Book Character Parade
It's a lot of fun for our students, and the community really enjoys it. It also gives a bit of focus to those last days of school, when teachers and students are all tired and just want to get those last 2-3 days over with! Each class adopts a book that they want to portray in the book parade. All preparations are done by students
at school. This way all students are able to participate equally, and no one is left out b/c their parents didn't have time to help with a costume, etc.
All students create a costume that fits with their class book, and each class also makes a banner with the title and author's name. Some years, we've had a theme for the parade, such as multicultural folk/fairy tales, or Texas tales. Most of the time though we just encourage teachers to let their classes choose their favorte book that they have read together during the year and celebrate that. We want it to be fun! Usually, the 5th grade classes choose a silly or funny book & make this one last fun event of their elementary days!
On parade morning, we decorate the parade route with balloons and streamers, a bubble machine, etc. Students parade out to the neighboring middle school's track. I am the announcer, and dress up like something outlandish too, which the students like. Parents enjoy from the bleachers, and fun is had by all! The local rotary club always gives away 2-4 bikes at the parade too--they draw names from kids with perfect attendance
at school. This way all students are able to participate equally, and no one is left out b/c their parents didn't have time to help with a costume, etc.
All students create a costume that fits with their class book, and each class also makes a banner with the title and author's name. Some years, we've had a theme for the parade, such as multicultural folk/fairy tales, or Texas tales. Most of the time though we just encourage teachers to let their classes choose their favorte book that they have read together during the year and celebrate that. We want it to be fun! Usually, the 5th grade classes choose a silly or funny book & make this one last fun event of their elementary days!
On parade morning, we decorate the parade route with balloons and streamers, a bubble machine, etc. Students parade out to the neighboring middle school's track. I am the announcer, and dress up like something outlandish too, which the students like. Parents enjoy from the bleachers, and fun is had by all! The local rotary club always gives away 2-4 bikes at the parade too--they draw names from kids with perfect attendance
Door Decorating Contest
Door decorating contest which can coincide with a book fair and or Family Reading Night is fun for all! I tell the teachers the theme for the book fair weeks in advance. They and their students decorate their classroom door using this theme. Participation is optional, but the top 3 winning classes receive $25 in free books from the book fair. The door must be ready the week before Book Fair. For voting purposes, I made a page on the library website called Door Decorating Contest and added pictures of all the doors, with a different letter for each. Then I sent the link and an invitation to vote. After announcing the winners, I update the webpage to showcase the winners.