by Shelly Radic
 For older preschoolers, planning a birthday party is as much fun as the party itself. Engaging your preschooler’s brain power in these party planning activities will not only lead to a fabulous birthday party, but will also celebrate growing cognitive abilities.
Name That Theme
Search a party planning store, catalogue or website for party theme ideas. Ask the birthday child to choose three favorites. Place a picture that represents each party theme across the top of a large sheet of paper. Brainstorm fun ideas for each theme. Read the ideas aloud and then choose the theme your child likes best.
Location, Location, Location
Chose three or four possible locations for the party, and then create three clues for each location. Let your child use the clues to guess each location. (Clues for a bowling alley might include: I have more than ten pins. You’re not allowed to run down my lanes. Knock them all down and you’ll get a strike.) After guessing the locations, allow your child to choose the best location for this party.
Decoration and Invitation Creation Station
Create a decoration and invitation creation station, and then spend time together creating invitations and party decorations. Supply craft supplies (colored paper, stickers, glue, safety scissors, glitter) and encourage your child to create invitations and decorations to fit the theme. Cut out shapes, color place mats or posters, glitter name tags or goodie bags. Place a large box or basket at the station to hold toys and other objects that could also be used for decorating.
Balancing Act
Share about meal planning using the Food Pyramid. Challenge your child to create a birthday meal that includes fun to eat foods from each part of the pyramid.
Will it Work?
Several days before the party, ask your child to “test” and evaluate each game and activity. Evaluation questions might include: Was this fun? What would make it more fun? Did we have everything needed to do this activity? What would make this easier to accomplish?
Preschoolers love a celebration that allows them to use their rapidly increasing brain power. Invite friends and family to a Use Your Noodle Party to discover just how smart they really are. | 
