynlonghurst.typepad.com/finding_balance/2010/03/yesterday.html



Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

This is what I sent in to school today, along with bookmarks and supplies for kids to make their own Dr. Seuss inspired character and story.  So fun!   All you need is melted white chocolate chips (nestle works best), green m&ms, and a piece of green apple laffy taffy.

How Important is Music At Your Party?

Quick, even though none of these movies are about music, I dare you to look at the movie titles above and not think about the music that is associated with it.  Then, I double dog dare you not to have some feelings/memories associated with that music.  Seriously, I don't even like to hear the da duh, da duh, daduhdaduhdaduh of the music from Jaws when I am in the bathtub. 

Music can stimulate the mind, enhance your expressive ability, and make you feel:

Happy-try not to smile (or even dance) when you listen to Groove is in the Heart by Deee-lite

Sad- Just try to smile while listening to Johnny Cash's version of Hurt

Motivated - I just know I can make it for another few minutes on the treadmill

when I hear the Beatles' Revolution or Thing Called Love by The Darkness

Peaceful - Why do you think they play soothing music in the spa 

So why wouldn't you play music at a party??  Even a party at school in your child's classroom--wait, especially at a party in your child's classroom!!  When you decorate for a party you are changing the atmosphere of the classroom/gym/greenspace.  If you are having a theme party, you are creating an illusion.  Your child spends 5 days a week in these spaces during the school year.  A party is a great opportunity to escape the usual thoughts and feelings about those spaces.  Why spend all that time and effort on decorations and then discard one of the cheapest and easiest ways to create a mood?  Most of the time you can find the music at the library, on itunes, or in your own collection.

In this spirit, I am going to include playlists for all future parties. I always have a party soundtrack, here are some examples from our school parties this year and last year.

Halloween 2011 (Mummy Madness):  Monster Mash, Calling all the Monsters, Thriller, One-eyed, One-horned Flying Purple People Eater, Ghostbusters, etc.

Christmas 2011 (Who-feast):  soundtrack from the How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Valentines Day 2012 (So Sweet) - Sugar Sugar (The Archies), Sunshine and Lollipops (Lesley Gore), I want Candy (Cody Simpson),Sweet Pea (Amos Lee), yummy, yummy, yummy (The Ohio Express), Candy Girl (New Edition), Lollipop (The Chordettes), Sugar Pie Honeybunch (The Four Tops)

Halloween 2010 (Harry Potter): Hary Potter theme music

End of Year 2011 (Dive Into Summer):  Wipeout (Surfaris), Surfin' Safari , Surfer Girl, Catch a Wave, (all Beach Boys),Beach Party (Annette)  


Do you have any favorite party music? What are you using for your parties? Post in comments.  

Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration on March 2nd

Dr. Seuss was born March 2, 1904.  Send in an activity or treat to celebrate!  It is also Read Across America day.  Blue cotton candy disguised as Thing 1 and Thing 2 is fun, so are green eggs made from melted white chocolate with a green m&m.  Marshmallows on a stick with some fruit by the foot looks like The Cat in the Hat.  There are lots of fun ideas out there, take a look at the links below for a few of them!  I am sending in blank books with markers, pipe cleaners, sticky dots, pom poms and glitter for Mrs. Monahan's room to create their own Dr. Seuss creature and then write a story about them.  I am also sending bookmarks. 

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/drseusscraftprojects/tp/Dr-Seuss-Book-Activities.htm

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/dr-seuss-birthday/

http://www.seussville.com/Educators/educatorClassroomResources.php?id=printables

Mardi Gras!

February 21st is Fat Tuesday.  Help your class celebrate with fun crafts from the links below, or treat them to some king cake, fresh beignet, or paczki (pronounced paunch-key)!

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/mardi_gras.htm

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/mardigrasprojects/a/Mard-Gras-Crafts.htm

Valentine's Day Party Review

Fun birthday classroom goodies!

OK, this has nothing to do with Valentine's day, but I couldn't resist sharing a great birthday treat idea from The Purple Pug! If you are turning 11, you could use 2 twinkies. Love it!

Valentine's Day Classroom Party Games

Here are some easy party games that you can adapt for any age!

Valentine pictionary:

Catch my heart -

2. Tell the player holding the ball to call out another player's name and then gently toss the ball to them.

3. The player whose name was called catches the ball and then announces another player's name and throws it to them. Continue this until all the players get a chance throwing and catching the ball. Give the kids some time to feel comfortable with this and challenge them to see how long they can continue without dropping the ball.

4. Once everyone's feeling confident, throw a second ball into the mix. Now they must keep two balls going without dropping either one.

5. Again, once they get the hang of that, throw a third ball into the game. And a fourth, if they can handle it.

6.  Have the players see how long they can keep the balls in the air. Start a new round once a ball drops.

7. The game ends when the kids show signs that they're tired of playing it.

 

Who do you love?

