Balloons Over Broadway Thanksgiving Parade Activities
Every November, my students count down to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and there is no better way to build that excitement than with Balloons Over Broadway Thanksgiving parade activities. This beloved story of the big parade is the spark for a hands-on project my whole grade level looks forward to all year.
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Balloons Over Broadway by Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet tells the true story of Tony Sarg, the master puppeteer who created the first balloons for the parade. Students meet Tony Sarg as a boy who loved to tinker and watch how things moved. Her brilliant collage illustrations make this nonfiction book one of my favorite picture books of the Thanksgiving season.
My students are always amazed that the giant balloons floating through New York City started as Tony Sarg’s upside-down puppets. That is when I tell them it is their turn to be the puppeteer extraordinaire.
Design Your Own Parade Balloon
After we finish the story, I tell my students that Macy’s is looking for giant new balloons for next year’s parade, and they get to design one. Each student brainstorms an idea, sketches their own balloon, and thinks about what it represents and who would love it.
These creativity challenges are a great way to get even reluctant writers excited. Every student suddenly has a balloon they want to see floating down Broadway, and they cannot wait to share their balloon designs with the class.
Two Ways to Convince Macy’s
Next, students have to convince Macy’s to choose their own parade balloon. There are two ways to do it, so just pick the one that works best for your class. Either option fits right into your English language arts block.
Option 1: Write a persuasive letter. In the Balloons Over Broadway Persuasive Writing Craft Activity, students write a letter to Macy’s explaining why their balloon should be chosen. It includes a balloon idea checklist, a strong language chart, a graphic organizer, sample writing, final copy paper, and bulletin board letters.
Option 2: Create a balloon poster. In the Balloons Over Broadway Writing Craft Template Project, students design a colorful poster that shows off their balloon and the reasons it should be selected. It is a perfect fit for 2nd or 3rd grade or for differentiating with a shorter writing piece.
Whichever project you choose, it includes printable worksheets that help students brainstorm, plan, and share their ideas with confidence.
Bring the Balloon Designs to Life
Once students finish their letters or posters, it is time for the best part: building real balloons! Students turn their designs into 3D parade balloons using balloons, construction paper, glue, tape, and a whole lot of imagination. It is one of those fun STEAM activities that is always a hit before Thanksgiving break.
My grade level also hosts a Family Balloon Workshop, and it was a huge hit! Parents come in and help their child bring their balloon to life. The room fills with families building, laughing, and problem solving together, just like Tony Sarg did.
Host Your Own Balloons Over Broadway Parade
Each year, my grade level hosts a Balloons Over Broadway Parade so the whole school can see our finished balloons. Students march through the halls holding their balloons high, just like the handlers in New York City.
For the finishing touch, students wear parade crowns they colored themselves. You can grab this free resource in my post, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Free Coloring Crown.
Whether you host a classroom parade or a schoolwide celebration, these hands-on activities help elementary students connect with the history of the parade in a way they will never forget. Happy parade season, friends!