Surprise! It’s a birthday!
I love presents. I love planning them, buying them, wrapping them, and giving them. Watching someone open a present – especially one that you’ve thought about long and hard – is really the best. Throwing a party is even more fun!
For the last few weeks, four of my amazing teachers have had birthdays back-to-back, and Buddings turns 5 this week, too!
Making my Fall Friday class about parties gave me a perfect opportunity to show each of the teachers how much I appreciate them.
The Party Planners had our work cut out for them. And I’d say we did pretty well. 😉
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First up, our beautiful centre butterfly Johanna, who has been teaching at Buddings since 2012.
She’s a nature enthusiast, and a joyful soul. She loves vegetarian food, and chocolate, so the kids and I whipped up a chocolate tofu “cheesecake”. After giving her a big “surprise” and song, she received hugs and a new bamboo friend that Sylvie named Xena.
Isabel also loves chocolate and vegetarian food, plus she knows about games, and teaches the kids about abilities, sharing, and using their strength.
After playing pass-the-present, tearing through layer after layer, the kids presented Isa with her present, and were pleased as punch with… the boxes. 🙂
On Oct. 28, we gave Sarah a rainbow of a party: The Sparkle & Shine Party.
We wore our most colourful clothes, and made special rainbow decorations.
Her gifts were either warm or colourful, and we made her a kiwi banana cake, with purple icing!
The committee had one more Sara to celebrate, and after making a list of possible presents, we set out for a shopping trip at Oakridge Mall.
While Ehlssie stayed with Emily and Mattis in the play area, Farris, Ava, Arianna, and AJ headed to the Lego store to find the perfect gift.
It’s the thought that counts, and as all the teachers will agree, if Ava picks it, it’s perfect. 🙂
Kids love birthdays, and they feel very connected, and proud, of their age. They made cakes and cards, passed out presents, played games and sang songs.
With such an exciting real-world application, I bet my party planners didn’t even notice how seriously they suggested and defended their gift ideas, how carefully they prepared the cakes and cards, and how thoughtful they were throughout.
Next time you want to teach empathy, do it through party planning!
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