Classroom party on a budget?

[TinkOhio]

My student teaching experience is almost over, and I am looking for inexpensive ways to celebrate my time with some wonderful students. Past student teachers have thrown small parties or created fun/memorable experiences, (crafts, games, etc.,) to celebrate time spent together and help the students transition smoothly. My classes consist of 3 to 6 year old students in an intervention setting. Can anyone think of some budget-friendly fun ways to celebrate with my students?

Thanks so much for any ideas!

 

[hffmnheidi]

Pick up some dollar, unfinished frames and stickers, foam, ect...Let the kids decorate them and them present them with a class photo for their frames that you've taken with a digital camera.

 

[DVC mom]

Hi! I am a K teacher and one idea I LOVE is giving the kids something they can and will use. Often photos and "CUTE" wall ideas get stuffed into a trunk, closet, etc. and the kids never get to use them or SEE them- especially intervention kids. There is a poem for end-of-the-year you put on pillowcases and then have the kids add their handprint and name. Google this and you will get the idea. Also, T-shirts work great. Intervention kids can use all the clothes they can get. You can iron on a class picture and have them all sign each one. A pack of T-shirts at WalMart are not that much. This will last longer and be more memorable than chips and soda. You can set up "FUN" stations and as they rotate they come to you to sign the item as a station. Hope this helps...

 

[TinkOhio]

Thanks so much for the ideas. Both are great! Please keep them coming!

 

[Deb & Bill]

When I was teaching, I'd make plain sugar cookies. Then I'd bring frosting and other decorations and let the kids decorate them. Then they got to eat them.

 

[coalmnrswife]

How thoughtful of you to try to plan something special for the kids. If you plan something with food make sure you check the policy regarding it. My state school system does not allow anything homemade or containing sugar. My daughters teacher got into major trouble for giving them a cookie. We were made to dump the candy out of the plastic Easter eggs at the Easter party.
Please check beforehand so that you are not in the same boat we were - nothing to replace the candy with. Sad Sad Day

 

[Mrs.Reese]

I despise crafts with a passion. So all my parties involve dance. The chicken dance, YMCA, Cha Cha slide, etc. We've also made slime that they can take home later. It's constarch, water and food coloring.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

my DD had some plain cardstock type book marks from Michaels. They come in a pack of 30 or so.

Decorate with stickers and rubber stamps markers etc and use alphabet stickers to make the child's name on it.

But a roll of clear contact paper and then cover them with the clear plastic. Use a hole punch to punch a hole in the top and loop some ribbon thru.

Presto -- a STURDY book mark.