Adding software to your computer to make it a versatile and very useful machine can be, well, expensive, sometimes VERY expensive.   In many cases there are alternative software programs, freeware, that are nearly as good as the popular commercial versions and can be found online and downloaded for free.  Here are some popular freeware titles that you might find useful.

Photo/Image Editing

Buying software to edit photos can get expensive fast.  There are many options on the market, some with really great features, but these can be quite pricey.  One alternative that is available for free is called Gimp.  Gimp has many features that can be found in the more pricey commercial varieties.  Some features include red-eye removal, despeckle, layers (so you can add photo frames or combine images), and effects such as blur, glow, lights & shadows, cartoon effect, and animation.  Gimp is well worth downloading and giving a try.  You can get it here.

Anti-virus

With all the Anti-virus programs available it can be confusing to know which one to choose, and with most available only with subscription plans, you can count on paying a fee at least once a year.  There is, however, an alternative that offers a free version of their anti-virus software, Avast.  Avast has received top ratings from trusted sites such as pcworld and cnet.  It has a user interface that is feature filled, but still easy to navigate.  You can download the latest version of avast here.

Office Documents

Let’s face it, who wants to fork over hundreds of dollars to use some of todays top office software for use at home?  Well, you don’t have to.  The alternative that is the top free competitor to todays office suites is OpenOffice.  OpenOffice offers a word processor called Writer, a spread sheet program called Calc, a program to create presentations called Impress, as well as a database program, a math program, and a graphics editor.  OpenOffice has received excellent ratings and comments from cnet, pcmag, and computerworld.  OpenOffice is a completely free, unlimited use software suite.  You can download OpenOffice here.

Computer Maintenance

Keeping your computer free of malware and viruses is only part of the overall solution to maintaining a healthy PC.  The system registry also needs to be kept uncluttered with unused files, and keeping your temporary files clean can also improve performance if the files have become too large and cluttered.  There are, of course, many options available that can be paid for that will help do the job, but there is also free software available that is also very effective, CCleaner.  CCleaner is quite effective at securely deleting files from your computer, such as temporary internet files, and at keeping your system registry clean.  You can download it here.

File Recovery

So you accidentally deleted a file and removed it from the recycle bin, what do you do, it’s gone, right?  Well, maybe not.  When you delete a file using windows delete, it isn’t actually deleted, only the reference to it is deleted.  Enter Recuva.  Recuva is a file recovery program that can help you recover deleted files.  It is from Piriform, the same makers of CCleaner, and you can download it here.

Reduced Price Software for Students

Even though not free, there is software available at greatly reduced prices for college students.  Microsoft offers huge discounts on many of their software titles, including Windows 7 Professional and Microsoft Office for students (at the time of this writing), and there may be others available as well.  You can find Microsoft student deals here.

With spring upon us, it’s always fun to start talking about bugs.  One of the most interesting bugs, of course is the butterfly.

Circle Time

Start by asking what they know about butterflies, and read some fun facts from a library book about them.  Show pictures of many different kinds and talk about where they live in the world.  Talk about the life cycle of the butterfly and how it changes from a caterpillar.  For some fun online facts and information visit www.kidsbutterfly.org

Creative movement

Play music and have them practice crawling like caterpillars, going to sleep in their cocoons, and emerging as butterflies with wings. Some fun songs about all kinds of animals including butterflies are on Janene Brady’s ‘I have a song for you’ CD. If you don’t have access to songs about bugs, simply put some classical music on and let them imagine being one.

Story Time

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle
• Butterfly story, by Anca Hariton

Table Time

Butterfly craft – Supplies needed: Coffee filters, markers, clothes pins, spray bottle with water, paper plate,  pipe cleaners

Give each child a coffee filter and some washable markers, have them color the filters in whatever patterns they wish paying special attention to get the marker close to the edges, then spray each colored filter with water and watch the colors spread and bleed into each other. Set on a paper plate to dry. When dry, push into a clothes pin (either small or large) and twist a pipe cleaner around the top for the antennae

Egg Carton Caterpillar craft – Supplies needed: Egg cartons cut so there are six egg spaces in a row longwise, paint, paint brushes (foam work great!), paper plate google eyes, and pipe cleaners

Give each child a cut egg carton, paperplate with paint on it,  and a brush. Have them paint their caterpillar and then set aside to dry. When dry cut two holes into “Head” of the caterpillar and feed the pipe cleaner through leaving enough on each side to be antennae. Glue on the google eyes and you’re done!

