The West Wing Children had been planning for weeks. Their Fancy Flower Party for the East Wing had successfully been kept secret. At the West Wing morning circle, the teachers discussed the fun they would have while each of the children was given an opportunity to show off their fancy party clothes on the imaginary runway. Teacher Jessica got things rolling by modeling her fancy flowery ballerina skirt and sparkly shoes.
As the East Wingers were ushered in on a painted “red carpet”, a room full of West Wingers yelled “Surprise!” The guests and their hosts, with the help of volunteer parents, spent the morning playing games, decorating party hats, making felt crowns, watching a slide show of NSW friends, getting flower tattoos, and enjoying a special snack and lunch. The disco dancing room with glow sticks fashioned into necklaces was a huge hit. However, the disco lounge/fort was equally popular. As I walked through the West Wing observing the elaborate decorations and general merriment, I heard one of the teachers shout “flowertastic!”
As fun as the morning was, it served a much deeper purpose over the last few weeks and months. As teacher Cindy describes, it became an opportunity to incorporate various investigations happening in the West Wing since the beginning of the year. She noticed that as the children were getting to know each other they would sometimes sing songs. The one song they all seemed to know was “Happy Birthday”. They were able to make other connections and build friendships through this one thing that they all had knowledge about…birthday parties. As the year progressed, the children were investigating flowers and helping to plan other events like the recent Parent Appreciation Morning. These ideas began to come together in the form of hosting a party.
Once the idea of organization a party took hold, Cindy and the other teachers took the opportunity to help the kids explore what was needed for a party. They developed their organizational and social skills by meeting in committees such as food, decorations, entertainment, and guest relations. In planning the big day, the children were presented many opportunities to explore writing and communication through a project that was meaningful to them. However, what your child will probably remember the most is how fun it was. At morning snack, Axel put it best when he sat down and blurted out, “This is the fanciest day and the best party ever!”