Fall Parties

For Em's pre-k class I signed up for the Halloween and Easter parties. I had three theme ideas for the party. The other mom is extremely busy so I'm in charge of the ideas. I'll share two of the ideas that I won't be using. Use just one or two suggestions from each category. The target age for these parties is 3-5 years old. Each party takes approximately an hour.

Party 1 -- Fall Theme
Decor of hanging leaves, pumpkins, scarecrows, orange and brown tablecloths with pumpkins and leaves on tables.

Snack Ideas
Pre-baked pumpkin/scarecrow cookies that the kids can decorate themselves.
Bob for their own apple.
Jack-o-lantern cake pops that the kids can draw a face on. Or just decorate! In case your wondering what are cake pops take a look here http://www.bakerella.com/category/pops-bites/cake-pops/

Craft Ideas
I think a craft with reflector is always good idea since it's close to Halloween. You can find many pre-packaged kits at local hobby stores or on http://www.orientaltrading.com/

If you have time a picture frame craft is fun. Take pictures of kids in costumes before the party or during for them to place in the frame. You can purchase these pre-packaged as well.
Toilet Paper Pumpkin.

Not as trashy as it sounds! Em made one last year in pre-K. You'll need a roll of toilet paper, a 22" square of orange fabric, green pipecleaner or raffia, green leaf, 5" rectangle of brown construction paper and glue. Place toilet paper roll in middle of fabric square. Squeeze some glue on the inside of the paper tube. Fold the fabric over and push extra into the tube. Roll up the rectangle to fit into the tube and glue edge. Put into tube and glue. Curl up pipe cleaner. Place dangling out of tube. Glue the leaf to the edge of stem.

If you need time between setting up the room reading a book about fall or Halloween to the children is a quick distraction.

Games
Remember with younger children to make sure everyone "wins" at the games you choose. that way ALL children feel included.

Fall/Halloween Bingo.

You can print one out via online search or create your own. Print out. Let the children use candy as markers.
"Pin" (tape) the Mouth on the Jack-o-Lantern.

Cut out an orange poster board in a pumpkin shape. Glue on eyes, nose and stem. Use the cut-out mouth for the children to "pin" it to the jack-o-lantern. Don't forget the blindfold!
Pumpkin pinata.

You can make or buy one. If you make one paper-maiche is the best bet. Fill with candy and let the kids take a whack at it. Just don't forget the treat bags to put their prizes in!

Don't forget to involve the other parents!
They can bring plates, napkins, cups, knives for frosting cookies, sprinkles, candy/toys, decorations, apples, parts for crafts and blindfold.

Party 2 -- Spooky Trails

Decor hanging leaves, pumpkins, hay (if you can), scarecrows, and bats.

Snack Ideas

Trail mix! Simple set up all ingredients (you can use cheerios, chex, nuts, m&ms, raisins, candy corn, etc) in individual bowls. Insert spoons. Give each child baggie and let them mix their own.

For a drink make it simple and bring juice boxes or small waters.

Crafts

Once again you can't go wrong with a reflector craft at Halloween time. Same goes for the picture frame craft.

Make their own scarecrow.

With construction paper cut out a scarecrow shape. Make or buy shapes of hats, pants, shirts, eyes, nose, mouth for the kids to glue on. Bring some hay or use raffia to make the scarecrow look more like a scarecrow. Don't forget a stick!

Read a story or book to the children preferably about a hayride, spooky trail or a scarecrow.

Games

Spooky Trail.

Before the kids arrive tape or pin items around the room pertaining to a trail ride. Owls, scarecrows, bats, moon, stars, hay bales, spooky trees are good suggestions. Have each child bring a flashlight. (Have a couple extra on hand in case one is forgotten). Turn the lights out or dim them. Lead the children around the room looking for the spooky items. If your creative make a story out it.

Hay, Hay, Scarecrow!

Fall take on the duck, duck, goose game. Have the children sit a circle. One begins by tap other children on the head saying "hay, hay, scarecrow". The scarecrow then chases them around the circle trying to beat them back to their seat. Laugh and repeat.

Needle in a Haystack.

This one can get messy. If you use real hay bring in a tarp or small kiddie pool to put the hay on. For a small group of younger kids use cut up raffia. In the hay place pixie sticks or blow pops. The children dig through to find the "needle". Make sure there's enough for everyone.

Don't forget to involve the other parents! They can bring the juice boxes, water, trail mix ingredients, baggies, "needles", hay, spooky trail items and craft items.