3 Ways to Celebrate Birthdays
One of the joys of teaching is watching a kid’s face light up on their birthday as classmates share birthday well wishes or sing “Happy Birthday!” at the top of their lungs!
But I’ll be honest, birthdays can sneak up on me and I’ve definitely scrambled last minute to find ways to make a student feel special on their birthday. That’s why I prepare all my birthday gifts at the start of the year so that every student’s big day is ready to celebrate!
Over the years, I’ve found a few simple ways to make birthdays special without adding stress to my already full plate. Here are three of my favorites ranging from absolutely free, to about $3.00 per student.
celebrate with a card and a bookmark
This one is easy and free! I give each student a bookmark with a handwritten note on the back; something like "Dr. Saini thinks [kid's name] is AMAZING!" Students treasure these and often use them until they're worn out. They especially love getting positive messages from both me and their classmates. It makes their birthday feel extra special.
celebrate with a birthday bonus board
Birthday Bonus Boards make celebrations simple by letting students choose their own gift. Many options are totally free, like being first to pick a flexible seat, extra computer time, or a homework pass. I sometimes add low cost choices too, like a free ice cream at lunch or three pieces of candy. It's an easy way to give students a little ownership while keeping birthdays fun and stress-free.
celebrate with a birthday blind bag
This is my favorite system because it’s both fun and simple! I created Birthday Bags to keep celebrations organized and stress-free. Each bag includes a colorful label, a birthday bookmark, a Birthday Bonus Board of fun choices, and a card signed by classmates. You can keep it free with just those items, or add in little extras like a small toy, stickers, or a birthday pencil for an extra surprise. Prep them once at the start of the year, and every birthday is ready to go!
BUY THE BIRTHDAY BLIND BAG BUNDLE AND MAKE CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS IN YOUR CLASSROOM FUN AND EASY!
