Balloons Over Broadway

Make a class list of balloon characters first so you can gather the colors you need. Have students sketch their design and list supplies before building.

Set out paper plates, paper shapes, or balloon templates. Choose color templates to save time or black-and-white pages for students to personalize.

Read and watch first, plan next, then create and celebrate. Spread the project over several days or use short small-group sessions.

Show one finished example and model how to attach a piece. Keep a sample at the supply table for students to reference.

Sort pieces by character and put supplies in labeled trays. Offer pre-cut pieces or larger shapes for students who need them.

Invite older student buddies or adult helpers. For real balloons, use balloon sticks for stability and tape to attach pieces. Adults handle balloons; offer a latex-free paper option.

Choose a short classroom or hallway route and check it with your school team. Invite another class, school staff, or families to watch.

Practice walking with creations, keeping space, and stopping together. Choose two banner leaders and give helpers places along the route.

Turn a hallway into Broadway with a paper city skyline. Let students add windows to skyscrapers and help make the parade banner.

Introduce each designer with a microphone, add parade hats, or create a special entrance. Keep decorations simple so student creations are the stars.

Ask: What worked? What was tricky? What would you change? Let students draw, dictate, or write a response.

Use parade vocabulary in your writing center, retell the day with puppets, or display balloon plans beside finished writing.