“The stars are watching, when for his birth 

A little child comes down to earth 

Angels do help him, both day and night 

To fill his heart with love and light 

Six burning candles, we did prepare 

To shine upon your birthday fair” 

We love to celebrate birthdays in Karri Kindergarten.  The story table is prepared with silk cloths, and a silver tray containing a tall candle in the centre, with the appropriate number of tealights nestled among flowers ready to receive our special guests.  The birthday child’s parents are invited to join us for the beginning of the day.  The birthday boy or girl rings the bell to bring everyone inside.  The song above, played on the lyre, brings the class inside and once they are settled, I dress the birthday child in a silken cape and star-adorned crown and lead them and their parents inside.  

The candle is lit and a story told which gives an imaginative picture of the child’s journey into being.  The birthday child then walks across the “rainbow bridge” to their waiting parents.  As candles are lit, one by one, the parents offer little snippets of their child’s life so far... it is interesting to hear about our friend’s early years.  A gift stitched by the kindergarten staff is given and we sing the song again.  Then the birthday child snuffs the candles. 

After we’ve said goodbye to the parents, it’s time to move to the tables where the children help to bake the birthday cake and draw a picture for the birthday book.  Our Karri Kindergarten Apple Cake is a favourite and requires lots of willing hands to chop the apples, sift the flour and beat the eggs.  We make two cakes so there is enough for two slices each plus a piece to send home for the birthday child’s family.  

At morning tea the birthday child lights their special candle, and after our water and fruit the cake comes out.  The candles are lit, one by one as we sing a song and then the traditional “Happy Birthday” is sung and the candles are blown out, the cake is cut and a wish is made.  The birthday child then serves the cake to the other children. 

At the end of the day, a basket containing the birthday book, drawn by the class, flowers from the garden, some cake and the candle goes home with the birthday child... thank you for letting us share in your special day! 

Warm wishes, 

Denise