Lesson Plan - Join the Parade!

Watch the Video
Watch the video “Making Macy’s Parade Balloons” and ask: What are the steps involved in creating and filling a parade balloon? 

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them identify ways the parade has changed over time.

1. What do you think the expression “line the streets” means in the article? How do the photos help you understand this meaning?
The expression “line the streets” means to gather on the sides of the streets. The photos support this idea by showing crowds of people standing on the sides of New York City streets, watching the parade go by.
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2. What is the purpose of the sidebar, “By the Numbers”?
The purpose of the sidebar, “By the Numbers,” is to share some important numbers related to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, like the number of people who watch and the number of floats.
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3. Based on the article and sidebar, describe three things a person might expect to see at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Three things a person might expect to see in the parade are character balloons like Spider-Man and Dora the Explorer, about a dozen marching bands, and about 25 floats.
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FEATURED SKILL: Reading a Timeline
Distribute the skill builder “Time for a Parade!” and have students answer questions about the timeline.
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