Age characteristics
Toddlers like being the center of attention! They enjoy other children but may have difficulty interacting with each other while they play. They also love to feel they have accomplished something such as memorizing words to a song or placing that last block on top of the ABC tower.
Guest list
Toddlers enjoy being with other children. If your child is in a play group, invite the children in the group. Or invite the children of your family, friends, and neighbors. Keep in mind that they may get afraid when the adult accompanying is not present so account for a few extra adults.
Length of party
1- 1 ½ Hours
Entertainment for age
Children at this age tire easily so try to keep the party simple and flexible so that you can keep their attention. They are beginning to learn about themselves and the world around them. They enjoy singing, dancing, finger and copying games.
Toddlers sometimes get confused with what is real and pretend, therefore entertainers such as clowns and make-believe characters are great to amuse them.
Games
Keep games short and simple.
Follow the Leader
Sit in a circle and play finger games such as :
The Itsy Bitsy Spider
This Little Piggy
Pat-a Cake, Pat-a-Cake
Safety for age
Childproof your home, covering sockets and closing off bedroom doors, exit and entry ways so that children don’t wander. Avoid foods and items that are choking hazards, such as broken balloons, small party favors, hard candles, hot dogs and popcorn.
Alphabet Party
Alphabet Party
Birthday Child’s Starring Role
Design a festive shirt for your child to wear on their special day with the letter that coincides with their first name. Name this letter, “letter of the day.”
Party Settings
The alphabet and your child’s special day can be celebrated anywhere and in anyway. It may be helpful to choose a place with room for arms to swing out when B for butterfly is learned and where “Head and Shoulders” can be sung when H is taught.
Decorate the room or cake table with Alphabet Blocks
Party Fun & Games
Toddlers will love spending time working on their alphabet with an activity corresponding with each letter. For example: F is for funny, so now we will spend time telling a few jokes; K is for kiss so now lets blow the birthday child a kiss; Q is for quiet. Even go as far as showing a few Sesame Street video clips during the party.
Party Leader
Find someone who can sing, dance and show lots of enthusiasm for the alphabet to host this special day. Suggest they come dressed as their favorite letter.
Party Tunes
Dig up an old alphabet record. Or put together a tape of songs that correspond with each letter.
Party Menu
Serve Alphabits Cereal and Alphabet pasta for your little ones.
Serve alphabet cookies
Use letter blocks to add color to the food table.
Party Finale
Video each child singing a portion of the “Alphabet Song” and play the tape back during refreshments. Kids love seeing and hearing themselves on TV. Parents will love it too!
Birthday Presents & Favors
For party favors, hand out a Magnetic Wooden Alphabet Toy
Party Tips
Really celebrate each letter by pointing out whose name begins with it. If there is no one present whose name corresponds with the given letter, think of a popular TV character or cartoon to use as an example.
