Birthday parties (kindergarten)

How do you celebrate birthdays in your classroom? I feel like it gets a little out of control sometimes (parents bringing in too much food, bringing in sheet cakes, but forgetting a knife etc) and I want to change things up to make it nice but a little less chaotic.
Any suggestions? Thank you!

Birthday parties (kindergarten)

Take it old school munshkins or donoughts no silverware required and easy

Re: Birthday parties (kindergarten)

School policy is no cakes. Only allowed to bring in a treat that doesnt require cutting so basically cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts. Only juice boxes and no goodie bags.

School had to send pit a letter and we put it in out onfo packet the first week of school, we also make it clear at meet the teacher, because It was getting ridiculous, parents would bring in huge cakes, uncut and they always forgot a knife or forks. We would spend too much time cutting and passing out or pouring drinks

Re: Birthday parties (kindergarten)

At my kids school, food is not allowed. His teacher makes them a crown, I think they may be special helper for the day, and at the beginning of the year, she asks you to send in one gift under $5, wrapped. On their birthday, they get to choose a gift.

Re: Birthday parties (kindergarten)

We have guidelines on what we can send in. They have to be healthy and individually wrapped.

I usually send in ice pops.

Re: Birthday parties (kindergarten)

We can't have food of any kind in my district. I tell parents that they are free to come in and read or do a simple craft with the class, but unfortunately, we can't have "parties" or anything like that. Most parents don't come in...I usually have 3 or 4 (out of 30) that do. 1 or 2 may send in goodie bags (again, no food or candy) with pencils, sharpeners, stickers, other small trinkets, etc. I give them a birthday crown, sticker, pencil, card, and let them choose from the treasure chest. We sing Happy Birthday during calendar.

Re: Birthday parties (kindergarten)

Most kids brought cupckes but I think some brought rice crispies or brownies. The parent also brings a couple of books to read to the kids.

Birthday parties (kindergarten)

One thing to add, if parents want to get donuts, remind them the get all of the SAME donut. I was in a Kindergarten class where the parent sent in a variety from Dunkin Donuts. It was chaos.

Re: Birthday parties (kindergarten)

Thank you so much for the suggestions. I'm definitely going to change things up!

Re: Birthday parties (kindergarten)

My kids like the # donuts from DnD, so that makes my life easier.

My work district does not allow food - and it really is better this way.

Re: Birthday parties (kindergarten)

At the beginning of the year, I send a list of snacks that I find tolerable-things like Dunkin Hines vanilla cupcake mix,as prepared, with vanilla frosting, munchkins, ice cream sandwiches, individual packages of goldfish crackers, etc. I put about 30 things on it. I send it home, parents check off what they approve and sign it, and then I send home a list of the stuff everyone approved, and that is the approved snack list for the year and all birthday treats have to come from that list. It allows me some control because I choose what is on the list to begin with, and then they get to approve based on nutrition, preference and allergies. It also makes it really easy for me to get stuff to keep for the kids who never bring snack, without being worried about being sued if I give them something.

Re: Birthday parties (kindergarten)

My friend in Kdg has a monthly bday celebration for all the kids in that month. That was she only loses instructional time 1 afternoon. All those parents can attend if they choose but she is the one who bakes cupcakes for the students so they all get the same treatment.

I really like that!

Re: Birthday parties (kindergarten)

When I taught kindergarten (teach 4th now) I would tell the parents ONLY cupcakes/munchkins or something that was already divided up. Most would listen but some still came with a cake! Just make it clear what you want birthday parties to be like in your room. Hopefully, most will listen!