2 Questions about birthdays

more for the K and 1 teachers.

Is it common in yonger grades (and acceptable) for kids to invite "only boys" or "only girls". Ive heard this being done in grades K and 1 and wondering if its rude or acceptable
Being early in the year, he doesnt know anyone, and I have to make a decision.

Also, is it common that teachers dont want parents in the room for the class party?
drop off the cupcakes and go.

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

I love when the parents drop off and go or do the whole thing. I've had parents who thought this was their child's actual party...this way, they didn't have the mess at home.

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

starting this year, most grades aren't allowed to have birthday parties with food and K & 1 have to have healthy snacks (in my district)

i prefer parents not coming in because some parents can take it wayyyy over the top. (notice i said some)

if they allow it, send in napkins, a cupcake and individual juice boxes. most schools don't allow goody bags. write to the teacher first and ask what SHE prefers and watch for allergies!!!

regarding home parties...most parents invite all the kids in the class. at that age they have friends that are boys and girls. most schools have a policy where if you're going to give out invitations in school, EVERY child in the class must receive one. if not, you have to mail them.

i would write to the teacher tomorrow and just ask

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

Parents are not allowed to be in classrooms while class is in session. Actually they aren't allowed in classrooms unless it is parent-teacher conferences. You never know what might happen.

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

I'm a Pre-K teacher & our principal just made a blanket rule saying no parents for parties. She said parents have to realize this is NOT an actual bday party, but a little something special to recognize his bday. Our principal also banned goodie bags this year. Last year a parent brought in a sheet cake to feed 50 people, soda, balloons, ice cream cups, goodie bags, candy, chips and a CD she wanted to play (in another class--not mine), things just tend to get out of hand.

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

We don't have a policy regarding parties in our school, it is up to the teacher. I prefer that the parents don't come to the class for the birthday. The kids get all excited and start acting crazy and its hard to discipline them in front of parents. As for inviting classmates to a party, we are not allowed to handle invitations, nor are kids allowed to hand them out in class. Parents have to get the kids addresses and mail the invitations.

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

om assuming your question regaurding the only boys or only girls thing is for an out of school party - I dont know what the norm is on that.. i typically see that boys and girls are invited, however, your child is new, so i would do what your child feels comfortable with

As far as in school parties - it depends on the school. In my school (i teach 1st grade) the parents bring in food or cakes etc.. and most of the time will stay for it to be served and for the calss to sing happy brithday, then they usually leave. We usualyl only spend about 15-20 minutes on a birthday celebration, there just isnt enough time in the day.

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

My policy is that if they are handing out invitations in class they have to invite everyone. Otherwise, they can do what they want.

As for parents, I expect them to stay and most do stay.

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

i teach first grade

My policy is: Invitations can be distributed in class if the whole class is invited or all the boys or all the girls.

I don't allow the parents in for the birthdays. I don't allow parents because not all the children would be able have their parent there because they work. I try to avoid any issues. The parents can send in cupcakes or munchkins or something of that sort. I do not allow goody bags. i try to keep it simple and low key.

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

I love having parents come - the kids do too....but I know some teachers are more "anti-parent" and never want them in...I always invite them to things and work with them!

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

thanks for the feedback everyone!

it's totally understandable that it can take up too much time if it's dragged out too long.

Im just sad to miss his bday celebration in class

as far as the invites, Im usually "the more the merrier" but it's just not practical to squeeze 22 kids and their parents into my house

thanks again for the responses

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

Re: 2 Questions about birthdays

Personally I HATE food in my room of any kind. When I give them a snack I am soooooooo anal about them eating over a paper towel and the moment they are done the paper towel is in the garbage! I absolutely HATE when parents come and do parties. For the kids in my school this is their big birthday party and it really annoys me because parents will bring in literally a whole freakin sheet cake and CANDLES! We don't really have a policy on birthday parties...they do it case by case