Birthdays are special occasions for children of all ages. As child care providers, we should make a big deal out of the child turning a new age. Here are 5 ways to celebrate birthdays in child care, which will make the birthday child feel special. If the child’s birthday falls on a weekend or a day when they are not at the child care center, celebrate as close to the date as possible. If the child’s birthday is in the summer, and you don’t operate in the summer, maybe celebrate their half birthday or during the first or last week of school. The best advice is to keep things simple. Elaborate parties with lots of icing are only going to cause stress and frustration – not only for you but for the birthday child.
#1 Have child sit in a special ‘birthday chair’ while the other children sing “Happy Birthday.” You can also use the chair to
- Take turns to ask the birthday child questions about home and family.
- Let the other children take turns giving the birthday child nice compliments.
- Have the birthday child lead the children in a song of their choice or play a special birthday instrument.
- Let the birthday child ‘show and tell’ one of their birthday gifts.
#2 Keep a Birthday Bucket (full of trinkets and prizes) and on a child’s birthday, let him or her pick the same number of prizes as their age (ie. if they are 4 years old, they get to pick 4 prizes).
#3 Decorate the doorway by hanging streamers in the child’s favorite color. If the child sits in a specific seat, also tie a balloon in their favorite color to their chair.
#4 Bring out a Birthday Sensory Bin. Let the birthday child (and maybe one other) play with it first. Keep it out until everyone has had a turn. Include in it:
- Colored rice
- Birthday candles
- Number birthday candles
- Small foil bows
- Plastic cupcake holders
- Small loaf pans
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
#5 Conduct a Birthday Interview by asking the birthday child things about himself (favorite food, favorite color, what does he want to be when he grows up, etc.) Record answers and send home.
Here is a great free printable that we found – CLICK HERE (from www.lifewithmylittles.com)
Need some Birthday Board Idea Inspirations? Check out ideas >>HERE<<
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