Tapestry of Faith: World of Wonder: A Program on the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism for Grades K-1

Activity 4: Birthday Brainstorm

Part of World of Wonder

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Explore the resources on Handout 1. Gather some suggestions you can share with the children during this activity.
  • Copy Handout 1 for each participant.
  • Arrange for a co-leader to write responses on the newsprint.
  • Optional: Visit the "Birthdays Without Pressure" website.

Description of Activity

Gather the children in a circle, outdoors if possible, and ask them to think about the parties from the story "Enough Stuff." Go around the circle (or use the talking stick) and ask questions such as:

  • What one thing do you remember most?
  • Would you have enjoyed the party?
  • Were there ways that the parties included any of the "R" words: Refuse-Reduce-Reuse-Recycle? [Prompt for details such as the cannonballs were made from recycled newspaper, the pirate ships from recycled refrigerator boxes.]

Now, ask participants to close their eyes and imagine a "no presents" birthday party they might like to have. Would it have a theme (such as pirates)? Where would it be? What games would they play? Are there ways they could include any of the Rs?

As time allows, have each person share their ideas and have a co-leader record them on newsprint. Contribute ideas, as needed, from the resources on Handout 1. Conclude the brainstorming by distributing Handout 1. Invite children to share it with their parents at home to help their families talk about new ways to celebrate birthdays.

Note: You might continue the conversation during the next activity while the children make the binoculars. Optional: List everyone's birthday on newsprint, then sing a round of "Happy Birthday to Us."