Great American Teach In 2013

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Great American Teach In, 2013.  I chose to speak in my son’s 4th grade classroom.  Because I publish a party magazine, I decided to style a party for the kids with products from Oriental Trading Company, some items I had at home, and snacks.  My son’s teacher loves the beach, and asked if I could style the party as a sea side party.

I chose several great games from OTC, an art project, favors and bags, as well as some decor.  I was very impressed with all of the items I received, but I was truly in LOVE with the hanging sea gulls I ordered!  They made the classroom look so much better, and the kids thought they were awesome.  They were just about $15 for a dozen, and they are worth every penny!  My husband and I partially set up the dessert table, games, and decor while the kids were in PE.  When the children returned to the classroom, I introduced myself, explained what I do, and had the kids help pass out art projects, and fill favor bags.

I set up the dessert table in the front of the classroom.  I used Dollar Tree glass vases wrapped in rope from Home Depot to hold lifesavers and twizzlers.  I removed the metal handle from a Target Dollar Spot metal bucket and added rope and a decal sticker, with a few simple changes, the bucket became the perfect container for Swedish Fish.  The cupcakes were displayed on a boat shelf I picked up at a yard sale several years ago.  Gold Fish Crackers were served from a bait bucket.  (I have only used it to hold party food)  Popcorn was placed in a glass cookie jar.  I added a weathered lantern, a few fishing bobbers, some nautical ropes, a nautical flag bunting, and crabby lights to the table too.

I used a bobber style cooler for decor next to the dessert table, and placed the favor bags in and around a breadboard box on the floor just in front of the bobber.  On the opposite side of the dessert table, I placed the lighthouse inflatable cooler from OTC.  I filled the cooler with 20lbs of ice, a case of mini water bottles, and 2 boxes of Capri Sun, with plenty of room for more!  (The ice stayed frozen for a long time as well)  I used a printable vinyl to make decals for the water bottles.

We set up a nautical version of twister and a dolphin ring toss in the reading area.  The kids LOVED the twister style game, and a few kids played with the ring toss.  Although, I did have to tape the rings together.

The kids had a great time learning about EPM and playing with OTC products!  I have been asked to come back to the classroom again and show them how I lay out the magazine.  I had such a great time partying with the 4th graders, and I cannot wait to go back!

Many thanks to OTC for providing me with so many great products to help make this Great American Teach In party such a success!

Product list and links from OTC: