Tips for Easy PTO Halloween Class Parties: Classroom Halloween Party Ideas

Did you volunteer for the task of planning your child’s Classroom Halloween Party? Looking for an easy Halloween Party Ideas?

What seems like a fun and easy job can soon turn out to be overwhelming. Each school or organization has their own rules and standards to follow. Some things are not spelled out in a letter from the teacher, so sometimes it is best to review your plans with the teacher before the day of the party.

I've summed up what I consider to be the Best Halloween Party Ideas. In no way am I taking credit for these great crafts, games, and treat ideas. I remember being a little bit lost when I planned my first classroom Halloween Party, and I hope that this can be a quick resource to other parents. There are many other game, treat, and craft ideas on the internet, but my goal here is to sum up the easiest and most fun. I hope you enjoy!

Tips for Easy Halloween Parties -

Best Halloween Classroom Party Crafts

Best Classroom Halloween Party Games

Best Halloween Food Recipes for Classroom Parties

Best Classroom Halloween Party Music

Best Classroom PTO Halloween Party Favors

Find out from the teacher or PTO what the guidelines are for the Halloween party. Get information such as:

• How long is the party? Critical to know beforehand because you want to be sure you have enough activities to keep the kids busy, but not too many that they are rushed.
• Are there snacks and drinks required / permitted? Depending on the time of day and time allowed, you may want to ask the parents to chip in for pizza instead of sugary treats on this sugar filled holiday.
• Are there snack restrictions? Food allergies are the prime concern here, but some teachers also place restrictions on what is allowed. For instance, one of my kids teachers did not allow cupcakes because they were too messy.
• What supplies are available to you? Are there supplies at the school that you can re-use. Things like game boards, music cd's, signs, and decorations can be put into a ‘party bank’ where volunteers can check them out. It can save the parents time & money.
• Do you have any other parent helpers? If so, with proper communication this party planning can be a breeze. First, if you don’t already have contact information, send home a sign up sheet. Keep it simple, to the point, and be sure to tell them how to contact you. Send this home 3 weeks prior to the party if possible. Allow one week for their return, the second week for you to plan and contact them, and one week for them to buy supplies or do whatever their task is.
• Is it to be a Halloween Party or a Fall Festival? Some schools do not celebrate Halloween, and instead celebrate the harvest season.
• Is it age appropriate? Test a game or craft out on your own child if you aren’t sure. This goes both ways – 5th graders don’t want to play Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin anymore, and Pre-K kids can’t do a word search.

Once you are familiar with the guidelines, it is time to get down to the actual planning of the party.

• Younger children have a very short attention span so avoid games or crafts that have a lot of instructions or will take longer than 10 minutes.
• Breaking the class up into 3-4 section works well if you have parent helpers to run a station. This way there is hands on help for crafts or games when needed.
• Always bring a Halloween story to read to the kids and use it if you need to fill time.
• If you have limited time, combine your snack and craft by giving them cookies to ice and decorate.

If you have the opportunity to volunteer in your child's classroom, please do so. You and your child will benefit greatly. Planning a party may not seem like an important thing to do, but encouraging social behaviors is an important thing to teach. Studies show that the increased parent participation in school activities, results in higher student grades overall.