A guide for using our resources

Children will sequence the steps of how the Macy’s Parade balloons are made.

Social Studies Focus: holidays and traditions

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• This book tells the amazing history of how the Macy’s balloons—and the parade itself—came to be.
• Intriguing collage keeps interest high as kids learn about the man behind this engineering miracle and the evolution of his invention.

• Ask, “If you could design your own giant parade balloon, what would it look like?” It might be a favorite character or animal, or even a giant pizza!
• Write children’s ideas on a chart. Then pass out paper and crayons. Have kids draw and label their balloons!

Skill: coordination and balance

Materials: balloon, colored card stock or construction paper, double-stick tape, scissors, googly eyes (optional)

• First make a turkey balloon. (Careful: Defl ated balloons are a choking hazard.) Cut feather shapes in diff erent colors and a triangle for the beak. Cut circles for eyes or use googly eyes. Blow up a balloon and use double-stick tape to attach the pieces.
• Now play the game! Give each child a paper plate and stand in a circle. Start with the balloon balanced on your own paper plate. Pass it to the child next to you, having that child balance it on their plate.
• Try to go all the way around the circle without dropping the balloon! It’s OK for kids to place one hand on top of the balloon to help them balance it.