Room Mom Survival Guide & School Party Ideas

Class Parents Room Mom ) Inside this eBook: Survival Guide Tips for class parents!& School Party Ideas Room parent letters Teacher check-list Classroom party ideas Class party sign up sheet Class party games A FREE VolunteerSpot eBook

VolunteerSpot for Room Parents We know the most time- consuming part of being a room parent is coordinating class volunteers and organizing parties and conferences. It’s our goal at VolunteerSpot to save you time {and sanity} and make it easy for you to get the help you deserve this http://www.VolunteerSpot.com/school coming school year! Please check out our FREE online signup sheets and volunteer calendars. Please feel free to post this ebook on your blog Simple signups (even on- or email it to whomever you believe would the-go from smartphones) benefit from it. make it easy for more Click in viewing tray to parents to get involved! View full-screen and share. Take a live demo or tour today at THANK YOU! www.VolunteerSpot.com ~ Team VolunteerSpot© 2011, VolunteerSpot DOING GOOD Just Got Easier!Copyright holder is licensing this under the Creative Commons License, Attribution 2.5.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/

What I love about being a Room Mom . . . “I get to develop a personal relationship with the teacher and I get a window on my child’s daily world at school.” ~ Cindy Hopper, Crafty mom of 3 http://www.skiptomylou.org “Getting to know my childs teacher, classmates, and class parents while using my creative party planning juices to make the class events fun and memorable." ~ Jenna Dunlop, Teacher and Room Mom of 6 years, Mother of 2 http://www.simplefunkidparties.com/roommomcorner “I was able to get to know all the children and they became so comfortable with me that they would run and hug me as soon as I walked through the door!” ~ Andrea Fellman, Volunteer addict & Mom of 2 http://savvysassymoms.com Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Class Parents are Awesome! Congratulations on becoming a leader and stepping forward in yourchild’s class! Whatever you’re called ‐ a room mom, class parent, roomparent ‐ we know you are AWESOME! You’re the critical liaison betweenthe teacher and fellow parents. Responsibilities vary from collectingmoney and classroom supplies, to recruiting parent volunteers andcoordinating classroom parties. Class parents build relationships withteachers, connect with their children and build life‐long relationshipswith other families. This e‐book includes ideas on how to organize, delegate and communicate with parents and teachers. We also provide tips for using VolunteerSpot’s free online tool to quickly and easily organize your classroom parent volunteers. Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Kickoff Teacher MeetingMeet with the teacher near the start of school to clarify needs and expectations for parent support. Bring this checklist to make the most of your time together. Ongoing parent support needs: e.g. Party dates and plans table‐time helpers, readers, science lab & How many? materials prep, recess supervisors Who plans (teacher or parents)? Food requirements (healthy or Special dates and support needs: e.g. sweets) career day, open‐house, field day, Allergy considerations celebrations, field trips Timing and activities/games/crafts Teacher contact info: How (s)he prefers Special ‘treat’ days & to be contacted by you & by the other parents recognition parties Teacher “favorites,” a parent’s gift School communication guide: favorite meal, restaurant, store, & volunteer policies treat, charity, candy, sports team, etc Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Parent Communication Tips Get support by asking parents to sign up to help at the start of the year for activities throughout the year.Offer options so working parents or those with young Organization Tip: children can pitch in from home (e.g. sending snacks or Create a group contact list on treats, preparing and purchasing supplies). your smart phone for class Welcome parents with a letter including your contact party or field trip helpers using an app like GroupMe or information, important dates, and instructions about Beluga. how to sign up to help. See examples here: www.budurl.com/BTSSampleLetters Last minute changes? No problem! Call or text everyone Delegate! Be specific about what jobs need doing and at the same time! when, and invite other parents to participate in organizing parties and activities. Be professional and cautious to NEVER release contact information without permission or share sensitive information you may be privy to as a room parent. Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Save Time!Coordinate Parents Online with VolunteerSpot! "Volunteering in my sons kindergarten class every week, I grew an appreciation for exactly how hard the students, teachers, and hand sanitizer had to work to accomplish their goals.”   ~Ann Imig, Stay‐at‐home Humorist www.annsrants.com Monthly volunteer sign‐up viewVolunteerSpot’s free, online sign up sheets makes it easy to get the help you need for ongoing activities and one‐time classroom events. 1‐click sign‐ups, automated confirmations and reminders get more parents involved and help everyone keep their commitments. Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Teacher LoveOrderLunches.comgives your school What I wish every Room Parent knew: the control and • Dont play with the kids; I know theyre flexibility to create cute, but this is school! or maintain a high • You are welcome to enforce the quality lunch classroom rules and please ask if you program, available don’t know what they are ‐‐ you are not to parents 24/7. stepping on my toes. • Id love a Room Dad or Grandpa, as so many children dont have a male role model in their lives. • How very valuable you are, and what a great role model you are for the children! www.orderlunches.com Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Room Mom as Art Mom In pre‐school and early grades, the Room Mom is often an Art Mom – preparing supplies, helping with projects, and packaging masterpieces to take home.Ask class parents to save reusables for class art projects: Paper tubes Fabric and felt scraps Milk cartons (rinsed) Egg cartons Colorful wire Catalogs and magazines Wrapping paper Beads and buttons Frozen juice containers Volunteer Tip: Prepping art kits for class projects is a good job for extra busy or working parents who can’t help in the classroom. With a little planning, parents can volunteer from home and involve their kids in helping out too!. Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Classroom Organizational Tips from Mabel’s LabelsHelping kids stay organized in the classroom means teachers can stay on task leading learning.When everyone has a full set of school supplies, they are less www.mabel.calikely to get lost when borrowed or shared. Label school supplies so kids can get straight to work instead of searching for missing items. Crayons Glue Markers ScissorsHelp kids return from school with the stuff they bring to school. Encourage class parents to clearly label: Clothing (especially outerwear like coats & mittens) Backpacks (Just inside the top zipper is a great place so they can easily be identified without letting strangers know your child’s name.) Lunch Containers can easily get lost, but have no fear, you can use labels that are dishwasher safe so you don’t end up with a sticky mess when you wash them! Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

