HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Birthdays are a special time, but many schools are discouraging cupcakes. (It's a sad day because as a teacher I loved when kids had birthdays and I got a cupcake.) Well, here's
an idea that is gluten free, sugar free, and sure to accommodate all food allergies while giving children a sweet birthday memory. You can watch me explain it on this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O53tvyWSWKA

Make a circle of friends and invite the birthday child to stand in the middle. The birthday child can choose friends to be the candles on their cake. For example, if they are five years old they select five friends; six years old six friends, etc. The candles/friends stand around the birthday child and then the rest of the class holds hands to make the birthday cake as they say:

Today is child’s name birthday.
Let’s make her/him a cake. (Circle arms to make a bowl.)
Stir and mix and mix and stir, (Pretend to stir.)
Then into the oven to bake. (Pretend to put cake in the oven.)
Here’s our cake so nice and round. (Circle arms.)
We’ll frost it with icing white. (Spread frosting with palm.)
We’ll put age candles on it. (Hold up fingers.)
To make her/his birthday bright.

After singing the traditional birthday song, let the birthday child “blow” out the candles. The candles wiggle down to the floor when they are blown out.

What else can you do?
*Make the traditional paper birthday crown for the child to decorate. (This is one of those ideas that is timeless. And, it emphasizes that children are happy with PLAIN VANILLA!)

*Make a “Happy Birthday” book. Each child in the classroom draws a picture of something they would like to give the birthday friend. A simple sentence like “My wish for you is_____.” could be added to the page. The birthday child decorates a large sheet of construction paper in which the pictures from their friends can be stapled to make a book.

*Give the birthday child one special wish. She can choose a game, book, song, friend to sit by, etc.

*Spray paint a chair gold and decorate with fake jewels. The “Fancy Nancy Chair” can be used for birthdays and other classroom celebrations.

*In my granddaughter’s school they “give” a favorite book to the class on their birthday.

SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS

One of the best ways to make September memorable is to celebrate some special days. Over the next few days I'll share how to take some crazy national holidays and turn them into learning opportunities with songs, games, and crafts. Who would have thought that there was a National Bubble Gum Day or Play Dough Day? Get ready for a GOOD TIME! 

                 

                

               

But of all the September holidays, NATIONAL GUACAMOLE DAY ON SEPTEMBER 16 has got to be my favorite. How many foods that you love are truly good for you like avocados? People often ask me what is my favorite guacamole. Hands down it's CHIPOTLE!!! I've tried a dozen recipes and I can't even get close to theirs. My mouth is watering!

BACK TO SCHOOL RIDDLES
Here are some fall riddles that my webmaster created for you!

                                            

http://bit.ly/FallRiddlesDrJean

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Birthdays are a special time, but many schools are discouraging cupcakes. (It's a sad day because as a teacher I loved when kids had birthdays and I got a cupcake.) Well, here's an idea that is gluten free, sugar free, and sure to accommodate all food allergies while giving children a sweet birthday memory. You can watch me explain it on this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O53tvyWSWKA

Make a circle of friends and invite the birthday child to stand in the middle. The birthday child can choose friends to be the candles on their cake. For example, if they are five years old they select five friends; six years old six friends, etc. The candles/friends stand around the birthday child and then the rest of the class holds hands to make the birthday cake as they say:

Today is child’s name birthday.
Let’s make her/him a cake. (Circle arms to make a bowl.)
Stir and mix and mix and stir, (Pretend to stir.)
Then into the oven to bake. (Pretend to put cake in the oven.)
Here’s our cake so nice and round. (Circle arms.)
We’ll frost it with icing white. (Spread frosting with palm.)
We’ll put age candles on it. (Hold up fingers.)
To make her/his birthday bright.

After singing the traditional birthday song, let the birthday child “blow” out the candles. The candles wiggle down to the floor when they are blown out.


What else can you do?
*Make the traditional paper birthday crown for the child to decorate. (This is one of those ideas that is timeless. And, it emphasizes that children are happy with PLAIN VANILLA!)

