Create a word-recognition work sheet.

For individual birthdays, trace an appropriate dot-to-dot line drawing from a coloring book on a page that you can photocopy.

Write a simple poem beneath the picture. 

Substitute the words of the poem for the numerals in the original sketch : the first word replacing 1; the second, 2; and so on.

Have the students connect the words in the same order that they appear in the poem.

They can then color the sketch, fill in the background details, add a celebratory message and sign the finished piece before giving it to the birthday child.