PTES Pre-K Students Celebrate Thanksgiving with Broadway-Inspired Parade
Pierce Terrace Elementary School’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten students brought the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade right into the hallways last week, thanks to the creativity and guidance of their teacher, Audrey Jumper. Blending seasonal traditions with dynamic hands-on learning, Ms. Jumper’s class celebrated Thanksgiving by marching through the school in individually designed turkey vests, handmade headbands, and colorful, decorated balloons—complete with Broadway music echoing behind them.
In the days leading up to their parade, students immersed themselves in lessons on Broadway musicals and learned how the famous parade balloons in New York City are created. Their excitement grew after Ms. Jumper read Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet, the true story of puppeteer Tony Sarg, the visionary who engineered the iconic floating balloons that remain an American tradition each Thanksgiving. The story set the stage for a rich learning experience inspired by creativity, exploration, and joyful celebration.
Ms. Jumper intentionally structured the lesson to align with DoDEA’s Universal Pre-K Creative Curriculum standards, incorporating literacy, music, science, math, fine-motor development, and social studies. Students listened closely to the story, retelling details and building vocabulary with new words such as “helium” and “parade.” Using markers to decorate their balloons, they practiced emergent writing, created patterns, explored shapes, and strengthened their hand coordination by cutting, coloring, and assembling their turkey costumes.
The hands-on activities also introduced early science concepts, including how parade balloons float and what makes them rise. As Broadway music filled the classroom and later the hallways, students demonstrated their understanding of rhythm, movement, and musical expression—key components of the class’s current study of music.
When parade time arrived, the young learners proudly marched through the school, sharing their creations and spreading joy to staff and students throughout the building. Their enthusiasm was unmistakable. With smiles wide and balloons held high, they showcased not only their handmade projects but also their growing confidence and positive approach to learning.
The classroom parade served as a celebration of Thanksgiving, creativity, and community—giving PTES’s youngest learners a meaningful way to experience tradition, culture, and the arts. For Ms. Jumper’s Pre-K students, it was more than just a parade; it was a magical moment where imagination and education met, bringing the spirit of Broadway to Fort Jackson.
