Before the Thanksgiving floats and giant balloons filled television screens this year, as the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marched through the streets of New York, students at St. Joseph’s Regional Catholic School were busy learning the story behind the spectacle. Thanks to the school’s One Book, One School initiative, every classroom read “Balloons Over Broadway” by Melissa Sweet, uncovering the true tale of Tony Sarg, the ingenious puppeteer who brought the first parade balloons soaring into history.
In honor of their latest read, and to better understand the magic behind this long-celebrated tradition, the early elementary grades of kindergarten, first grade, and second grade created their own versions of parade balloons.
“I had this idea to make our own little Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade after I read the book. I thought it was really cool to learn the history of the parade and how the balloons originally got made, and I thought it’d be nice for our students to learn it too,” said kindergarten teacher Christine Lacy.
The students in kindergarten and first grade crafted their balloons from decorated paper plates, while the second-grade students used foil, laminate, and markers to bring theirs to life. Once the creative process was complete and the glue and glitter finally set down, it was time to show off their work to the rest of their peers.
Walking through the school’s hallways as parade music played through the speakers, these students-turned-puppeteers marched proudly with their handmade balloons held high. The parade wound through every classroom and corridor, inviting the entire school community to cheer them on.
“It was so nice to see the older students clapping as they walked through and encouraging the younger students,” said second-grade teacher Shannon Crawford.
This marks the second year in a row that St. Joseph’s youngest students have stepped into the role of puppeteers, and the teachers plan to keep the tradition alive.
“The kids love it,” Lacy said. “They loved making the balloons and parading around the school.”
While the project was of course meant to be fun, the teachers also emphasized that the heart of this unique initiative lies in learning. By connecting reading, history, creativity, and community, students walked away with a deeper appreciation for the iconic parade they watch each Thanksgiving.
As St. Joseph’s students eagerly look ahead to next year’s “Balloons Over Broadway” fun, the teachers commented that they hope this experience becomes a memorable and informative activity for students each holiday season.
When students watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade during the recent holiday, it may have meant more to them to see the giant balloons floating above New York because of this project. Hopefully, they saw a connection to the joy, creativity and wonder that they brought to life right within their own school hallways.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DLC Media, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
