Birthday celebrations are an important part of the classroom. In my class I want to let the birthday child know how cherished they are and how the world is better because they are in it. We walk down memory lane with photos, funny stories, and a treat is provided by families if they desire. The class makes a card for the birthday kid and everyone writes a special message inside. This year I'd like to do something different and incorporate birthday acknowledgements with Bloomz.

Here are a few ways in which birthdays can be celebrated on Bloomz:

Add student birthdays to your class calendar. Simple enough! Take 30 min before the school year starts to add your student birthdays to your class calendar. Parents will see the events as they pop up and who knows...maybe students will receive more birthday wishes if all the families know when it is their special day!

Post a pic in the newsfeed on your student's birthday. Parents are kept up to date on curriculum happenings on a daily and weekly basis. A quick birthday post speaks to the heart of students and families. 

Add a "Happy Birthday" bonus award in the behavior section of student timelines. This is quick to set up and easy to manage. It took me less than 5 minutes to add a birthday award and choose an image. When it is the child's birthday you just have to click a button and it will show up on the parent's notification. I am designating five points to the birthday award so it feels like an exciting bonus. Boost morale and make a kid smile!

Create a birthday photo album. Regrettably, I just noticed I have one photo album titled "Class Photos" and it has 1,386 photos. OOF! Time to organize. This "Happy Birthday!" album will be essential in conveniently locating my students' once-a-year celebrations. Teachers have the option to allow parents to upload to the album. I find allowing parents access is helpful in showcasing multiple perspectives of all the fun.

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Parents post a morning message wishing their child a Happy Birthday on the newsfeed. Teachers can project the image on the classroom board to share with the class. Another option is to pull the birthday kid aside and show them their family message in private. You know your students best! Either way a personalized post from a parent will make your student's day.

Children can bring in a favorite read aloud to share with the class on their birthday. This takes the pressure off of families to provide food and the birthday kid gets a chance to be in the spotlight to share a piece of them. Video tape a portion of your student reading the book and post it to the students timeline or class newsfeed. 

What about summer birthdays? Some teachers find celebrating half birthdays is an effective way to include all students in the birthday celebrations. It is also a valuable lesson in fractions for elementary students! Check out this Free Download on Teachers Pay Teachers of a half birthday message to parents.

Do you have ideas on ways to incorporate Bloomz with your classroom birthday tradition? Please post them in the comment section below.