Laurelhurst
Nutrition
Advisory
Committee

Fun Ideas for Birthdays, Holidays
and Classroom Celebrations

Listed below are some creative ways to celebrate birthdays and holidays in the classroom while encouraging a positive and healthy environment.  ALWAYS be sure to get permission from your child’s teacher before implementing any celebration ideas. One of the Laurelhurst Nutrition Advisory Committee’s (LNAC) goals is to support and respect each teacher’s philosophy regarding classroom celebrations.

• Birthday Keepsakes: Classmates can make birthday cards or create a birthday book or poster where each classmate can write something positive about the birthday child. Provide simple card-making supplies that include colored markers, stickers, glitter, etc.
• My Favorite Book:  Working with the librarian, a child can donate a book to the library with a special bookplate in the front.  In the classroom, the birthday child can explain why they chose the book or discuss a favorite part of the book. Maybe Mom, Dad, Grandparents or a special friend can come and read as a special guest!
• King/Queen for a Day: Provide a special sash, chair cover and/or crown and have the birthday child be king or queen for the day.  The king or queen can have privileges like leading the class or other special activities.
• Little Known Facts:  Have an “I am special” board or book.  The birthday child can make a collage or book of photos at home and can share it with the class.  Photos can include fun information to share, such as where a child was born, their favorite place in Seattle, pets, favorite things to do, favorite foods, favorite people, etc.
• Support a Cause:  Make a donation to a special cause that is important to the birthday child and make a presentation to the class.  For example, adopt a gorilla via the Envirokids Gorilla Munch cereal and have the photo and plaque hang in the classroom. 
• Give a Little:  Have the birthday child give out flowers, pencils, stickers or glow sticks.
• Include Everyone:  Hold a special birthday party towards the end of the year to celebrate all birthdays, including summer birthdays and those that fall on vacation days.
• Hold the Sugar:  For seasonal celebrations and holiday events, think about celebrating without sweets.  For example, celebrate Valentines with cards, not candy.   For the end-of-the-school-year celebrations, feature games and toys instead of sweets.
• Spice up Recess: How about donating new recess toys to your child’s classroom? They could always use more jump ropes and four square balls!

Got a great idea?  We want to hear from you!

If you have a fun idea for celebrating an event, we want to hear from you!  Please contact Elise Hart at laurelhurstnutrition@hotmail.com . The LNAC would be happy to add your idea to the list!