Room Mom Survival Guide & School Party Ideas

Class Parents

Room Mom)

Survival Guide & School Party Ideas

A FREE VolunteerSpot eBook

Tips for class parents!

Room parent letters

Teacher check-list

Classroom party ideas

Class party sign up sheet

Class party games

Inside this eBook:

© 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/

http://www.VolunteerSpot.com/school

Please feel free to post this ebook on your blog or email it to whomever you believe would

benefit from it. Click in viewing tray to

View full-screen and share.THANK YOU!

~ Team VolunteerSpot

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 coming school year!

Please check out our FREE online signup sheets and volunteer calendars. Simple signups (even on-the-go from smartphones) make it easy for more parents to get involved!

Take a live demo or tour today at www.VolunteerSpot.com

http://www.volunteerspot.com/

http://www.VolunteerSpot.com/school

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 3http://www.skiptomylou.org

“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

“Getting to know my child's 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

Class Parent Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!

http://www.skiptomylou.org

http://savvysassymoms.com

http://www.simplefunkidparties.com/roommomcorner

http://www.VolunteerSpot.com

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 toorganize, delegate and communicatewith parents and teachers. We alsoprovide tips for using VolunteerSpot’sfree online tool to quickly and easilyorganize your classroom parentvolunteers.

Room Mom Survival Guide / www.VolunteerSpot.com DOING GOOD just got easier!


Ongoing parent support needs: e.g. table‐time helpers, readers, science lab & materials prep, recess supervisors

Special dates and support needs: e.g. career day, open‐house, field day, celebrations, field trips

Teacher contact info: How (s)he prefers to be contacted by you & by the other parents

Teacher “favorites,” a parent’s gift guide: favorite meal, restaurant, store, treat, charity, candy, sports team, etc

Party dates and plansHow many?

Who plans (teacher or parents)?

Food requirements (healthy or sweets)

Allergy considerations

Timing and activities/games/crafts

Special ‘treat’ days & recognition parties

School communication & volunteer policies

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.



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 children can pitch in from home (e.g. sending snacks or treats, preparing and purchasing supplies).

Welcome parents with a letter including your contact information, important dates, and instructions about how to sign up to help. See examples here: www.budurl.com/BTSSampleLetters

Delegate! Be specific about what jobs need doing and 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.


Organization Tip:

Create a group contact list on your smart phone for class party or field trip helpers using an app like GroupMe or Beluga.

Last minute changes? No problem! Call or text everyone at the same time!

http://www.budurl.com/BTSSampleLetters


VolunteerSpot’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.

Monthly volunteer sign‐up view

Save Time!Coordinate Parents Online with VolunteerSpot!

"Volunteering in my son's 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


http://www.annsrants.com/


What I wish every Room Parent knew: • Don't play with the kids; I know they're cute, but this is school!

• You are welcome to enforce the classroom rules and please ask if you don’t know what they are ‐‐ you are not stepping on my toes.

• I'd love a Room Dad or Grandpa, as so many children don't have a male role model in their lives.

• How very valuable you are, and what a great role model you are for the children!

OrderLunches.com gives your school the control and flexibility to create or maintain a high quality lunch program, available to parents 24/7.

Teacher Love

www.orderlunches.com


http://www.orderlucnches.com


Ask class parents to save reusables for class art projects:

Paper tubes

Egg cartons

Wrapping paper

Room Mom as Art MomIn pre‐school and early grades, the Room Mom is often an Art Mom – preparing

supplies, helping with projects, and packaging masterpieces to take home.

Fabric and felt scrapsColorful wireBeads and buttons

Milk cartons (rinsed)Catalogs and magazinesFrozen 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!.



Classroom Organizational Tips from Mabel’s Labels

Helping 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 likely 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 Scissors

Help 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!

www.mabel.ca


http://www.mabel.ca


The School Auction

Room parents often organize class contribution to the school auction. Here are some popular options:

A Unique Class CreationA 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.

A Themed BasketEach parent donates one small item to the class basket. Fun themes include board games, birthday parties, kitchen, crafts, spa, kid’s books, parent’s night out, etc.

Craft ItemsChildren make an individual item to auction (to their parents), e.g.: painted mugs, decorated greeting card sets or a framed self‐portrait

Fundraising Tip from our sponsor:

Online Auctions are a PROFITABLE and FUN way to improve your fundraising efforts.

Raise More Moneyand enhance your next fundraising event.

www.biddingforgood.com


http://www.biddingforgood.com


Class Party Planning

Memorable class parties share similar key ingredients:

Enjoy the following fun class party craft ideas by www.makeandtakes.com


Simple decorationsFun music

Craft activityStory

GameSnack or treat

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!

http://www.makeandtakes.com


Crunchy 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.

Fall Party Ideas

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




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.

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!





Flower Frisbee Toss: • Cut paper or foam petals about 3‐5

inches round, use hot glue or glue dots to place the petals on the outer edge of a frisbee to form a flower. Let the glue set before tossing around for fun.

• For Older Kids: toss the flowers in a pot or bucket to see if they can "plant" their flower.

Spring Party Ideas

Ladybug Cupcakes: • Make cupcakes for each child. Let them

decorate their cupcakes to look like ladybugs. Frost, add red licorice for the edges of two wings & antennae, place chocolate candy for spots, two gumdrops for eyes and enjoy!





Decorate 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.

Party Ideas: Year End





Siblings: Ask the teacher before inviting

Craft Projects: Ensure the craft parent volunteer has EVERYTHING needed – e.g. a trash bag for clean up. Don’t assume the teacher will provide all items.

Kids under 10: Divide them into small groups, rotate them through activity “stations” (10‐15 min each) and have at least one parent per station.

Successful Class Party TipsDecorations: A colorful tablecloth adds festivity and plastic ones are inexpensive. Balloons, streamers, and curled ribbon also go a long way to transforming a classroom into a party room.

Memories: Pick a volunteer to take photos or videos of the party and share with the parents who could not come.

Remember: Relax and have fun! The elementary years go by quickly. Celebrate these

moments with your children.Prizes: Hand out pencils or other school supplies as favors.

Snacks: Plan extras for the teacher, staff and parent helpers.

Wagon: Hands‐downthe best way to tote party supplies to/from the classroom

Find these ideas and more great birthday, classroom and

fun party ideas at

SimpleFunKidPartieshttp://www.simplefunkidparties.com


http://www.simplefunkidparties.com/


Class Party Sign Up Sheet: Make it Easy to Help!

Class Party Sign Up Sheet Example

“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 RRoom mom of 2

Roswell, GA



Helping 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 . . .

Simplify ALL Parent Volunteering



Click here for Sample Class Parent Letters: www.budurl.com/BTSSampleLetters

See 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

Additional Resources


http://www.volunteerspot.com/ebooks

http://www.budurl.com/BTSSampleLetters


Get Started NOW!

Please visit VolunteerSpot and get started today!

www.VolunteerSpot.com/school

Take a live or video tour atwww.VolunteerSpot.com

Check out our BLOG for ideas, tips and stories about volunteeringhttp://blog.VolunteerSpot.com

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Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/VolunteerSpot


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Date post:	27-Aug-2014
Category:	Education
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Room Mom Survival Guide & School Party Ideas

Education