*Make a “Happy Birthday” book. Each child in the classroom draws a picture of something they would like to give the birthday friend. A simple sentence like “My wish for you is_____.” could be added to the page. The birthday child decorates a large sheet of construction paper in which the pictures from their friends can be stapled to make a book.

*Give the birthday child one special wish. She can choose a game, book, song, friend to sit by, etc.

*Spray paint a chair gold and decorate with fake jewels. The “Fancy Nancy Chair” can be used for birthdays and other classroom celebrations.

*In my granddaughter’s school they “gave” a favorite book to the class on their birthday.

MORNING MEETING CELEBRATIONS

Morning meeting (aka circle time) is a special time to celebrate little milestones in children's lives like losing a tooth or getting a new pair of shoes. Here are some songs that we always used to celebrate these events.

Happy Haircut (Tune: "Happy Birthday to You")
Only sing this song if the children like their haircut. We've all had haircuts where we wanted to hide in a sack!

Happy haircut to you.
Happy haircut to you.
You're sure lookin' good!
Happy haircut to you.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S3nmGbgmwXhGxLyYTAwaOrTApJZ2UiYW/view?usp=sharing

New Shoes (Tune: "This Old Man")
When children wear a new pair of shoes to school, let them stand in front
of the room and dance as you sing this song to them. 

Here’s one foot. (Child sticks out one foot.)
Here are two. (Child sticks out other foot.)
Each is wearing a brand, new shoe,
So stand up, turn around, dance around the floor. (Child dances in a circle.)
That’s what these two feet are for. (Point to feet.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qNubNefefJcBVowp5p6wU-NdWexH1m0c/view?usp=sharing

Welcome Back (Tune: "The Bear Went over the Mountain")
If a child has been absent, insert their name in this song when they return to school
to let them know you missed them.

Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
We’re glad you’re here today.


Loose Tooth (Tune: "Turkey in the Straw")
Celebrate when a child loses a tooth by using their name I this tune.

Oh, look in child’s name mouth
And what do you see?
A great, big hole where a tooth used to be.
Well, they wiggled it and jiggled it until it wiggled free.
Now, there’s a window when they smile at me.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FJI_XKlxVUBHuE7g3VuEOy3mSFcFAMSC/view?usp=sharing

WHAT'S A TOOT-A-ROO?

Sorry!  No "academic" ideas today, but these crafts will add a smile to any day.

Tootaroo
Cut paper towel rolls in half and then let children decorate with markers and stickers. When a student accomplishes a skill or the class does outstanding work you can get out your tootaroos to celebrate.

*Pretend to hold like a trumpet as you go, "Toot toot toot toot a roo!"

Hummers/Kazoos
Cut the paper towel rolls in half and punch a hole ¾” from the top. Let children decorate the cardboard rollers with markers or crayons. Cut 6” circles out of wax paper and use a rubber band to attach to one end of the roller and you’re ready to hum. March around the room as you hum some of your favorite songs.

*Play “name that tune” as different students stand up and try to stump their classmates by humming a familiar tune.

Drum Sticks
Who doesn’t want to be a drummer? Children can decorate cardboard rollers and then use them like drum sticks to keep time to music or march around the room.

Rainbow Wand
Cut the rim off one half of a paper plate. Let children decorate it like a rainbow, and then staple on tissue paper as shown. Put on some beautiful music and let the magic begin.

BIRTHDAYS!

Birthdays are so special  to children and a perfect opportunity to make each child feel important and loved!  Here’s an idea that is gluten free, sugar free, and sure to accommodate all food allergies while giving children a special birthday memory. You can watch me explain it on this video:

Click to view video

Make a circle of friends and invite the birthday child to stand in the middle. The birthday child can choose friends to be the candles on their cake. For example, if they are five years old they select five friends; six years old six friends, etc. The candles/friends stand around the birthday child and then the rest of the class holds hands to make the birthday cake as they say:

Today is child’s name birthday.
Let’s make her/him a cake. (Circle arms to make a bowl.)
Stir and mix and mix and stir, (Pretend to stir.)
Then into the oven to bake. (Pretend to put cake in the oven.)
Here’s our cake so nice and round. (Circle arms.)
We’ll frost it with icing white. (Spread frosting with palm.)
We’ll put age candles on it. (Hold up fingers.)
To make her/his birthday bright.

