Leading up to the Thanksgiving break, first graders at Country Place Elementary School participated in a multistep project that integrated research, literacy and engineering skills. The project, inspired by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, was put in practice by first-grade teacher Ms. Giles.

Throughout the week, students explored the history and logistics of the iconic New York City event, incorporating reading, writing and research into their daily lessons.

Students designed and constructed their own miniature parade balloons featuring a variety of characters. They also created step-by-step “how-to” guides explaining their design process and presented their work to the class. 

The project concluded with an indoor parade, where students proudly marched their handmade balloons through the hallways, led by the Newman Smith High School drumline.

“Seeing our students’ creativity come to life is the best,” she said. “This project has become one of my favorite school traditions and one that these students will remember for many years.”