The School AuctionRoom parents often organize class contribution to the school auction. Here are some popular options: Fundraising Tip from our A Unique Class Creation sponsor:A collective craft designed by all the kids, e.g.: a quilt, a bookcase with all the students’ handprints or a canvas picture made from the kids’ thumb prints. Online Auctions are a A Themed Basket PROFITABLE and FUN Each parent donates one small item to the class basket. way to improve your Fun themes include board games, birthday parties, fundraising efforts. kitchen, crafts, spa, kid’s books, parent’s night out, etc. Craft Items Raise More Money Children make an individual item and enhance your next to auction (to their parents), e.g.: fundraising event. painted mugs, decorated greeting card sets or a framed self‐portrait www.biddingforgood.com Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Class Party Planning Memorable class parties share similar key ingredients:Simple decorations Game Craft activityFun music Snack or treat Story Enjoy the following fun class party craft ideas by www.makeandtakes.com Make and Takes gives you ideas and crafty tidbits for class and home. They aim to bring fun and learning into your classroom or just about anywhere. We are sure you’ll find something to Make and Take today! Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Fall Party IdeasCrunchy Leaf Pictures• Collect dried leaves, crunch the leaves. On heavy cardstock paper add white craft glue (form a design or image), sprinkle the crunched up leaves on the glue, shake off the excess leaves and allow dry time.• For Older Kids: Crunch the leaves finely to create intricate designs ‐ spell out fall themed words or their names.Apple Prints• Have a few colors of paint poured out onto a paper plate. Cut the apples in half (vertically or horizontally will make a fun print) Dip the exposed apple halves onto the paint. press the the apple onto paper. You will see the fun shape that comes to life from the pressed apple. • For Older Kids: Let each apple print dry and turn them into greeting cards. They can be given to friends or their teacher. Find more fun craft ideas at www.makeandtakes.com Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Winter Party Ideas Chocolate Dipped Spoons • Melt chocolate (careful to avoid burns), dip a plastic spoon into chocolate and place on a paper plate to decorate. Line up mini marshmallows for a snowman, mini chocolate chips for eyes, coconut for a scarf, crushed peppermint for snow or dip in peanut butter for decor and flavor. Once it is close to being firm, place plastic wrap over the spoon and tie with a bow. It’s now ready to stir up some hot chocolate! Snowball Obstacle Course • Take a spoon or toothpick of “snow” (marshmallows or cotton balls) through an obstacle course around the room and try not to drop the snowball. Make it through to add the item into a bucket, Santa hat, snow boot, etc. Team up or take turns. • For Older Kids: Make it challenging, extend the distance, add obstacles, or have them hold their "snow" in on their head.Find more fun craft ideas at www.makeandtakes.com Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Spring Party IdeasLadybug Cupcakes: Flower Frisbee Toss: • Make cupcakes for each child. Let them • Cut paper or foam petals about 3‐5 decorate their cupcakes to look like inches round, use hot glue or glue ladybugs. Frost, add red licorice for the dots to place the petals on the outer edges of two wings & antennae, place edge of a frisbee to form a flower. chocolate candy for spots, two Let the glue set before tossing gumdrops for eyes and enjoy! around for fun. • For Older Kids: toss the flowers in a pot or bucket to see if they can "plant" their flower. Find more fun craft ideas at www.makeandtakes.com Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Party Ideas: Year EndDecorate Sunflower Cookies • Bake or buy sugar cookies beforehand. The kids can frost them with yellow or white frosting, add chocolate chips or chocolate candy to the center of the cookie to make a sunflower. Eat and enjoy!