Birthday Celebrations
What is it?
A child’s birthday is probably the single most important event in the whole year. Since this event is unique to each individual, we feel each child should share in the experience. If possible, we would like you to provide the derivation of your child’s name - what nationality, what does it mean, why did you choose it, etc.
What do I need to do?
Our birthday celebration allows every child the joy of sharing his/her more exciting and meaningful moments. With your child, please create a birthday book that includes one picture for each year of his/her life in which the birthday is prominent. Along with each picture, jot down a summary of each of the most important events from that year of your child’s life (developmental milestones, places you traveled, other fun things you did). This book will be read to the children in our class during your child’s birthday celebration.
What does a birthday celebration look like?
On the day of the birthday celebration at school, the children put on a celebration of life. The birthday child takes the globe and walks in a large circle (representing the sun) while the rest of the class sings a song. A birthday candle, to symbolize the sun, is lit in the center. As the birthday child makes a single orbit around the circle, the teacher reads the biography of the child from birth to age one. As the child makes the next orbit, the teacher reads the biography for the next year, etc. When the biography is completed, the teacher says, “And now he/she is _ years old and beginning their _ journey around the sun!” The children sing “Happy Birthday” and the birthday child may pass out something special to the other children if they want.
Do I need to send in a birthday treat?
For health and safety purposes, we can no longer share treats. If you would like to send in something special for your child to pass out that is not food, you’re welcome to. However, it is not required. If you do choose to send something in (stickers, erasers, pencils, bracelets, dollar store party favors are easy too!), just be sure to send enough for 30 students, please!
What if my child’s birthday is during a school break?
No problem! We can celebrate their birthday before the break or after we come back. If your child’s birthday falls in the summertime, we can always celebrate it the month of their half birthday - totally up to you!
Can I attend the birthday celebration?
Yes! We love to include families in our birthday celebrations whenever possible! This also includes siblings from other classrooms. If you would like to attend your child’s birthday celebration, please use the calendar below when scheduling a time for your child’s birthday celebration.
How can I schedule a birthday celebration?
If you would like us to celebrate your child’s birthday, please use the Birthday Sign Up Form to let us know which Day, Date, and Time you would like to have your child’s birthday celebration so that we can send home a birthday book for you to put together before their scheduled day - if you have a birthday book from a previous year, you may add on to that one!