Bring the Thanksgiving Day Parade to Life for Your Students!
As Thanksgiving approaches, there’s a unique excitement in the air—and one of the highlights of the season is undoubtedly the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This iconic event has captivated children and adults alike for generations, with its massive balloons, intricate floats, and festive atmosphere.
We decided we wanted to take that excitement and channel into a hands-on, educational experience that students would love and so we created our Thanksgiving Day Parade Activities! It’s a perfect way to keep students engaged in those last few days before Thanksgiving Break.
Find out more below about this fun resource and grab a FREEBIE!
Learn about the History of the Thanksgiving Parade
The reading passage above will get students interested in the history and magic of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. They will learn about how these awe-inspiring balloons began and the innovations that go into bringing each character to life, from idea to parade route. After they finish reading they will review the main events by placing them on the timeline.
Read Balloons Over Broadway
The book, Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet, is such a great way for students to learn more about the beginnings of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She brings to life the inspirational story of the puppeteer who invented the giant balloons floating in the sky during the annual parade. We have included questions to go along with this wonderful read-aloud.
Practice Map Skills with the NYC Parade Route
Once students have learned about the history of the parade, they can dive into the interactive Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade website where they will learn all about the parade route. They will then use the map to answer questions and extend their learning by creating a parade route of their own.
Create a Balloon or Float with a STEM Activity
After learning the history and science behind parade balloons, students get to try their hand at designing their own. This STEM challenge encourages them to brainstorm, plan, and construct their own mini parade balloons or floats using simple materials. This hands-on activity gives kids a real sense of accomplishment and provides a fun, practical application of what they’ve learned. After the balloons or floats are completed, students can nominate their classmates’ finished projects for awards, such as best design, most artistic, etc.
End with a Parade of Creativity!
Last, but not least, end your Thanksgiving parade activities with your very own classroom “parade,” where students showcase their balloon designs. This festive finale not only celebrates their hard work but also builds a sense of community in the classroom. Parents can even be invited to view the “parade” or see photos if you share them online—making it a memorable and shareable classroom event.
Our goal was to make this unit fun and engaging while still incorporating important skills. It blends reading comprehension, map skills and STEM skills with the festive spirit of Thanksgiving, helping students stay engaged and motivated in the lead-up to the holiday. It’s an ideal way to wrap up a busy week and give students something to look forward to as Thanksgiving approaches.
Here are a few reviews from classroom teachers who have used our Thanksgiving Parade Activities Unit and loved it:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This was a great resource. My students loved it and it was exactly what I needed to amp up my lesson.” —Samantha D.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great way to meld reading and engineering. The students loved it!”—Marybelle E.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I absolutely loved this resource and so did my students! We had a great time learning about the Macy’s Day parade right before the Thanksgiving holiday.” —Tina U.
Find out more about our Thanksgiving Parade Activities resource when you click below.
Interested in a sample from this unit? Click the button to grab the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade reading passage and timeline for FREE!
If you are looking for more engaging classroom activities to do with your students, check out the blog posts below!