• For Older Kids: Bring different colors of frosting so they can make different types of flowers.Bubble Blowers• Use an empty paper towel roll to place a small 3x3 inch paper towel piece over one end with a rubber band to keep in place. Have the children dip the paper towel side into some bubbles, lift out and blow. This makes fun bubble shapes and snakes. • For Older Kids: Create all kinds of shapes from items around the classroom for added bubble fun. Find more fun craft ideas at www.makeandtakes.com Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Successful Class Party Tips Siblings: Ask the teacher before inviting Decorations: A colorful tablecloth adds festivity and plastic ones are inexpensive. Balloons, Craft Projects: Ensure the craft parent streamers, and curled ribbon also go a long way volunteer has EVERYTHING needed – e.g. to transforming a classroom into a party room. a trash bag for clean up. Don’t assume the teacher will provide all items. Memories: Pick a volunteer to take photos or videos of the party and share with the parents Kids under 10: Divide them into small who could not come. groups, rotate them through activity “stations” (10‐15 min each) and have at Remember: Relax and have fun! The least one parent per station. elementary years go by quickly. Celebrate these moments with your children. Prizes: Hand out pencils or other school supplies as favors. Find these ideas and more great birthday, Snacks: Plan extras classroom and for the teacher, staff fun party ideas at and parent helpers. SimpleFunKidParties Wagon: Hands‐down http://www.simplefunkidparties.comthe best way to tote party supplies to/from the classroom Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Class Party Sign Up Sheet: Make it Easy to Help! “Do not be shy about giving parents specific jobs or asking them to bring party supplies and treats. Most are relieved you’ve made it so easy to help and asking with VolunteerSpot’s sign up sheets makes it extra easy!” ~Lori R Room mom of 2 Class Party Sign Up Sheet Example Roswell, GA Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Simplify ALL Parent VolunteeringHelping parents, teachers and volunteer leaders coordinate activities and events simply and easily all year round! • Soccer Snacks • Scout Campouts • Walk‐a‐Thons & Fun Runs • Swim Meets • Sports Tournaments • Vacation Bible School • Girl Scout Cookie Booths • Neighborhood Clean ups • Coat, food and toy drives and more . . . Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Additional ResourcesClick here for Sample Class Parent Letters: www.budurl.com/BTSSampleLettersSee our other free eBooks with ideas andbest‐practices for: • School Carnivals • Teacher Gifts • Family‐Friendly Volunteering • Fundraising with Kids • Bake Sales • Talent Shows and more . . . www.VolunteerSpot.com/ebooks Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

Take a live or video tour at www.VolunteerSpot.com Get Started NOW! Check out our BLOG for ideas, tips and stories about volunteering http://blog.VolunteerSpot.com Please visit VolunteerSpot and get started today! www.VolunteerSpot.com/school Follow us on Twitter @VolunteerSpot Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/VolunteerSpotRoom Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

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Room Mom Survival Guide & School Party Ideas

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