Birthdays

Birthday

Children may be interested in their own birthday (some children plan their birthdays up to 12 months in advance!) or birthdays in general. They are also a common theme in children's dramatic play.

Birthday parties provoke many questions during the early years, as children attempt to understand time, age, birth, and the purpose of celebrations.

EYLF learning outcomes

Childcare centres usually celebrate each child's birthday, and this connects with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Parties are the ultimate experience for curiosity, imagination and creativity (4.1). Acknowledging a child's special day helps them strengthen their sense of identity (1) and social wellbeing (3.1), so they feel safe, secure and supported (1.1).

The Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 introduced the concept of self-worth (1.3) to the learning outcomes. Birthdays are a time for acknowledging self-worth.

How to celebrate birthdays at childcare

Traditionally, parents have supplied cakes for children's birthdays in early education settings. This practice has changed as it does not promote healthy eating (families may still provide a healthy treat). The good news is there are other ways to celebrate birthdays in childcare.

Make a watermelon cake

Decorate a large wedge of watermelon with other juicy fruits like pineapple, berries and kiwifruit. And, of course, add candles!

Bake a cake with friends

The birthday child chooses a few friends and together they make an easy, healthy cake recipe (that satisfies all allergy requirements). Once it has cooked, everyone gets a slice.

Document the day

Educators take photos of the birthday child for the entire day. Parents are presented with a USB. This works really well if the child also makes a cake with their friends.

Establish a birthday ritual

Decide on a ritual that happens exactly the same for all children's birthdays:

  • A special party hat or badge to wear for the entire day.
  • A large birthday card made by all the children.
  • Mini pizza day.
  • A movie afternoon with homemade popcorn.

Play games

  • A treasure hunt.
  • Pass the parcel. Use old paintings or scrap paper as wrapping paper and hide stickers inside.
  • Musical chairs.
  • Pin the tail on the donkey (or the kangaroo).
  • Tug of war.
  • A paper mache pinata with homemade confetti made from scrap paper.
  • Sleeping lions. All children lie very still, anyone who moves is out, the last lion left is the winner.

Learning experiences about birthdays

Create a sensory play space

Setup a play area with playdough and birthday candles (real candles or pop sticks). Play happy birthday music in the background.

Make birthday-themed playdough by adding vanilla and rainbow sprinkles to basic white playdough. Wait for the playdough to cool first, before adding sprinkles, otherwise they will melt. 

Throw a pretend party

Throw a party for a special toy or pet. Make paper party hats, bake a pretend cake, and sing happy birthday. This learning experience is perfect for babies and toddlers.

Make cards and decorations

  • Make pretend birthday cards. Each child decides who their card is for and educators help write a birthday message.
  • Make paper chains from scrap paper or old paintings.
  • As a group, make a banner that says happy birthday.

Make a child-led birthday chart

Unfortunately, birthday charts are usually initiated and created by adults. Instead, ask the children how they want to make a chart. Listen to their ideas and follow their lead.

Investigate cakes

Look at pictures of decorative birthday cakes and learn how they are made. See the Top 100 birthday cakes on Taste. Encourage children to imagine and design their own incredible birthday cakes. There are no rules. Can your cake sing? Does it have superpowers?

Discussions

  • What do you know about birthdays?
  • Who has been to a birthday party?
  • Why do people celebrate?
  • What is a birthday?

Resources

Music

Photos