Literacy, Numeracy, Science

Subjects covered

Activities

Resources

Differentiation

Literacy
  • Read a story about birthdays and discuss the main characters, setting, and events.
  • Practice writing letters of the alphabet using birthday-themed worksheets.
  • Create a birthday card for a friend or family member, including a short message.
  • Birthday storybook
  • Alphabet worksheets
  • Art supplies for card-making

Provide additional support for struggling students during letter writing activities.

Encourage more advanced students to write longer messages in their cards.

Numeracy
  • Count the number of candles on a birthday cake and match them with the correct numeral.
  • Sort and classify different types of birthday presents based on shape, size, or color.
  • Create a simple graph to show the favorite flavors of birthday cupcakes in the class.
  • Birthday cake with candles
  • Assorted birthday presents
  • Cupcakes with different flavors
  • Graph paper

Provide manipulatives or visuals for counting and matching activities.

Allow for different sorting and classifying criteria based on individual student's abilities.

Support students in creating the graph by providing step-by-step instructions.

Science
  • Explore the concept of time by discussing the sequence of events during a birthday party.
  • Investigate the different states of matter by making and observing ice cream melting.
  • Observe and describe the changes in a balloon as it is inflated and deflated.
  • Picture cards illustrating birthday party sequence
  • Materials for making ice cream (e.g., cream, sugar, flavoring)
  • Balloons

Provide visual cues and prompts for students to sequence the events of a birthday party.

Support students in making predictions and observations during the melting ice cream experiment.

Encourage students to use descriptive language when discussing the changes in the balloon.

Arts Subjects

Subjects covered Activities Resources Differentiation
Visual Arts
  • Create birthday cards using various art materials.
  • Design and decorate party hats.
  • Make paper plate masks of different party characters.
  • Colored paper, markers, crayons, glue.
  • Plain party hats, stickers, glitter.
  • Paper plates, markers, elastic bands.
  • Provide various art materials to cater to different preferences and abilities of students.
  • Offer simplified or more complex designs based on individual needs.
Music
  • Sing and dance to popular birthday songs.
  • Create a birthday song as a class using simple instruments (e.g., shakers, tambourines).
  • Play musical chairs with birthday-themed music.
  • Lyrics or song sheets of popular birthday songs.
  • Simple musical instruments.
  • Chairs for musical chairs game.
  • Provide visual aids (lyrics or song sheets) for students who may struggle with memorization.
  • Allow students to choose their preferred instrument or part in the class song.
Drama
  • Role-play a birthday party, with students taking turns as guests, hosts, and entertainers.
  • Act out scenarios where different emotions are experienced during a birthday celebration.
  • Create a short skit showcasing a surprise party.
  • Pretend party items (e.g., cake, presents, party hats).
  • Emotion cards or props.
  • Simple props and costumes for the skit.
  • Provide visual cues (e.g., emotion cards) to help students express different emotions.
  • Assign roles based on students' strengths and interests.
Dance
  • Learn and perform a simple birthday-themed dance routine.
  • Improvise movements to represent blowing out candles, unwrapping presents, etc.
  • Create a dance sequence incorporating different party actions.
  • Music with a steady beat.
  • Open space for movement.
  • Props to represent party actions (e.g., imaginary cake, presents).
  • Allow students to choose their preferred movements within the dance routine.
  • Offer modified versions of movements for students with physical limitations.

Station Ideas

Birthday Station Ideas:

  • 1. Party Hats
  • 2. Gift Wrapping
  • 3. Birthday Cards
  • 4. Cake Decorating
  • 5. Balloon Art
  • 6. Face Painting
  • 7. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
  • 8. Musical Chairs
  • 9. Singing and Dancing
  • 10. Photo Booth
  • 11. Storytelling
  • 12. Puppet Show
  • 13. Making Party Invitations
  • 14. Dress-up Corner
  • 15. Pinata

Story Time

Birthday Surprise

Once upon a time, in a small town called Happyville, there lived a little girl named Lily. Lily loved birthdays because it meant there would be cakes, presents, and lots of fun with her friends.

One sunny morning, Lily woke up feeling extra excited. It was her birthday! She quickly got dressed and ran downstairs to find her parents waiting with big smiles on their faces.

"Happy birthday, Lily!" they said, giving her a big hug.

At school, Lily's teacher, Miss Sarah, had a surprise for her. She had decorated the classroom with colorful balloons and streamers. There was a big table filled with yummy cupcakes and a beautifully wrapped present just for Lily.

"Happy birthday, Lily!" the class shouted as she walked in.

Lily's face lit up with joy. She felt so loved and special. Miss Sarah asked her to sit on a special birthday chair while the class sang her a birthday song.

After the song, it was time for Lily to open her present. She carefully tore off the wrapping paper and inside was a new teddy bear, her favorite! Lily hugged the teddy bear tightly and whispered, "Thank you, Miss Sarah, and thank you, everyone!"

When it was time for lunch, Lily's friends surprised her with a picnic in the park. They brought sandwiches, fruits, and a delicious chocolate cake. They played games, laughed, and had so much fun together.

As the day went on, Lily's parents had another surprise for her. They took her to the local pet store, where Lily got to choose a new puppy to be her very own. She named him Sparky, and they became best friends instantly.

At home, Lily's family gathered around the dining table. They sang another birthday song and shared a scrumptious dinner. Then, it was time for the best part of all – the birthday cake! It was a beautiful cake with colorful sprinkles and a big number 5 candle on top.

Lily closed her eyes, made a wish, and blew out the candle. Everyone clapped and cheered. Lily felt so happy and grateful for such a wonderful birthday.

After eating cake, Lily's parents gave her one last surprise. They had set up a small tent in the backyard, and Lily got to sleep outside under the stars. She cuddled up with Sparky and fell asleep with a big smile on her face.

And so, Lily's birthday came to an end, but the memories of that special day would stay with her forever. It was a birthday filled with love, surprises, and the joy of being surrounded by family and friends.