Holiday Celebrations for Daycare and Early Childhood Centers
Contents
Planning Valentine’s Day party for the daycare or preschool classroom can be simple! This article provides how-to ideas and steps for creating a great holiday for kids.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fun-filled holiday-themed party. This classroom event will provide entertainment for children and their families.
Valentine’s Day School Party Planning
Begin party planning early in January to ensure that all the necessary steps have been taken. Start with the date selection. If this holiday does not fall on a school day, select a date that is close by. For example, in 2010 February 14th is on a Sunday. Try choosing either the Friday before or the Monday following Valentine’s Day for the party.
After the date has been selected, choose a specific party time. This may be dictated by classroom hours or school policy. Try to avoid regular nap or lunchtimes, as well as times that fall close to pick up or drop off. Check with the center director or school administration to find out if there already has been a party time set aside for classrooms.
Once the date and time have been approved, begin a list of all party needs. This may include:
- Writing a parent information letter.
- Decorations
- Crafts for the children
- Food and beverages
- Party games
- Room set up and clean up
- Valentine’s Day boxes and card policies (making boxes in class, labeling cards, and other associated issues).
Party Invitations and Parent Letters
The parents and families of the children will need to be notified about the celebration prior to the party date. This can be done in two ways. The first is to create a party invitation.
Valentine’s Day party invitation can be created by the children. Use red and pink paper folded in half or cut out large heart shapes. The children can use crayons, markers, or paints to add decorations. Type out information such as the date, time, and who is invited (parents, siblings, grandparents). Copy this information onto small pieces of paper and have the children glue or tape it to the invitations.
The second method of notification is a parent letter. This should be written even if the child made invitations are being sent home. This letter should be much more specific than the invitation. A parent letter for the party should include:
- The date and time.
- Party activities (such as games, art projects, or songs).
- Food and beverage selections and needs. Add information on exact foods that will be served, school policies on sugar and candy consumption, nutrition information, food allergy notification, and requests for donations.
- Requests for chaperones or helpers to set up and clean up the party.
- A party make up date if school should be canceled due to snow or other winter weather.
- Information on Valentine’s Day boxes and card distribution.
Valentine’s Day Party Activities for Kids
Party activities can include a variety of games, crafts, and more. Additionally, time should be set aside for distributing and opening Valentine’s Day cards.
Examples of ideas for classroom party activities are:
- Valentine’s Day crafts: Create hearts, tissue paper flowers, or other friendly art projects.
- Games: Try a heart shape matching or counting game, play Valentine’s bingo, or simply guess who sent the Valentine.
- Music and Movement: Sing holiday-themed songs, and invite the children to dance.
- Literacy: Reinforce early literacy skills through a special storytime or book reading activity.
Planning Valentine’s Day party in the classroom is a great way to celebrate this special holiday. Choose a date and time, and then notify the parents by writing a letter and handing out unique child made invitations. Try a variety of crafts, games, and other activities during this fun school party. Holiday Celebrations for Daycare and Early Childhood Centers