An idea for a Birthday snack for a class room of 1st graders?

Question

I wanted to do something different for the class, instead of the usual cupcakes. The schools these days are weening away from the surgar glazed candy filled celebrations of yester years. Which is fine with me. I had an idea for somehting I call Bagel People, bagels sliced with tinted blue or pink cream cheese (for boys and girls) and add pretzel sticks for arms and legs, and rasins, M&Ms, and or other small snackables like different dried fruit. Then they could build there own Bagel Person. When my soon to be six year old heard me say the bagels could be pink or blue she was all for it. But I am worried the other kids would shy away from it. My Husband say kids want cupcakes plain and simple, cause thats what Birthdays are for, he says the kids will hate me... what should I do?

Answer 1

retired elem teacher here, what kids want is the experience you are offering them, the process. Here is an example, A 5 year old is fingerpainting and just keeps at it until it is like mud and then she walks away happy as a clam. Mom comes along and says "why did you do that , you ruined your picture". the child's #! goal was to feel touch and experience the medium the paint on fingers on glossy paper, she probably could have cared less if it looked like anything at all

Answer 2

You may want to check with the teacher or front office. I know that anything I give my students has to be pre-made at the store and sealed when it comes to school. Also most teachers are really pressed for time as it is and fitting in birthday treats can be a hurried task. The bagel people sound great for a home party, but a little involved for a school celebration. Sugar cookies, fruit trays, pretzels with peanut butter, chex mix, bagel chips, any kind of fruit chip/dried fruit (apple, banana, apricots, pineapple) will give the kids some sweetness but still be in the natural sugar realm. Try to keep them to as few choices as possible. Even if the flavors are the same, colors can still make a difference to 6 year olds. Don't forget the drinks, as anything will make them thirsty. Something else to consider... it should be easily cleaned up. My class of first graders would inevitably end up with a ton of cupcake crumbs on the floor that would then get ground into the carpet and make clean up impossible. The less sticky and crumbly, the better.

Answer 3

Haha, trust your six year-old or the man who hasn't been six for a few decades? I am 17 and I am all for the Bagel People, although it doesn't really sound that much healthier than cupcakes anyway. I also think a giant watermelon, or even a giant fruit salad would make a lot of kids happy (except I have a friend who is allergic to watermelon, so you should ask parents first.) I think all kids like watermelon...but I'm kinda biased seeing as it's my favourite fruit...

Answer 4

You can make cupcakes.. Just look for a Low-Fat kind, and maybe some reduced-sugar Icing. You could also try using something other than icing on top, such as reduced fat coolwhip with food coloring.

Just a suggestion, though.

I personally like the bagel idea, though. You can get strawberry or blueberry cream cheese.. that would be awesome, and add the sweetness.

Answer 5

I am a first grade teacher and appreciate your efforts! i would suggest those small cupcakes they sell, so the kids are still getting the cupcakes but just not as much. the pretzel people sound cool, but a LOT of work and money and most kids don't like cream cheese. So it might be a waste. What if you used that flavored cream cheese, like strawberry? Or if you flavored it yourself and they'd just think it was frosting...
How about cut up fruit? kids like fruit. Or how about frozen fruit bars? its been hot the past few weeks, they might like that after playing outside at recess.

Answer 6

I like the bagel idea a lot. Very creative. Maybe for some added fun you could go with chocolate chip bagels or something. Yum :)

Answer 7

That would not work for our class because they don't get a lot of time for birthday snacks, so make sure you check with the teacher. Most want a quick and simple snack.

Things we have done that are a little different;
Cheese sticks (my son's choice)
Rice krispie treats with sprinkles
Great big cookies
Angel food cake no frosting (daughter doesn't like)
Ice cream cups

Answer 8

Home made Rice Krispies (you can let the kids pour chocolate over them/candy, etc.)

That's my idea... (above), but the bagel people thing sounds cool to me, the kids will love it, don't worry, cupcakes are overrated (even though i do love them =))

Answer 9

I think that is a great idea.... dont stress that is is not sugary and they will have fun with the colors and such! Just make sure there are no allergies in the classroom .... cupcake.... not many people are allergic to. Kids know if they can have them or not

Answer 10

I like the bagel idea. Kida that age like to build and create stuff... and yeah they will get a little messy but they are first graders. Plus it gives them a chance to express their individuality. I say go for it!