It's Not Just a Party...

            Right before winter break, many schools are hosting winter parties in their classrooms for children of all ages.  The school day hums with excitement with children anxiously awaiting that 2:00 time slot for their parties to start, and have some freedom from the traditionally structured school day.  On December 22nd, Pre K families were invited to attend our winter parties which were hosted by our preschool parents.  

While it is easy to think that this is simply an hour where the kids are full of excess energy and excitement, resembling tiny tornados because it is difficult for them to contain the flurry of joy in their hearts, the parties are in fact so much more valuable to the student experience beyond the face value of treats and games.  

First, a strong sense of community is formed because all families are invited and strongly encouraged to attend the party. This gives the children’s parents an opportunity to meet each other beyond the car pick-up line, and actually have a conversation.  I witnessed parents connecting because their children are friends at school, and it was nice for them to put an adorable little face to the sweet child they hear about everyday after school.  The children were incredibly excited and full of pride to show their parents off to their friends.  I noticed one child practicing his social skills as he told every person in the room, “This is my dad!” and other kids went to meet their friend’s daddy.  Parents collaborated with one another to choose the snack, craft and game for the parties, taking special care to design a fun and well balanced event for preschoolers.  Every child was included and able to participate in every part of this special day.  

As a thank you to our parents, the children performed “Jingle Bells” by the Kiboomers with little gestures and jingle bells.  If you think of the pride children have showing off their parents, think of the pride the parents felt when they saw their children performing the song they worked so hard to learn.  The performances were darling, and every parent loved witnessing their child work with their classmates to sing their little hearts out.  It melted many hearts.  

And last, but not least, no matter how dynamic and exciting a lesson may be that I plan for the school day, some of the best memories are made at these quick, hour long events.  Children relish in the atmosphere where they can have a day to have fun with their friends, play games, and have a great snack while enjoying each others’ company.  Their parents enjoyed watching their children perform and getting to know other parents as well.  While there are many benefits to having a class party, the best parts are the sense of community and the memories that they create.  Hopefully, this little event created some lifelong friendships.  Remember, it’s not just a party… It's a memory, a community builder, a social skills opportunity, an opportunity to collaborate, an opportunity to show gratitude, and an opportunity to make everyone feel like they belong.