Snack time:

• get some of the items the very hungry caterpillar ate so the kids can taste and try them
• bugs fruit snacks

Colgate has a great educational program they sent out every year for FREE to kindergarten classrooms, home daycares, preschools, and homeschoolers. I used this program every February for dental health month with my preschool dental health theme when I ran a home daycare and I continued to use during the year we homeschooled. I’m excited to incorporate it into our preschool co-op this year because the kids always love it and it comes with some great toothbrush and toothpaste samples for each of the kids.

This year’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures kit includes:

For the Teacher

• Dr. Rabbit and Friends Sing-along CD
• I Know What To Do! Classroom Big Book
• Dr. Rabbit and Friends Teacher’s Guide
• Bright Smiles for Children Oral Health Digest

For the Kids

• My Bright Smile Storybook (English & Spanish)
• Bright Smiles at Home Family Booklet
• Colgate Kid’s Toothbrush
• Colgate Kid’s Toothpaste

If you are a teacher, whether as a homeschooler, home daycare provider, or preschool/kindergarten teacher, sign up for your Free Classroom Kit from Colage Here.

Congratulations to Pat Ramey!

Math has never been my strong point, although I suspect that I would probably enjoy the logic of it more now, after years of dealing with unruly toddlers, than I did in high school. During high school I insisted that I absolutely would not need math outside of school. I should have known that would come back to bite me. I went to school to be an English teacher and ended up with a job teaching math. I stayed one chapter ahead of my students so they wouldn’t discover my secret – I failed algebra and had to go to summer school.

Now I see math in nearly everything I do and if I could go back in time and knock my teenage self in the head and tell her to pay a bit more attention I would. I’m trying to make up for the fact that I read through half the fiction section of the library during my algebra class by helping my kids learn to appreciate math earlier on. They’ll need a good attitude about math to succeed in school and beyond. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress 2008 report card, the number of 17 year olds taking pre-calculus or calculus has tripled over the last 30 years. I suspect that’s largely because so many of the high paying jobs require advanced math skills.

The T1-Nspire from Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments sent one of their amazing T1-Nspire graphing calculators over for us to review. Due to all the heavy fiction reading I did during my high school math classes, I had to turn the T1-Nspire over to my husband for a really detailed review. He says:

In the 6th grade, I received my first Texas Instruments Graphing Calculator.  My school had just started a trial program of teaching an advanced math class in Pre-Algebra and as a requirement of the program, I needed a TI-81.  I used that calculator through that year, into middle school and even on to high school AP Calculus.  Needless to say I spent many, many hours using that calculator to solve complicated math problems in my Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus courses.

In college, I bought a TI-89. I suspect that had I been able to find what I did with my TI-81, it probably would have been able to do many of the functions that I was performing in my upper level Calculus and Physics courses but the TI-89 added specific Electrical Engineering capabilities that I required.  Once again, my TI calculator became one of my most used educational tools.

Recently, Texas Instruments sent me the TI-Nspire with touchpad.  While these calculators have always been handheld computers (I even remember programming mine to play games in high school), this is by far the closest to a laptop computer that I have ever seen.  I say this because it actually has a small laptop-like touchpad that navigates the cursor across the screen and through the drop down Windows-like menus (which would have been great for PacMan).  In all honesty, it works quite well for navigating through graphs and menus.  The directions stated that I needed to update the calculator’s operating system the first time I plugged it into my computer but all I did was click “yes” to update.

The TI-Nspire’s large, high-resolution screen allows for useful zooming on graphs without becoming too pixelated.  It also has 20MB of onboard storage so students can create, save and edit their work similar to the word processing and file storage of a PC.

A very unique aspect of the TI-Nspire is its ability to adapt to the student’s needs through interchangeable keypads and modes.  The calculator comes with the TI-Nspire keypad but they will send you a TI-84 Plus interchangeable keypad free-of-charge if you fill out their online request form.  The calculator also includes several other built-in modes so it can emulate calculators such as a TI-83 Plus along with software for emulation on a PC or Mac.Texas Instruments states that this calculator can be used on the SAT, ACT, AP, IB and a growing number of state-wide math exams.

