Holiday parties in the preschool classroom are a great way to celebrate a very special time of the year. Holidays such as Christmas or Hanukkah can be addressed and shared with other class members through a fun day of entertainment, food, and activities. This article includes simple suggestions for a great holiday party.
The Purpose of the Holiday Party
Before beginning to plan a Christmas or Hanukkah party for a preschool class, it may be best to decide upon the specific reason behind the celebration. There are multiple reasons for having a holiday party in the early childhood classroom.
These include (but are not limited to):
Planning a Christmas or Hanukkah Party for Preschoolers
After the reasoning (or concept) behind the holiday celebration has been decided upon, it is time to plan for the event itself. Begin by setting a date and time. Ideally, this should be a convenient time for the students, teachers, and parents. Try to avoid times that are near regularly scheduled meal or nap periods. If the children are not required to come to school every day, make sure to choose a date when the majority of the class will be in attendance.
Notify the school or center director about the holiday party before sending out any formal or informal invitation to the families. Make sure to follow all school policies in terms of time allotted for parties, religious observances, number of guests allowed, food and nutrition issues, and safety concerns.
Once the party (including the specific date and time) has been cleared by the school/center administration, invitations may be sent home with the children. Explain the holiday party to the class, but also make sure that a letter is given to each parent. This is a great opportunity to ask for help in terms of party set up, chaperoning, and clean up. Other items to consider in this invitation/parent letter are food requests (restrictions and/or donations) and party specific information.
Celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah in the Preschool Classroom
In order to ensure the best party possible, begin organizing the event several weeks in advance. After the invitations/parent letter has been sent home, begin a list that details party planning needs. This may include items such as food, activities/games, crafts, music, room set up, parent helpers, and a timeline.
Check to make sure that each item on the list has been covered. On the day before the party call or e-mail parent helpers to verify the time and place for meeting and any other special concerns. Ask the children to help with the room set up and decoration. This may include Christmas or Hanukkah themed art projects displayed on the walls or tables.
Plan to arrive at school early on the day of the party. Make any last minute adjustments or arrangements, and organize the classroom, food, and activity materials. Speak with the class about appropriate party behaviors and inform the children of the party schedule (e.g., snack/food time, activity time, or trading gifts).
Planning a holiday party in the preschool classroom can be a time consuming task, but it will result in a memorable day for all. Start early, and organize the party by deciding on a theme and making lists of specific needs. Involve the parents in children in all planning phases. On the special day, relax and enjoy a fun preschool Christmas or Hanukkah celebration!
Author Sunil S.
The Purpose of the Holiday Party
Before beginning to plan a Christmas or Hanukkah party for a preschool class, it may be best to decide upon the specific reason behind the celebration. There are multiple reasons for having a holiday party in the early childhood classroom.
These include (but are not limited to):
- Fun and Relaxation: A Christmas or Hanukkah party can be a great way for young children to have a fun time or be entertained. For many preschoolers, this can be a much needed break (or special time) away from the every day structure of the school schedule.
- Education: A party can also help to educate young learners on many different levels. Preschoolers may not know much about holidays such as Christmas or Hanukkah. Often a very young child may think of a holiday simple as a time to get presents and toys. Take this time to inform and educate the class about holiday traditions and history. Additionally, a holiday party can be a terrific way to introduce new art concepts, literacy skills (through book reading and story telling), or information from other curricular areas.
- Social Development: A party is the perfect setting to help develop new social skills. This group event is a prime opportunity for preschoolers to learn about concepts such as listening to others, taking turns, sharing, and other pro-social skills.
Planning a Christmas or Hanukkah Party for Preschoolers
After the reasoning (or concept) behind the holiday celebration has been decided upon, it is time to plan for the event itself. Begin by setting a date and time. Ideally, this should be a convenient time for the students, teachers, and parents. Try to avoid times that are near regularly scheduled meal or nap periods. If the children are not required to come to school every day, make sure to choose a date when the majority of the class will be in attendance.
Notify the school or center director about the holiday party before sending out any formal or informal invitation to the families. Make sure to follow all school policies in terms of time allotted for parties, religious observances, number of guests allowed, food and nutrition issues, and safety concerns.
Once the party (including the specific date and time) has been cleared by the school/center administration, invitations may be sent home with the children. Explain the holiday party to the class, but also make sure that a letter is given to each parent. This is a great opportunity to ask for help in terms of party set up, chaperoning, and clean up. Other items to consider in this invitation/parent letter are food requests (restrictions and/or donations) and party specific information.
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Celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah in the Preschool Classroom
In order to ensure the best party possible, begin organizing the event several weeks in advance. After the invitations/parent letter has been sent home, begin a list that details party planning needs. This may include items such as food, activities/games, crafts, music, room set up, parent helpers, and a timeline.
Check to make sure that each item on the list has been covered. On the day before the party call or e-mail parent helpers to verify the time and place for meeting and any other special concerns. Ask the children to help with the room set up and decoration. This may include Christmas or Hanukkah themed art projects displayed on the walls or tables.
Plan to arrive at school early on the day of the party. Make any last minute adjustments or arrangements, and organize the classroom, food, and activity materials. Speak with the class about appropriate party behaviors and inform the children of the party schedule (e.g., snack/food time, activity time, or trading gifts).
Planning a holiday party in the preschool classroom can be a time consuming task, but it will result in a memorable day for all. Start early, and organize the party by deciding on a theme and making lists of specific needs. Involve the parents in children in all planning phases. On the special day, relax and enjoy a fun preschool Christmas or Hanukkah celebration!
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Author Sunil S.
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