Class party ideas quick, easy

We all have good intentions, especially when it comes to our kids and their education. But if you were like thousands of parents at "Back-to-School Night" who responded to the plea to help with the classroom Halloween Party, you're no doubt in a fright just about now!

While Halloween is creeping up on the calendar, there's no need to have the jitters yet.

To the rescue comes the newly published book "Parties With Pizzazz." It's a resource for holiday classroom parties written by three creative, busy moms who also have years of elementary teaching experience (www.pizzazzpublishing.com).

Here are some of their quick and clever ideas to get a classroom party organized. They may also be adapted to a neighborhood party you have at home.

Mixer

A kickoff activity involves everyone and sets the stage for fun. As the party begins, gather the class in a large circle and sing "The Hooky Spooky" to the tune of "The Hokey Pokey."

Verse 1:

You put your hand bones in,

You put your hand bones out,

You put your hand bones in, and you shake 'em all about,

You do the hooky spooky and you rattle all around. That's what it's all about . . . BOO!

Verse 2: foot bones; verse 3: skull bones; verse 4: skeleton.

Creative snacks

"Peanut Butter Bugs": Give each child a paper plate. Spread peanut butter on two crackers on the plate. Arrange pretzel sticks on one cracker to form legs sticking out in all directions. Place the second cracker on top, peanut-butter-side down. Dab peanut butter on chocolate chips and place on top for bug eyes. (Provide alternative ingredients, such as jam, for children who might be allergic to peanuts.)

"Breadstick Bones": Prepare this noncandy treat if you have an oven available.

Give students one strip of refrigerated breadstick dough and a small sheet of foil. Near the edge of the foil, away from the dough, print each child's name with a ballpoint pen. Show them how to tie knots at both ends of the dough to resemble a bone. Place on the foil and bake on large cookie sheets according to package directions. Dip in spaghetti sauce and eat.

"Monster Dew": Tape green paper around a juice or soda can and decorate with craft items such as wiggle eyes, pipe cleaners and stickers to turn the can into a monster. Open the can and drink using a stick of black licorice for a straw!

Write Donna with your questions and ideas at www.donnasday.com. Donna's latest book, "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families," is available in bookstores nationwide. ? Donna Erickson Dist. by King Features Syndicate

Copyright C 2004 Deseret News Publishing Co.
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.