Let's admit it: the last place any kid wants to be on her birthday is at school. But there are ways to make the day fun for the birthday child - while getting some lessons done in the process. Whether you are teaching shapes and counting to kindergartners, or math and English to older kids, find ways to incorporate birthday festivities into the day's curriculum. It might take some imagination on your part, but any day can be fun when there's a birthday to celebrate. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

King or Queen for a day. Some die-cut machines offer a crown pattern that can be used to make a royal topper for the birthday boy or girl. Add a name with puffy paint or colored glue, and then decorate with lots of glitter to make the crown extra sparkly. Talk to the class about the shapes that are cut away from the crown or what colors are used to decorate it. Older kids will enjoy hearing about Kings and Queens throughout history and how their crowns were made with real gold and rare jewels.

A special treat for a special day. Bake a batch of mini cupcakes that can be stored in the freezer at school. Once thawed, top with a candle, and the birthday child can blow out the flame after the class sings "Happy Birthday." Make sure to take a picture of each child on their special day that can be placed on a "Birthday Hall of Fame" display. Ask the birthday child what it feels like to be "famous." Have a class discussion about which famous people they admire and why.

A Hallmark moment. Pass out construction paper and markers to students and ask them to add a poem or joke, or write a few nice words about the birthday child. While they are creating their pages, ask the birthday boy or girl to make a cover for their birthday card. Once everyone is done, staple pages together, or use a hole punch and ribbon or rivets. The birthday child will feel extra special, and his parents will have a keepsake of their child's special day at school. Use the booklet to start a conversation about books and how they are made. Talk about how long, long ago, the words in books and on documents had to be printed by hand, because there were no typewriters, printing presses or computers.

Flower Power. Glue a die-cut flower on a pencil, then wrap florist's tape around to resemble a stem. Make one for each student and store inside a long-stem rose box. On each child's birthday, ask them to come to the front of the class to select their very own flower from the bunch. After making the selection, write their name and birthdate underneath the flower petals. Ask the class if they know what your state's official flower is. Talk to them about what flowers or plants are indigenous to your state.

Ban that birthday homework. What's worse than going to school on your birthday? Having homework! Declare a homework ban on birthdays. Present a homework pass to students, good only on their special day. They might just think you gave them the best birthday gift ever.

Jennifer Dobson is an early childhood who loves to teach and work with children. She invites you to visit MPM School Supplies http://www.mpmschoolsupplies.com/ where you will find an incredible selection of products for teachers. The site offers everything from classroom furnishings like classroom rugs to craft materials and classroom decorations like bulletin board borders. Shop today and save up to 70% off retail!