Birthday Traditions - Part of Our Identity

Yesterday was my birthday, and I got to celebrate it with my favorite people. During our normal project time with the other 1st/2nd graders, we went around and shared some of our family traditions. Family/cultural traditions certainly are part of the answer to our big question: What makes you, you?

Here are our answers:
* getting to choose a favorite restaurant, or trying out a new one
* having a party
* having a party, but usually before the actual birthday
* going to Cedar Point
* cake!
* balloons
* going to the Hands-On Museum
* presents
* parents telling people not to bring presents, but people always do anyway :)
* playing video games, or play on your tablet
* giving out presents, or goodie bags
* making hats and other decorations
* going to TCBY
* doughnuts in the morning
* choosing your own special cake for parent(s) to make

Here's my favorite birthday tradition for the classroom, which I've posted about before - bringing in a signed book for our birthday book shelf! Parents are certainly not obligated to do this, but it may be a lovely alternative to sugary treats, and lasts a lot longer. Today, during quiet reading time, I'll bring down many years of "birthday books" so children can see and read all the special books given over the years. This one was mine for this year.