This week, Morgan Elementary School’s hallways were filled with joy and creativity as the second-grade students hosted their very own Balloon Parade, inspired by the book Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet. The event was the culmination of a week of learning and hands-on activities that connected literacy, geography, and art to the exciting history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
A Week of Preparation and Learning
Leading up to the parade, students read Balloons Over Broadway to learn about Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who created the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons. Throughout the week, they worked on expanding their vocabulary, identifying problems and solutions in the story, and determining the author’s purpose. To tie in Social Studies standards, the students mapped out the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route, using their knowledge of geography and relative location to explore this iconic event.
The highlight of their preparations was designing their own balloons. Each student showcased creativity and critical thinking by creating a unique character that would "float" in the parade.
The Parade Day
On Tuesday morning, the excitement reached its peak as the students marched through the halls, balloons in hand. Starting at 9:30, the parade made its way through the 1st grade hallway, across the entryway to the Kindergarten hallway, and upstairs through the 4th, 5th, and 3rd grade hallways before returning to their classrooms.
The entire school lined the hallways to cheer on the second graders, celebrating their hard work and imagination. Students and staff alike marveled at the vibrant and creative designs, making the event a memorable moment for all.
Thank you to our amazing second-grade teachers for guiding students through this engaging project, and to everyone who cheered on the parade. The Balloon Parade was not only a celebration of learning but also a joyful way to bring our school community together. 🎨📚🎈
