A Birthday Enthusiast at Heart
Think about the person you know who loves their birthday the most. Now multiply that excitement by 424%, plus 1%… and you have me!
Since I was little, birthdays have been magical. My parents always went all out with donut surprises, thoughtful gifts, and homemade favorite dinners. One year, for my 30th birthday, my mom even baked pig-shaped cookies—just for me! Another tradition? We race to see who can text “Happy Birthday” first in our family group. I am proud to say I’m the reigning champ among the original five!
A New Tradition: Classroom Birthday Party
Now, my amazing school team joins in on the celebration too!
Two years ago, just days before my birthday, an idea struck me: Why not throw a birthday party in my classroom? The next morning, I had a list full of educational, easy-to-prep ideas.
Think of it like a mini room transformation—low stress, big smiles.
If I can pull off a classroom birthday party in two days, you can too! Here’s How:
Step 1: Set the Birthday Tone
First, I created birthday invitations on Canva. It’s important to clarify: the party is in the classroom, not outside of school! (Yes, I had to send an email because there were questions!)
Step 2: Plan Sweet Birthday Treats
Before lunch, it’s treat time! Options I rotate through each year include:
- Ice cream sandwiches with whip cream and sprinkles
- Sprinkle donuts
- Mini ice cream sundaes
I usually hand out mini ice cream sandwiches with a dollop of whip cream and rainbow sprinkles. Students sing “Happy Birthday” to me, and then we dive into dessert! Is it their favorite because of the sweets or because it’s all before lunch? I really should ask!
Step 3: Infuse Birthday Fun Into Lessons
Start your party day loud and proud:
Play a birthday song as students enter, and place party hats on their desks. Promise them a sticker if they wear their hats only during class—instant motivation!
I keep to my pacing guide but “birthday-fy” my lessons. In the morning, my slides include:
- A birthday fun fact
- A “Would You Rather” birthday question
- Our regular Friday morning list
During PE, we play birthday-themed games like Duck Duck Goose, Limbo, Hula Hoop Races, and “Birthday Tag.” Stretching? Students spell out “Happy Birthday” while doing jumping jacks!
If your students have a quiz scheduled, spice it up! I used ChatGPT to write a math quiz using birthday-themed story problems (but kept the original numbers). After testing, we played a quick birthday word scramble race—team-based and hilarious! The kids always LOVE this and I love watching it play out since I’ve already unscrambled them.
Step 4: Bring Birthday Joy Into Reading
During our reading block, the party continues! First, I read aloud Happy Birthday, Cupcake! by Terry Border. It’s a classroom favorite—and yes, even during remote learning, I read it to them! (If you don’t already know about Terry Border’s books, I highly recommend them! He takes real life pictures and writes hilarious punny stories with the pictures.)
Afterward, students complete a listening and speaking activity using six different birthday-themed questions. They must respond in complete sentences, with their peers asking follow-up questions. Finally, we dive into a comprehension and perspective activity—because standards don’t stop, even on my birthday! I have all of these resources available right here: Happy Birthday, Cupcake!
Step 5: End the Day on a High Note
After our Social Studies quiz, it’s time for a final celebration. If students wore their party hats in class all day, they chose a prize from our sticker wall—what a sweet way to end the celebration!
Favorite Birthday Books to Add Extra Fun
If time allows, I also try to squeeze in a few other favorite birthday picture books like If You Give a Pig a Party and How To Have A Birthday!
