Many schools these days have implemented new policies about candy and sweet treats aimed at keeping kids healthier. This is a laudable goal, but food restrictions can make celebrating birthdays in your classroom a challenge.
No cupcakes? No problem! You don’t need sugar — or a big budget — to make your students feel special on their birthdays. Try these simple, fun ways to celebrate to make birthdays something to look forward to.
Extra Recess
Celebrate the birthday boy or girl by taking your whole class out for an extra 15 or 20 minutes of fresh air to celebrate. You can play a special game together or just let your class enjoy the extra exercise in their own way.
Story Time Choice
This is a good rainy day option for honoring a student’s birthday. Let the birthday kid choose a book from your classroom library or bring a favorite from home for the day’s read aloud.
Birthday Grab Bag
Fill a fish bowl or large bag with inexpensive birthday treats like bookmarks, stickers, pencils and art supplies. When it’s time for a birthday celebration, have the class sing “Happy Birthday” and let the birthday kid draw a gift from the bag.
Star of the Day
Make the birthday student the center of attention with a Birthday Star Badge and a special interview during morning meeting. Have the class ask all about the birthday kid’s favorite colors, food, numbers or pets; record the information and use it in a trivia game at the end of the day.
Class Poster
Throughout the day, give students time to write a message or draw a picture on a large easel pad to make an oversized card for the birthday kid. Roll it into a scroll and tie it with a bit of ribbon to send home!
Of course, if you can sneak in a healthier snack, go for it! For even more creative birthday ideas, visit our Pinterest board for more student reward and gift ideas.