Enter to Win

As we move into another school year, Texas Instruments wants to help your child start out right by providing one Busy Mommy Media reader with a Math Makeover Kit (nearly $200 value). The Math Makeover Kit includes:

• A new TI-Nspire with Touchpad – this also includes the new computer software so students can bring their graphing calculator experience to a PC or Mac.
• 60 free minutes at Tutor.com.
• Several other fun items, including T-shirts, water bottles and cell phone charms.

This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and will end on Sept. 6, 2010

In compliance with the FTC Guildlines, please note that this is a sponsored post.  I was given a T1-Nspire to review free of charge, however, I was not paid for the review and the opinions are my own.Please see our site’s Terms and Conditions for a complete list of our contest and giveaway rules.

This Giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering.

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Young children are often excited to learn how to write their first names, as doing so is one of the initial rites of passage that signifies “growing up.” Writing last names is typically not given the same attention at home, and children will usually learn to do this later in school. Yet, when children enter pre-school or kindergarten, they may already be asked to recognize their full names on cubbies or chairs. It would be helpful, therefore, for children to enter a formal school setting fully prepared with the ability to identify both their first and last names.

To teach your child how to do so, follow these steps:

1. Print your child’s last name in large letters on a card. Only the first letter should be capitalized. Then, choose a song that is familiar to your child, and use the tune to sing the names of the letters of his or her last name. Music is a catchy way to help kids remember a string of non-meaningful bits of information, such as letter names. Next, have your child sing the song and point to the letters of the last name on the card one by one while singing. The activity is now multi-sensory, which is one of the most powerful ways to learn.

2. After you think your child is comfortable singing the letters of his last name, write his full name on a card (with just the first letters in capital). Write a completely different name on a second card. Turn both cards over and play “Find Your Name.” (You can personalize the game by calling it your child’s name, such as “The Jill Lauren Name Game.”) Use a completely different name on the second card to ensure initial success.

3. After a round or two with the two cards, write a third card with the same first name as your child’s, but a different last name. Add it to the pile. Before turning over all three cards to play “Find Your Name,” make sure that your child can recognize her last name by saying, “Point to ______” (your child’s last name.) If the child cannot recognize her last name, ask her to find the two cards with her first name. Then ask her to sing the song associated with her last name; the song should help her find the correct card.

4. Turn the three cards over and start to play. Add a fourth and fifth card (with the same first name and differing last names) to make the game more challenging.

5. Most importantly, have fun. One additional playful activity involves putting your child’s first and last name on his bedroom door. Tell your child that you’re going to surprise him every now and then by changing one of the names. If your child can tell you when the name is changed, he can “win” a sticker. This final activity helps children learn to pay attention to changes in their environment, while also providing an opportunity to view their full names on a repeated basis.

One final benefit of completing these activities is that when it is finally time for your child to learn how to write his or her last name (in addition to recognizing it), the letter sequence should already be known – unless, of course, it is a super long last name, in which case the child is typically taught to break down and write the name in smaller parts.

Jill Lauren, MA

Learning Specialist and Author (Succeeding with LD; That’s Like Me!)

New York City

Photo by woodleywonderworks

With all the positives that school brings us each year, there is one negative that has been steadily increasing over the last few years. Bullying has become a major issue in school across the globe. It can be something as minor as “pointing and laughing” to tragic incidents that have resulted in the serious injuries and even death. As a parent it is important to talk to your children about bullying. It is key to discuss all aspects because just as much as you don’t want your child to be the victim, you also don’t want them to be the aggressor either, and you certainly don’t want them to stand by an watch someone else get bullied. More and more frequent, “garden-variety” bullying is starting to interfere with the education process in school and this is something that needs to be addressed swiftly.

What Is Bullying?

There is some gray area when it comes to defining what is in fact bullying behavior. The Stop Bullying Now Website defines Bullying as “aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength. Often, it is repeated over time and can take many forms.” So it is fair to say that it goes beyond the typical name calling and place contention that happens in all classrooms, playgrounds and even sibling groups. The line between harmless teasing and full blown bullying is often hazy and rather thin. And then comes the train of thought that is build character, which may have it’s merits. I think the most clear cut distinction is this – When it become physical it is too far! This is not to say that bullying cannot be verbal abuse, but this is still a shady area.

