Sweet Classroom Celebrations without the Sugar

Are birthday celebrations necessary for the school child? The short answer is no. Birthday parties add nothing to the curriculum, and can easily turn into popularity contests with parents and children working hard to out do each other at subsequent celebrations. Some would argue that the anticipation of a sugary treat lowers concentration levels and productivity in the classroom, the party itself interferes with precious instruction time, and between the sugar high and adrenaline rush the entire day is mostly wasted.

On the other hand, some would argue that every child deserves to celebrate their own special day. Being the center of attention for a limited amount of time boosts children’s morale, encourages self confidence and provides a much needed break in the long scholastic day. Birthday celebrations can brighten up a mundane week, serving to increase, rather than decrease, productivity in the classroom. They can encourage classroom unity as all the kids celebrate together.

Realistically, the physical amount of instruction time lost to a birthday celebration is minimal. It does not take long to pass out 32 cupcakes, and celebrations are often coupled with planned recesses or free time periods. Children in preschool or early elementary school learn about taking turns, respect for others, and good manners. Upper graders can learn about supply and demand, planning skills, and treating people with respect. All ages can practice patience in waiting for the coveted event. Celebrations can be a useful tool in creating a positive learning environment, regardless of their relevance to a lesson plan.

While the various aspects of a birthday celebration can be broken down and debated separately, the fact of the matter is that birthdays are fun. Parties, no matter how short or what their reason is, are fun. And anything that makes school a little more fun excites both students and teachers.

This leads us back to the original problem. Small celebrations, and occasional parties, may be harmless or even beneficial to students. But, sugar and artificial coloring and flavorings certainly aren’t beneficial to anyone. So what’s a parent to do? How can you celebrate your child’s special day without exciting their taste buds?

Unfortunately, our society has associated food with fun for so long that it is difficult to imagine one without the other. Parties=cake. It’s a simple equation. And yet, there is increasing frustration with this equation. It’s time to break the mold. The trouble is, no one wants to start. It’s much easier to follow the trend, wait for “someone to do something” or grumble about new policies.

So what happens when it’s your child’s special day? What can you do to help celebrate, if you’re no longer permitted to simply take a trip to the local bakery?

First off, talk to your child. They may have some great ideas that you’d never have dreamed of. And if their idea seems a little off the wall, keep an open mind. It is their day, after all.

Page 3 - Ideas

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