Christopher Columbus … the Mayflower … Pocahontas … George Washington … the Declaration of Independence … all the way through to the Great Depression … the Civil Rights Act … Space Exploration and, new this year, the Freedom Tower, the Internet and AI!
Katonah Elementary’s Thanksgiving Parade, created by the fifth-grade team, tells the American story through nearly fifty floats. The entire school as well as fifth grade parents gathered in the KES gym the day before Thanksgiving break to enjoy the annual event.
The fifth graders paraded across the stage, holding handmade floats high, while the digital displays each team created – complete with voiceovers about that slice of history – presented succinct and thoughtful narrative to the audience.
The celebration of learning looks simple … but it is not. The parade is a weeks-long research project as well as technology activity and creative challenge.
Since the beginning of November, students have been working in groups to research various eras of American history and determine the essential facts of their time period. They drew portraits, slogans and other visuals on oaktag and affixed them to yardsticks. Students also worked with Library Media Specialist Jamie Nedwick and Technology Teaching Assistant Tenesha Mezzo to create digital displays with voiceovers that give an overview of their learnings.
This year, the seamless presentation encountered one glitch, at the very end. A slide did not load. Three students holding the floats for the US Government Executive Branch stood on stage, but their prerecorded narration never began.
Fifth grade teacher Lynn Garofolo stepped on stage and asked each student a question about their project. “The Executive Branch of government includes the President, his or her advisors and various departments and agencies,” said the students, not missing a beat. “This branch is responsible for enforcing the laws of the land.”
The crowd broke out into loud applause, with new appreciation for the deep learning that runs through the Thanksgiving Parade, staying with the students long after the turkey—the final float—walks off the stage.
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Special thanks to fifth-grade teachers Erin Davies, Lynn Garofolo, Craig Jettelson and Geneve Patterson; Library Media Specialist Jamie Nedwick and Technology Teaching Assistant Tenesha Mezzo.