Victim Prevention

As you can find on the Stop Bullying Now website  (a wonderful resource for both children and adults maintained by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services), prevention and intervention are key tactics to stopping the bully cycle. If you suspect that your child is being bullied (torn clothes, unexplained injuries, sudden dislike/unhappy feelings towards school) it is important to emphasis that you will support them no matter what they have to say. Remember that bullying is a form of abuse, which usually means that the aggressor has made some sort of statement alluding to “It will only be worse if you tell”. If you do get confirmation from your child that bullying is going on, you need to take the proper steps. Most every school has a protocol for action when it comes to bullying. (Side Note: If it doesn’t, you may consider starting a program to help the entire school overcome the obstacles of bullying). The key is to not draw more attention the behavior at large, but rather have the principal, teacher(s) and parent(s) involved directly handle the situation.

Is Your Child the Bully?

It is a scary thought, but when you look logically, the bully is someone’s child. It was long thought that bullies tend to do so because they lack a friend network. In actuality, research has shown that bullies usually have a rather extensive friend network, resulting in a sort of “mob mentality” among the children. Many parents of bullies are, in fact, unaware of the problem until it because a trip the principal’s office. If you suspect that your child is bullying others (short fuse, often frustrated, unexplained offensive injuries) you need to be brisk and to the point in your action. It is cardinal to attack the issue clearly by setting a zero tolerance policy. Next, you need to find other outlets for your child’s energy – sports, music, etc. Finally, you need to provide positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior.

When Others Are the Victim/Bully

It is an important social skill to teach your children to stand up for what they believe in. They need to know that if they see an injustice they should speak up. Now I am not telling you to encourage your children to turn into vigilantes by any means. I am simply asking you to discuss the proper steps to take. If they see another child get hurt, they need to find an adult for help. If one child is constant “picking” on another child, tell them to stand up and speak “Leave him alone”.  And remind your children that they can always come to you, no matter what anyone says or does, it is ALWAYS right to tell their mom or dad.

Bullying can be a very sensitive issue that no parent really wants to deal with. But it is all part of the package deal of getting the honor to raise the next generation. It comes down to one thought – We (as parents) are all in this together!

For tons more information on Bullying – including cyberbullying – please visit the Stop Bullying Now! Website.

Starting kindergarten is a huge milestone in the life of a child, and one that most parents spend years preparing for. While academic preparation for kindergarten is important, there are many practical issues to consider that can help make the back-to-school transition easier for your child and your child’s new kindergarten teacher. We asked experienced kindergarten teachers and early childhood education experts what they really wish parents would do to prepare their children for kindergarten.

Teach Last Name Recognition

Most kindergarteners know how to spell their first name, but the last name is often neglected. Jill Lauren, a learning specialist and author, recommends that parents teach children to at least recognize their last name to avoid confusion if there are other children in the classroom with the same last name. Cubbies, desks, and other supplies are likely to be labeled with your child’s first and last name so a child starting kindergarten with the ability to visually recognize his last name, even if he can’t spell it yet, will avoid unnecessary frustration.

Teach Personal Information

Kindergarten may be one of the first experiences a child has being away from home for an extended period of time. Dawn Cannon encourages parents to help children memorize their personal information, such as full name, address, and phone number, before starting kindergarten. Having personal information memorized can help a child’s first few days of school go smoother as he finds his way around the school and determines where he needs to be, but it is also essential in the event of an emergency.

Establish an After School Meeting Place

Be sure that children not only know their address, but understand how they are getting home at the end of the day. If children will be traveling home by bus, make sure they know where to go to get on the bus. If you will be picking your child up from school, set a clear meeting place so he knows where to go. Be sure your child knows who to go to if he needs help and can’t find you after school is over.

Label Personal Belongings

Back-to-school shopping is an expensive task. Julie Rebboah, a former kindergarten teacher and author recommends that parents protect their investment by labeling all personal items, including backpacks, school supplies, and jackets. Be sure and label personal items in something that won’t come off such as a permanent marker or labels from Mabel’s Labels.

Teach your Child to Tie His Own Shoes

Kindergarten teachers are outnumbered and basic tasks, such as helping children tie their shoes, take up a huge amount of classroom time. Ellen R. Delap, a former kindergarten teacher and professional organizer, suggests that parents either teach children to tie their own shoes before starting kindergarten or send children to school in shoes that do not require tying, such as velcro.

