Ok, first let me say, I have never joined a playgroup, because I never wanted to commit to actually being responsible for others. I'm quite overwhelmed by my own children! LOL

Anyway, a bunch of girls have started a playgroup and I have my first day next week. I will have 4 girls, plus Sydney over for a craft and lunch and then I will get them all ready for the bus and off to school.

Ok, I have never had this many kids over all by myself. LOL They all really entertain themselves and they all love crafts, so I am not too worried. (Ok, well, a little. LOL)

Does anyone have an idea for a craft? & is it ok to serve chicken nuggets and mac and cheese? Are french fries out? It's so hard to decide if anyone would be offended. I'm not really good friends will all of the Mom's. There is one Mom that I have not even met.

Anyway, I'm flustered! LOL Help!

By Tonya on Thursday, January 4, 2007 - 10:40 am:

nuggets and mac-n-cheese is an easy well to please meal. I say go for it.

And good luck!!

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, January 4, 2007 - 10:57 am:

Wow, Eve! The playgroups I took part in were never that complicated. The Moms came with their kids and we all chatted while watching the kids play. Occasionally we had a planned craft/activity, but not usually. A project and lunch for multiple kids, including a toddler, and then to get them on the bus - all by yourself?! Yikes! What day next week? If I have nothing going on I'll come over to help.

By Andi on Thursday, January 4, 2007 - 11:00 am:

I would go to the local craft store and buy Beads and String if you don't already have it. then the girls can make some Jewelry. Or maybe buy a few Cardboard Treasure Boxes and let them decorate the boxes.

As for food I think what you have planned is fine. I might add a cut up fruit like Banana or apple.

Have fun and good luck. Let us know how it goes.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, January 4, 2007 - 11:36 am:

Let me think on projects. Lots of ideas floating in my head since I used to teach K.

Off the top of my head...
- They could trace and cut mittens out of construction paper and draw patterns on them with crayons (I have tons of construction paper and would be happy to make mitten patterns if I don't already have some.)
- Glue cotton balls on construction paper to make snow people. Add snowflakes using white tempura paint and Q-tips
- The sticky foam projects at Michael's are low cost but more importantly, low mess!

Food - great ideas! Simple Another idea is PB&J sandwiches, using Sunflower Seed butter in case of nut allergies.

By Tayjar on Thursday, January 4, 2007 - 12:10 pm:

I can't remember how old your DD is exactly, but for I recently did some crafts with some kindies/first graders. We purchased some cute fabric purses at Micheal's and some large plastic jewels that come in a tub and let the girls glue the jewels onto the purses. It wasn't very messy and the girls loved designing their own purses. We did the same thing with slippers for the older girls, like the 8 - 9 year olds.

By Truestori on Thursday, January 4, 2007 - 02:04 pm:

Eve,

You are brave, but I'm sure you will have loads of fun! I would suggest a stroll through Walmart or Michaels. There are easy, inexpensive crafts that they could do. Do you have a local dollar store, mine is always filled with craft stuff. I made door hangers with a group of five year olds and they really enjoyed it.
I think your lunch sounds great, and if you think you will be overwhelmed then cheese pizza is always a hit!

By Bellajoe on Thursday, January 4, 2007 - 05:35 pm:

OMG, any playgroups around here include the moms being there.
to feed, entertain, and then get them all on the bus is a bit much, but you can do it! How long will you have them? If it's only for like 2 hours, i would just let them play and forget the craft...but that's me, i'm not much into doing crafts.
I do think that the craft foam is perfect, and little to no mess!

Chicken nuggets and mac n' cheese sounds perfect....maybe some grapes to go with it just to add something healthy.

By Colette on Thursday, January 4, 2007 - 08:04 pm:

Good luck Eve - the food sounds fine - I would take the easy way out and order pizza, maybe have a bowl of fruit salad or orange slices to balance it out. I did the foam door holder thing and also a foam visor thing with girls that age and they loved it.

By Eve on Friday, January 5, 2007 - 04:08 pm:

Thanks, everyone for the ideas. I was actually planning to put some fuit out too. I think I will head to the craft store this weekend and check it out. I think I should be fine. It's only for 2 hours and it gives all the Mom's a nice break, so I don't mind, because I enjoy the weekly break myself. LOL I'll let you know how it goes.