After singing the traditional birthday song, let the birthday child “blow” out the candles. The candles wiggle down to the floor when they are blown out.

What else can you do?
*Make the traditional paper birthday crown for the child to decorate. (This is one of those ideas that is timeless. And, it emphasizes that children are happy with PLAIN VANILLA!)

*Make a “Happy Birthday” book. Each child in the classroom draws a picture of something they would like to give the birthday friend. A simple sentence like “My wish for you is_____.” could be added to the page. The birthday child decorates a large sheet of construction paper in which the pictures from their friends can be stapled to make a book.

                                 

*Give the birthday child one special wish. She can choose a game, book, song, friend to sit by, etc.

*Spray paint a chair gold and decorate with fake jewels. The “Fancy Nancy Chair” can be used for birthdays and other classroom celebrations.

*In my granddaughter’s school they “give” a favorite book to the class on their birthday.

On a personal note, my brother passed away about a year ago.  I remember when he turned 70 he went to his local convenience store and had a hotdog and a Coke to celebrate.  He could have had anything he wanted, but on his special day he chose "junk" over his usual healthy fare.  (It's in our genes because my siblings and I all love potato chips, hotdogs, and Cokes!!)
Jack’s birthday was September 5th and he told me that every month on the 5th day he was going to splurge and have or do something special. I like the idea of celebrating each month, don’t you?  Happy Birthday in Heaven, Jack!  

CHEERS AND CELEBRATIONS

These cheer cards can be used to focus children’s attention and put a smile on their faces. Above all, every child in your classroom can feel good with these cheers.

What? cheer cards, Cheerios box or Cheer detergent box, heavy paper, scissors

Why? attention grabbers, positive self-esteem, classroom family

When? large group, small group, all day long

How? Copy the cheer cards below on heavy paper. Cut apart. Introduce one new cheer each day. Use the cheer throughout the day. At the end of the day take a Cheerios box or a Cheer detergent box and say, “We’ve learned a new cheer. Let’s save it in our “cheer box.”

Hint! You can also tape these cheers to a bulletin, classroom door, etc.

*When you want to encourage a child, have her reach into the “cheer box” and lead the class in that cheer.

I have two different sets of cheer cards so you can choose the one that you like best.

http://www.drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2004/06_june/06_2004_pdf.html

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dr-Jeans-Cheer-Cards-1270706



Cheers in Spanish
I’m so excited to share these cheer cards that Carla Ureno (El Paso ISD) created! It’s not easy to translate some of these things into Spanish, so Carla needs to KISS HER BRAIN!

P.S. And thanks to Teacher Toni for updating the graphics. She made them the perfect size to put on a ring.

file:///Users/jeanfeld/Downloads/Class_Cheers_2020_Spanish.pdf

                                            

¡Que las disfruten!




Here are two videos where you can watch me demonstrate many of the cheers.

                                      

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWPA-jYdWe8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hsOFYEMSvI

FABULOUS FRIDAY

Happy Labor Day! Yes, I know it's Monday and not Friday, but since it's a holiday I thought I'd share a happy teaching memory. Every Friday in my classroom we'd celebrate FABULOUS FRIDAY. It gave the kids (and me) something to look forward to all week.

I'm going to share a blog I wrote in 2013 with you, which makes me a little nostalgic for the "good old days." However, save these ideas in a special place and let's hope and pray that you can actually make some special memories with these celebrations in the not too distant future.


Someone once commented that you should do what “they” tell you to do the first four days of the week and Friday you should shut your door and teach the way you want to. That’s pretty good advice, don’t you think?  (Isn't this a brilliant idea!!!)