Teach Responsibility

The classroom environment requires cooperation for the school day to go smoothly and create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Abigail Norfleed James, PhD, a highly experienced classroom teacher and internationally-recognized expert in gender-based learning, encourages parents to start teaching responsibility early. She says, “The child who has responsibilities feels like s/he matters to the rest of the world.”

Teach Your Child Independence in the Bathroom

Kindergarten teachers are unable to help students with their bathroom needs, both because of legal and logistical reasons, so it is important that children know how to take care of their own personal needs before starting kindergarten. Christin Ditchfield, author and educator, recommends that parents send kindergarteners to school in clothing that is easy for them to take on and off without help to prevent embarrassing accidents.

Teach Personal Hygiene

A kindergarten classroom is prime territory for spreading germs, especially as we move into cold and flu season. Teach children to wash their hands well after going to the bathroom and before eating. Germs are often spread when children touch their eyes, nose, and mouth. Before kindergarten starts, work with your child to practice keeping his hands away from his face and do your best to get rid of any nose picking issues once and for all.

Buy a Kindergarten Sized Backpack

Most backpacks are simply too large for a tiny kindergartener to carry comfortably. Mollie Menton, a former Kindergarten teacher who now serves as an Education Specialist for Educational First Steps, recommends that parents be sure their child can carry their own backpack before starting kindergarten. Look for backpacks that are slightly smaller than a standard sized backpack and have padded straps that are easy on small shoulders.

Teach Social Skills

Academics are a vital part of the kindergarten experience but kindergarten lesson plans can be stalled if children in the class do not have the social skills necessary for a classroom environment. Laura Olson, vice President of education for Kiddie Academy, says, “Children should understand that they are expected to behave in a certain way. This includes taking turns, waiting in line, following the classroom and school rules.”

What tips do you have for getting a child ready for kindergarten?

Photo by woodleywonderworks

Do you find yourself spending more time hustling your children out the front door than you spend enjoying your time together at home? You are not alone. In today’s world, there are so many worthy causes pressing for our time that it becomes very easy to over-commit ourselves with responsibilities and activities. However, when we over schedule ourselves and our children we are not teaching them how to recognize their own limits and prioritize their time.

The Benefits of Scheduling Less

• You will have more time to spend one-on-one time with your children.
• You can spend more time providing your family with a fresh, homemade dinner. You can eat it while sitting down at the table together rather than grabbing a quick sandwich as you load up the car.
• You will have more time to perform better at the responsibilities you choose to keep.
• Downtime. A popular buzz word today, but it is true. We all need time to sit down, relax and enjoy some time doing something that lifts our spirits and rejuvenates our souls.

Think of other benefits unique to your family and write them down so you’ll remember just why you need to say no to one more activity.

Reduce Your Outside Commitments

While it is important to complete the task or responsibility you committed to doing, you can excuse yourself. Any respectable organization will admire and respect your decision to put your family first. Recognize your limitations, decide what you can still do and excuse yourself from the responsibilities that you can not fit into your new schedule. You do not have to explain further than “My family needs more of my time.” You may provide a more in depth explanation if you want, but do not feel obligated to do so. If your schedule later opens up and you want to return, you can do that, too.

Involve Your Children

Involve your children as you learn to schedule less. Talk to them about your reasons for excusing yourself from various activities. Role play with them to help all of you to grow more comfortable with saying no to new responsibilities and activities when they do not fit in your schedules. When your child comes to you with another activity she wants to do, walk her through the steps of determining what will have to go if she takes on a new activity. Also, take a look at what it will require from you to help him keep his commitment.

Send the Right Message

Each time you put your family ahead of outside obligations, you are telling your children that they are very important people in your life. That knowledge will go a long way in helping them to feel confident and secure in your love and create a bond between you that will help you all through the rough times that do come from time to time in parenting. As you help your children to learn how to recognize they abilities & limitations, problem solve, prioritize their time and put family first, you are helping them to become a healthy and successful adults.

