Best Classic Literature Themed Tea Party for Daycare
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Hosting a classic literature themed tea party for daycare can be a wonderful way to introduce young children to timeless stories, and the joy of reading and celebrating special days. With engaging activities, fun costumes, and special tea party treats, this event will bring beloved books to life for little ones in a creative and age-appropriate way. Here’s a guide to planning a classic literature-themed tea party that’s both fun and educational for daycare children.
Tea parties are a fun themed party idea for little girls and little boys. Remember how much fun they had enjoying a cup of tea at tea time on mary Poppins? You can throw your own tea party based on a classic book with creative table settings, social skills building, and friendship building ideas.
Classic Literature for Daycare
Choosing the right classic literature for daycare children means selecting stories with simple plots, memorable characters, and engaging illustrations. Here are a few wonderful options for introducing children to classic literature during the tea party:
- “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë-Talk about different weather patterns and seasons that are in your area. Explore different feelings with kids and emotions. Kids can dress up in old Victorian-style costumes to act out the proper times.
- “Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery-Activities that promote and explore farming, gardening, and friendship. Kids can dress up in traditional clothing from the period to act out scenes of friendship.
- “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett-Studying flowers, growing food, and other animal and friendship themes is lots of fun when learning about the Secret Garden.
- “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain-Camping activities are a great way to explore this book about friendship and hardship. Fishing games and picnics are another great idea.
- William Shakespeare was a famous poet and playwright that is a lot of fun to study. Check out some of the ideas we have done at Little Sprouts.
- “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll– Have a “Mad Hatter” tea table with quirky decorations, play a game of pretend croquet, or read a short passage about Alice at the tea party. Kids can wear fun hats or costume accessories, like bunny ears for the White Rabbit or a crown for the Queen of Hearts.
- “Winnie-the-Pooh” by A.A. Milne-Create a cozy corner with honey-flavored snacks and introduce children to the lovable characters of the Hundred Acre Wood. You could also have a “find the honey pots” treasure hunt.
- “Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter-Have a small “garden” area with carrots and pretend vegetables. Kids can play “Peter Rabbit” and “Mr. McGregor” while exploring the garden. Simple bunny ears and Peter’s signature blue jacket can make this story feel even more magical for little ones.
These classic tales are great choices for creating an interactive, engaging tea party environment. Choose one theme, or introduce a few for variety!
Tea Party Drinks for Kids
No tea party is complete without drinks, but with young children, you’ll want to keep things simple and safe. Here are a few kid-friendly drink options that can be enjoyed with ease at your classic literature-themed tea party:
- Herbal “Tea”: Serve caffeine-free chamomile or fruit-flavored teas. Use pretty teapots and allow kids to add a little honey or lemon to their “tea” cups.
- Fruit-Infused Water: Water with slices of strawberry, lemon, or orange adds a fun, colorful twist. This is a refreshing and hydrating option for young children.
- Apple Juice “Tea”: Pour apple juice into teacups as a sweet, “tea-colored” option that most children already love.
- Berry Lemonade: Create a pink “tea” by mixing lemonade with a touch of berry juice. This vibrant drink adds a fun color to the tea table.
- Cherry Limeade: See how to make them just like Sonic but without the artificial everything.
Be sure to serve these drinks in child-friendly, lightweight teacups or sturdy plastic teacups that fit the classic tea party aesthetic. These touches make a great reading celebration for daycare.
Planning Activities and Decorations
In addition to reading and discussing the stories, set up a few themed activities and decorations to enhance the tea party experience:
- Story-Themed Tables: Decorate each table based on a book, using props or small crafts. For “Alice in Wonderland,” use teacups and clocks; for “Winnie-the-Pooh,” add honey jars and stuffed animals.
- Craft Station: Let children make their own “Mad Hatter” hats, bunny ears, or simple character badges with colored paper and crayons.
- Making Book Marks: Let kids decorate a book mark for themselves or a gift.
- Making Fancy Crowns: Give children materials to decorate a premade or homemade crown.
- Story Time Circle: Gather children in a story circle where they can hear a short passage from each book. Keep the reading short and use props to keep kids engaged. You can also have kids bring a book to exchange.
- Create Your Own Book: Give children a blank book and let them tell their own story in pictures.
- Photo Booth: Create a photo area with props related to each story. This can be a fun way for kids to dress up and take photos as their favorite character.
- Snack Station: Serve simple tea party snacks like mini sandwiches, cookies, and fruit. For a literary twist, label snacks based on each story, like “Peter Rabbit’s Carrot Sticks” or “Pooh Bear’s Honey Cookies.” There are so many fun snacks for kids that can give you inspiration. You can also get custom cookies like these.
A classic literature-themed tea party is a delightful way to introduce children to beloved stories and characters. Through imaginative play, simple crafts, and snacks, young children can experience the world of classic literature in a way that’s fun, interactive, and memorable.