Tips & Tricks for Throwing a Stress-FREE Valentine's Day Party
What are the first few thoughts that come to mind when you hear the dreaded words "Valentine's Day Party?" More cupcakes than you can count? Utter chaos? Sugar Overload? We've all been there. That's why we were SO excited to stumble upon a list of tricks provided by Jennifer over at Simply Kinder for throwing a stress-FREE classroom party!
Tip #1: Complete only the "From" line on Valentine's
Let's be honest... handwriting is not always legible. And then add on to that younger kiddo's who aren't even old enough to read the name. Delivering valentines becomes instantly chaotic! A simple solution: ask your families to only fill out the "from" line on the valentines. This way the kids can simply drop a valentine into each box, rather than having to sort through which Valentine belongs in which box!
Tip #2: Snacks that can be saved for later
Allowing your students to bring in a treat is a great way for your families to feel involved. But, if you're not careful, you may end up with more cupcakes than you know what to do with! Solution: assign a treat to each student (or groups of students). Or, ask families to send in snacks that could easily be saved for later (apples, goldfish, fruit snacks, etc). This way you can enjoy snacks the day of the party and you can save the rest for a special treat the following day. Everyone gets to be involved and you haven't induced a sugar overload!
Tip #3: Open one valentine at a time
If you turn your students loose after their valentines have been exchanged, chances are they will open them all at the same time. Before you know it, the students sitting at the same table can't figure out which cards belong to them. Sounds like a recipe for a lot of upset students! Solve the dilemma by only allowing them to open one at a time. Before they can open another they have to put the first one back in the box. Or, if it seems to be getting a little too chaotic, have your students take them home to open with their families.
Tip #4: Pack up before the party starts
A classroom of students trying to sort through their Valentine's Day spoils and everything else that has to go home at the end of the day always proves to be a challenge. Jennifer recommends packing your students up before the party even begins! This way their backpacks are ready to go and when the final bell of the day rings, your kiddos only have two items to grab: their backpack and their Valentine's Day box. Easy peasy! She also recommends laying butcher paper on the tables before the party starts. Talk about easy clean up at the end of the day.