Photo credit: ppdigital @ morgueFile

For many reasons, a parent may feel overwhelmed or exhausted when parenting in general. The same is especially true when the parent is also the full-time teacher. In an ideal world, we would have ample time and energy each day to prepare and implement teach moments, take of the day-to-day parenting, clean the house, get to extra-curricular activities and sports, etc. We would wake each more with a full night’s sleep feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Undoubtedly, this is not the world where you or I live.

The real world is where the neighbor’s dog barks all night, the kids fight through the entire science experiment, a relative or friend drops in unannounced, or the car breaks down on the way to a field trip. Something is bound to go wrong, distract us or simply disable us for the time being.

Just like adults, kids get burned out, too. They have bad days, sleepless nights, worries and frustrations that wear them down. A unit study that was exciting three weeks ago is not even remotely interesting now. Living in close proximity and spending all day, every day together can cause even the closest of siblings to get on each others nerves.

Tips to Recover from Burnout

Often, parents will catch sight of the fact that they or their children are on the road to burnout and take action to avoid it. When that does not happen, here are some tips to help your family to get back on the right path.

• Talk to your support person. If you do not already have someone in your life who supports your homeschooling efforts, you need to find and establish a trusted friend or family member who knows your goals and reasons for homeschooling and understands that you are simply overwhelmed and exhausted.
• Evaluate what you have been doing and determine if a change is necessary. If it is working, keep at it. If not, find a way to modify it or replace it.
• Ask your children what they believe is working and not working. Their answers may inspire you.
• Evaluate your family’s health. Are you drinking enough water? Taking your vitamins? Eating right? Exercising enough?
• Go to bed early for 2-3 nights in a row. That means the kids, too. Everyone go to bed at the same time.
• Take a day off. Declare a pajama day, go to the beach just to enjoy it, read a book together simply because it’s a great book, go for a walk. Whatever you do, do it to relax, not to educate.
• If you truly must get your school work accomplished, do it somewhere new. Try the library, park, airport, beach, your lawn, a friend’s house, anywhere.

Self-Evaluation

Once life is relatively stable again, evaluate how you got so far into burnout mode. Have you been using the tips for avoiding burnout? Has there been a stressful life event? Have you been taking enough holidays or field trips to break up the day-to-day routine? Are you trying to cram too much into your schedule? Or a lesson plan? Whatever it is that contributed to your feeling so overburdened, you need to find a way to resolve it or you’ll be right back where you started.

Rough times are inevitable. It’s a part of life and it affects our homeschooling efforts. Remember to slow down once in a while and enjoy the journey.

Photo credit: kakisky @ morgueFile

Before planning any classroom activity, remember to discuss your plans with your child’s teacher and educate yourself about school policies regarding classroom events. Once you have done so, here are some tips for party success.

Attention Grabber

Plan something quick and interesting at the age and developmental level of the students in the class. This can be a story, a song, telling jokes, asking questions, etc. The point is to engage the students and get their attention.

Craft

Unless you will have one adult for every 2-3 children, plan a craft where the students can complete at least 90% of the project independently. Keep in mind that very young children (i.e. preschool, kindergarten) are not likely to cut independently and are still learning how to glue.

Some of my favorite craft websites:

• Crafts for Kids @ BellaOnline
• Kinder Art
• Arts & Crafts @ Family Fun
• Enchanted Learning (fee based)

Game or Activity

Have a game or activity planned to overlap the latter part of the craft for the students to play as they finish up their projects. Keep the the game going until most or all have completed the craft and are ready to move on to the next activity.

Treat

Depending on how much time you have planned for the party, you can either provide a ready-made treat or you can plan for a treat the students can make themselves. Again, remember to keep in mind the developmental level of the students when planning a make-your-own treat activity. Easy clean up is a plus, too.

Wrap Up

Briefly draw a close to the fun. What you choose to do depends on the reason for your party and the activities you chose. You might have each student show off his/her craft, sing a song, reiterate the point(s) you wanted to make, etc.

Helpful Tips

As you plan the party schedule, remember to add in set-up and clean-up times. Try to have as many parents as possible arrive early and stay after. Perhaps have half come early for set up, and half arrive on time and plan to remain after for clean up

The age of the students, the size of the class, and the level of difficulty in the activities all determine the number of adults needed for the party. Generally, a class of 25 children will need at least 3-4 adults in attendance. If this is not possible, go with the number of volunteers you have and plan accordingly.

Photo Credit: Guillermo Ossa