Family Program Theme Ideas

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Here are some ideas for family programs that can easily be implemented.

Family Literacy Night

Children and families complete a Book Walk where pages from a popular children's book are displayed at different stations and are read aloud to the children. Have tangible items that follow the book at each station for children to explore.  
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We recommend using The Little Red Hen (Paul Galdone Classics)
Supply children's books for participants to take home with them to support early literacy.

Apple Graphing

Family Math Night

Set up math stations for families to experience fun math games. Some ideas:

• Apple Graphing
• Measuring with Worms
• Lego Patterns
• Height Measuring

Cat in the Hat Ball Toss

Dr. Seuss Night

Use a Dr. Seuss themed night as a theme for a fun family program. Include Dr. Seuss books, snacks, and activities. Some ideas:

• Oobleck
• Cat in the Hat Ball Toss
• Make a Lorax
• Grinch Punch

Family Movie Night

Show a G-rated family movie and invite families to attend. Provide popcorn and encourage families to bring chairs or blankets to sit on while watching the movie.  Some of our favorite family movies:
The Land Before Time, Rated G, 70 minutes
Chicken Run, Rated G, 84 minutes
Mary Poppins: 50th Anniversary Edition (DVD + Digital Copy), Rated G, 140 minutes
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, Rated G, 100 minutes
Wall-E, Rated G, 98 minutes

Game Night

Provide an assortment of board games and card games for families to play together. You can also provide activities and puzzles. Some of our favorite family games:

• Hi Ho Cherry-O
• Candy Land
• Chutes and Ladders
• Memory Games

Watermelon Bowling

Fitness Night

Provide fun exercise activities for children and families. Some activity ideas:

• Watermelon Bowling
• Walk the Plank
• Web Obstacle Course
• Musical Hearts
• Flaming Hoops

Ghost Eye Tree Art

Art Gallery

​Set up a mock art gallery with children's art pieces. Display the pieces on easels, or on walls and include a biography about the artist, a black and white photo and a frame around their art piece. Pass out brochures at the door and ask the artists and the attendees to dress up.

100th Day Crown

100th Day Celebration

Celebrate the 100th day of school by offering an after school event where children can make crafts, practice counting, have fun and bring their families. Some ideas:

• Have a "Guess How Many" jar filled with candies for attendees to guess. The winner gets the jar!
• Make 100th day crowns with simple paper strips and this printout.
• String 100 fruit loops, cheerios or other ring-shaped cereal onto string to make an edible 100th day necklace.
• Provide tables with 100 plastic cups for children to stack in different formations.
• Include activities that use 100 objects to build, make, play, or examine.

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda​
2. Family Involvement - Pre-assessment  (1/3)
3. Families in a Changing World
4. Family Statistics
5. Family Night
6. Familial Involvement
​7. Avoiding Common Pitfalls
8. Successful After-Hours (2/3)

9. Components of a Successful Family Night
10. Event Planning Tips
11. Staffing Events
12. Family Program Theme Ideas
13. End of Course Quiz (3/3)
14. Course Evaluation Form​
Parking Lot
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