Celebrating birthdays with classroom traditions is an important component in setting up my class community.

Each child’s birthday is celebrated exactly the same — and it is deeply meaningful. I am amazed at the comfort the children take in the sameness of the tradition. There is no competition. The sameness allows the class to bring honor to each child.

One of the traditions is to give the birthday child a birthday rock. It is easy peasy and fast to make! They are beloved.

I present this simple rock and say something like, “This rock is a reminder that 5 years ago today a special baby was born.” Every. Single. Time. The child glows.  I love giving simple gifts and imbuing them with wonder.  I hold the rock like it is solid gold.

What is your favorite birthday tradition?