A Pizza Party...Pirate Style

    Thus far, our blog posts seem to range from educational topics to family fun  as we find our way in the wonderful world of blogging.  This post is about throwing together a few ideas to create a memorable children's party.  I wasn't planning on blogging about it, but I thought it might serve as a bit of inspiration for busy parents.
    My son, Preston's third birthday was nearly two weeks away.  I hadn't planned a thing!  Was it too late?  During a quick shopping trip to Target, an adorable birthday party invitation caught my eye.  The cover showed an image of a pirate boy.  Hmm... I thought for a moment, and plopped a few packs into my cart.  Preston likes pirates.  Can I turn "PIRATES" into his theme?  What will we eat?  Where will it be?  All sorts of questions went through my mind, and then, the answers all came together to form a plan.

    I was able to rent a room at a local pizza shop.  They would provide the pizza.  All I needed were some decorations, drinks, cake and ice-cream.  I was almost there!  I began to think like a pirate--a "pizza-eating" pirate!
    First, the cake:  I took the invitation to a local bakery for inspiration and this is what they came up with:     

     

I thought it was cute...especially for being so last minute.  The drinks were easy: some bottled water and soda placed in an icy treasure chest for easy access.  The decorations...coins, beads (the loot and treasure), lots and lots of red and blue balloons, and some red, blue, and map covered table cloths.

    Then, the goody bags:  I wanted to use them as sort of a decoration, so I made the pirate boy from the invitation and stapled a friendly little face to each of the bags.  I also tied a balloon to each of the bags.  They turned out pretty cute!  You can see them in the background of the photo above.  Next, I had to come up with a hands-on activity for the kids and some giveaways (of course).  I decided to turn the kids into little pirates by giving them an eye patch and a bandana.  I also armed them with swords.  For the activity, I had the kids create their own thumbprint ocean designs.  All we needed was ink-pads, some markers and some tiny fingers.  Thumbprint octopuses....little orange fish...it's amazing what a kid will come up with!  They loved the activity, and it was a nice keepsake for the moms and dads.

That's Preston the Pizza Eating Pirate on the right!

 















    Since I sent out the invitations last minute, they served more as a reminder.  I made phone calls and used FaceBook to get the word out!  Everything turned out great...except, we were so busy visiting and making fingerprint pictures that we didn't have time to get any super good photos.
    The kids are still talking about the party and from what I hear, they're looking forward to the next one.  I better get planning!!  In the mean time, my little pirate is causing me to "Shiver Me Timbers" as I try to type this post.  I'm about to make him "Walk the Plank!"

Simple Tips for Supporting Literacy at Home

         

     ~Let your child see you reading and writing everyday. 

Reading and writing activities happen all day long!  Whether you are writing out a grocery list or reading a recipe, allow your child to participate in some way.  Let him choose a snack that he would like to include on the grocery list or cut out pictures from the store ads and glue them to the list.  He will quickly learn that reading and writing have a purpose.

   ~ Create a literacy-rich life.  

• Have different types of books, magazines, and newspapers available throughout the house.
• Expose your child to high quality children's literature.
• Establish “reading time” everyday…even if it is just for 5-10 minutes.
• Listen to books while riding in the car.
• Share silly poems, jokes, and songs.

~Enlist the help of an older sibling to read books with your child.

  

       ~ Provide repetition.

Repetition is important because it…

• Provides opportunities to practice new skills.
• Allows your child to anticipate the sequence of the story.
• Builds background knowledge.
• Encourages participation.
• Develops a love for reading.
• Builds confidence and fluency.

~Know what is going on at school.

If you know what type of literacy activities your child is doing at school, then it will make it easier for you to carryover some of these same activities at home.  Ask your child’s classroom teacher for ideas.

   ~Explore different book media.

Not all children are motivated by paper books.  Look for other ways to introduce print to your child.  You may have more success with electronic or talking books.

~Make special visits to your local library and bookstores.  

~Help your child learn about his favorite author. 

   ~Don’t forget about writing!  

• Give your child a writer’s notebook and encourage him or her to jot down ideas and thoughts.
• Spend time writing together.  Create a family scrap book complete with captions, or put together a cookbook of your family's favorite meals and desserts.  Invite your child to illustrate the recipes with his or her own drawings or photos.
• Set up a writing corner with different types of stationary, stamps, pens, pencils, and markers.

Illustration by: http://www.cartoonaday.com/cartoon-boy-reading-national-geographic/I