1.  Arrange the chairs in a circle so that the seats are facing inside.

2.  he player who is "it" stands in the center of the circle, and the other kids sit in the chairs facing her.  The person who is "it" approaches one of the seated children and says, "Who do you love?" The player who is approached must come up with an answer, such as "I love everyone wearing pink" or "I love everyone who has a dog," and then anyone wearing pink or who has a pet dog must stand up and scramble to find a new seat.

3.   Players cannot shift to the seat next to them, should it become vacant. They must move at least two chairs away from their original spot.

In the meantime, "it" should try to sit down in one of the vacant chairs.

4. Once everyone finds a spot, the one player left standing becomes the new "it" and must then approach a seated player and ask, "Who do you love?"

5.  There’s no definitive end to the game and no winner. Repeat it as long as the children are having fun.

Valentine's Day Matchmaker:

2.  Here are some suggested names: Santa and Mrs. Claus; Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse; Fred and Wilma Flintstone; Batman and Catwoman; Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf; Aladdin and Jasmine; Hansel and Gretel; Peter Pan and Tinker Bell; Betty and Barney Rubble; King Kong and Ann Darrow; Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein; Robin Hood and Maid Marian; Cinderella and Prince Charming; Shrek and Fiona; Shrek and Donkey; Lady and the Tramp; Michelle and Barack Obama; Cleopatra and Mark Antony; Romeo and Juliet; Dora and Boots; Pinocchio and Gepetto; Goldilocks and Baby Bear.

3.   Tape one strip on each player’s back, making sure they don’t see the name of their character. Once all the children have names on their backs, have the players mingle in the room.

4.  Players should look at the names on each other’s backs and then answer questions for one another about their characters.

A player can ask for clues that might lead to their character’s identity, but they cannot provide the information to another player without being asked.

For example, a player with the name Shrek on his back might ask, "Am I a character from a movie or a book? Am I a nice character or am I mean?" Other players should answer the questions, but they can’t just walk up to the player with the name Shrek on his back and say, "You’re green. You’re a cartoon character from a movie. Your sidekick is a donkey."

5. As players figure out their own identities, they must then find their mate. So, continuing with that example, Shrek would find Fiona and the two would stop mingling and raise their hands to indicate that they’re done.

6.  The first couple to correctly identify themselves and find each other wins. Or, if you don't want to crown a winner, simply hand each team a prize after they've found each other.

Please share some of yours in the comments!1.Write the names of famous couples and friends on strips of paper. There should be one name on each strip, not both members of the couple on one strip. : 1. Hand one player a red ball or heart-shaped bean bag using clue cards like cupid, box of chocolates, love letter, roses, balloons, broken heart, honey, cupids arrow, sweetheart, etc.

Still Looking for Valentine Party Ideas?

If you haven't checked out the Hostess with the Mostess blog, she has some great ideas and inspiration for parties, Go Now!

http://www.hostessblog.com/occasions-ideas/valentines-day/

Are you doing anything original at your party?  Share with us in the comments section.  The 4th grade is going to have a photo booth with mustaches, I think the kids will have a lot of fun with it.  I was inspired by the Modern Moments Blog   http://modernmomentsdesigns.com/   (look at the archives for 2/14/10)    My yarn chandeliers are drying in my basement--messy, but so cool!  There is still time to order from Oriental Trading  www.orientaltrading.com , they have a lot of party goodies for great prices--a room mom's best friend!

Fun activity and treat!

http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2012/01/guest-post-homemade-pixie-sticks.html

Tissue Tassle Who?

I have a new love, and it is a yarn chandelier.  How much fun are these?  What a great way to add color to your parties! I have a feeling that you might see these in the 4th grade rooms on February 14th. Found these at http://www.hostessblog.com/2012/01/diy-tutorial-creative-yarn-chandelier/

Valentine's Day Parties Are Underrated!

Okay, I have been surfing for Valentine's Party ideas and I found some great inspiration.  When you are planning your party, remember that you don't need to use conventional Valentine colors or symbols.  You can turn almost any theme into a Valentine them with a little thought and planning.  Here are some of the best that I found.

Time to Start Planning Your Valentine's Day Party!

Happy Chinese New Year! 2012 is the Year of the Dragon.

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in your classroom on January 23rd! Here are some links to some great crafts and activities. You can even order customized fortune cookies for the kids from a company here in Indiana (the fancy fortune cookies link).  You can distribute customary red envelopes (with chocolate coins) and the kids can make their own parade dragons with some construction paper, tissue and a pair of chopsticks.

http://familyfun.go.com/chinese-new-year/chinese-new-year-pg-975943/#Festive%20Ribbon%20Dragon;1

http://www.marthastewart.com/269100/paper-dragon

http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/chinese_new_year.html

http://www.fancyfortunecookies.com/AboutUs.asp