Homeschool Students and Extracurricular Activities: Party Planner

Homeschool Students and Extracurricular Activities: Celebrations are an important part of growing up. So whether a child is homeschooled or not, we Moms need to be versed in party planning.

Time is a valuable commodity, especially for us Moms. We need to be able to plan a festive get-together with minimum fuss. This simple checklist will help streamline the preparations. (Use it for your homeschool support groups, church, neighbors or family activities.)

• Contact another Mom or two. This makes for shared responsibility and guarantees that more people will participate in the celebration.

• Consider the calendar. Check with several others to avoid as many scheduling conflicts as possible. Pick the date.

• Secure a location.

• Send flyers, e-mails or invitations. Include
  --date
  --time
  --location
  --money to help cover the costs (if not taken from a group treasury)
  --what to bring (snacks, etc.)
  --dress code, if any

• Line up volunteers. This can be included in the first notice of the party or send a second communication asking for volunteers to help with games, set-up, and clean-up.

• Write the shopping/donation list. Include
  --napkins
  --plates
  --plastic ware
  --tablecloths
  --cups
  --ice
  --drinks
  --decorations (crepe paper, balloons, confetti)

  Elaborate or simple--your call. The decorated paper goods are fun and attractive but, of course, not critical for a happy celebration. We want our parties to be as nice as possible, so perhaps add flowers from the garden or home decorations.

• Plan agenda and add any materials to the shopping/donation list.
  

  -- games --Four or five for a large group/Add one or two additional projects for the teens. Be sure the adult is assigned to a game knows the rules and set-up beforehand. To simplify even further, give the game materials to her prior to the party.
  

  --special--This would be an out-of-the-ordinary activity tied in with the theme. For example, a special introduction to St. Nicholas at a Christmas party or a saints "show and tell" for All Saints Day.
  

  -- craft --Two is usually sufficient. Also see "games" suggestions above.
  

  --treats--Make this easy. Each family brings a large serving of a special snack.

• Gather supplies. Depending on what the facilities has, bring
  --drink mix or juice concentrates (inexpensive, easy to transport and popular)
  --pitchers for the above
  --long-handled spoons for stirring --paper/hand towels
  --dishcloths or sponges
  --scissors
  --tape
  --camera

Pack all goods in a laundry basket or large plastic container. Load the car the night before. The day of the party, enlist your children. Arrive about an hour early to set up the tables and game stations.

Homeschool students and extracurricular activities go together. With all the details in place, we parents can enjoy the celebrations ourselves!

Homeschool Holidays

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