Friday Fairy
When I taught first grade in the 70’s the Friday Fairy visited my class each week. You don’t know the Friday Fairy? She would fly in while the children were eating lunch and put a little piece of candy in each of their desks. (The fairy was actually a 5th or 6th grader.) I’d probably go to jail now for doing that and giving kids sugar! However, there might be some adults walking around right now who have a fond memory of that little treat.


Here are some other ways to celebrate Friday!

The Friday Dance
Come on, everybody and take a chance. (Step back and forth as you snap your fingers.)
It’s time to do the Friday dance. 
Everyone get up on your feet.
Clap and get the Friday beat! (Clap hands.)
It’s Friday! It’s Friday! It’s Friday! Yeah! 

(Hands in the air and dance around.)

Friday Free Time
The last 15 minutes on Friday let the kids take off their shoes and do whatever they want!


Game Day
Invite children to bring board games (NOT video games) or card games from home and play the last 30 minutes of the day.

Sit Where You Want
Friday afternoon let children switch places and sit wherever they want.


Chew and Write
To encourage writing about what they learned during the week give each student sugar free gum to chew. They can chew the gum as long as they are writing.

Jamboree
Get together with another class or all the children on your grade level and sing! A different class could be in charge of this event every week.

P.S.  I thought you'd get a kick out of my kindergarteners from 1981.  Notice they don't have on shoes.  It must have been Friday because they got to take their shoes off the whole day then.

CELEBRATIONS!

Every day can be a holiday with these celebrations!

New Shoes (Tune: "This Old Man")
When children wear a new pair of shoes to school, have them stand and dance as you sing this song to the tune of “This Old Man.”

Here’s one foot. (Child sticks out one foot.)
Here are two. (Child sticks out other foot.)
Each is wearing a brand, new shoe,
So stand up, turn around,
Dance around the floor.(Child dances in a circle.)
That’s what these two feet are for. (Point to feet.)

Welcome Back (Tune: "The Bear Went over the Mountain")
If a child has been absent, insert their name in this song when they return to school to let them know you missed them.

Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
We’re glad you’re here today.

Loose Tooth
Celebrate when a child loses a tooth by using their name I this tune of “Turkey in the Straw.”
Oh, look in child’s name mouth
And what do you see?
A great, big hole where a tooth used to be.
Well, they wiggled it and jiggled it until it wiggled free.
Now, there’s a window when they smile at me.



Happy Haircut (Tune: "Happy Birthday to You")
Only sing this song if the children like their haircut. We've all had haircuts where we wanted to hide in a sack!

Happy haircut to you.
Happy haircut to you.
You're sure lookin' good!
Happy haircut to you.

                                                     


Birthday Song
Today is the birthday of somebody who
Is happy and smiling and right in our room.
Now look all around you and tell me just who…
Is happy and smiling, my goodness, it’s you! (Point to the birthday child.)

Today is child’s name birthday.
Let’s make them a cake. (Pretend to hold a bowl
Stir and mix and mix and stir, and stir.)
Then into the oven to bake. (Put cake in the oven.)
Here’s our cake so nice and round. (Make a circle with arms.)
We’ll frost it with icing white. (Pretend to put on frosting.)
We’ll put _____ candles on it (Hold up age with fingers.)
To make their birthday bright!

*Here’s a video where I demonstrate the song and chant:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tgtt4lZsoI

     

Birthday Cake (Non-edible!)
How about a cake that is sugar free, gluten free, and lactose free? You can make a “human birthday cake” by having all the children in the room hold hands and make a circle. Let the birthday child get in the middle and choose friends (the number for how old they are) to be the candles on the cake. The candle/friends stand around the birthday child and put their arms over their heads like a flame. When the birthday child “blows” them out, they melt to the ground.

Birthday Book
Give each child a sheet of paper and ask them to draw a picture of a gift they’d like to give to the birthday friend. The birthday child gets a big sheet of construction paper to decorate like the cover of the book. Each classmate presents her picture to the birthday child as they say, “Happy birthday (child’s name). Here is (what they’ve drawn) just for you.” Staple their pictures in the construction paper to make a special book.