Have you ever wondered when people started celebrating the 100th day of school? Well, let’s take a trip back in time and find out! Imagine this: it’s 1979, and three educators named Lynn Taylor, David Cooper, and Mary Hurdlow come up with the brilliant idea to celebrate the 100th day of school. Fast forward to today, and this tradition has become a big deal in many classrooms. It’s a day filled with exciting math and science activities all centered around the number 100. From measuring things to researching animals, teachers have found creative ways to make this day special. And now, with the introduction of virtual celebrations, even remote learning can join in on the fun. So, let’s dive into the history and festivities of the 100th day of school celebration!
Origin and History of the Tradition
The origin and history of the 100th day of school tradition can be traced back to Lynn Taylor, David Cooper, and Mary Hurdlow, the originators of the idea in 1979. These educators were inspired by their experience with Math Their Way and The Days of School Graph. Lynn Taylor published the idea in the Center for Innovations newsletter, and on the first 100th day, she used Sesame Street’s The Count for a magic trick and shared a snack called Hiyaku.
Since then, teachers have expanded on the original idea to create fun ways to celebrate the 100th day of school. Activities now include hands-on math and science stations centered around the number 100. Students also compete in measurement events with their 100th Day Collections. The 100th day snack can be a cheese stick and two crackers, and some teachers use this day to launch an Animal Research Project.
In 2021, a virtual 100th day celebration was created, known as the Digital 100th Day Event. This event, designed for remote teaching, has a smart cookie theme and includes clickable Google Slides. It can also be used in the classroom with a digital whiteboard. Teachers have the flexibility to choose the activities they like best from the event.
Lynn Taylor, David Cooper, and Mary Hurdlow – the Originators
You may be curious about the originators of the 100th day of school tradition, and they are Lynn Taylor, David Cooper, and Mary Hurdlow. Lynn Taylor made a significant contribution to the tradition by publishing the idea in the Center for Innovations newsletter. On the first 100th day, Lynn used Sesame Street’s The Count for a magic trick, which added an element of fun and excitement to the celebration. Incorporating technology has been another aspect of the tradition’s growth over the years. Teachers have found creative ways to use digital resources and interactive platforms to engage students in learning activities centered around the number 100. Additionally, the 100th day celebration has evolved to celebrate diversity. Teachers have embraced the opportunity to incorporate multicultural perspectives and explore different traditions and celebrations from around the world. This has created a more inclusive and enriching experience for students, allowing them to learn about and appreciate different cultures. The contributions of Lynn Taylor, David Cooper, and Mary Hurdlow have played a significant role in shaping the 100th day of school tradition and making it the beloved celebration it is today.
Activities for the 100th Day of School
Get ready to engage in hands-on math and science activities centered around the number 100 during the 100th Day of School celebration! Teachers have come up with creative ways to celebrate this milestone and make it a memorable experience for students. One popular activity is the 100th Day Collections, where students compete in measurement events with their own collections of 100 items. It’s a fun way to explore concepts like count, size, and cost. Another activity is the Math and Science Stations, where students can explore differences in size, weight, and length using groups of 100. They can also fill in a hundreds chart or make patterns and necklaces using 100 beads or Fruit Loops.
Beyond the 100th Day, teachers have found ways to extend the celebration. One idea is the Animal Research Project, where students can choose an animal and learn more about its characteristics, habitat, and behavior. This project allows students to apply their research skills and deepen their understanding of the animal kingdom.
In 2021, a Digital 100th Day Event was created, offering a virtual celebration for both remote and in-person learning. With a smart cookie theme, the event includes clickable Google Slides with various activities that teachers can choose from. It’s a great way to engage students in meaningful math thinking and make the 100th day celebration interactive and enjoyable.
Table: Activities for the 100th Day of School
| Activities | Description |
|---|---|
| 100th Day Collections | Students compete in measurement events with their own collections of 100 items. |
| Math and Science Stations | Students explore differences in size, weight, and length using groups of 100. They can also fill in a hundreds chart or make patterns and necklaces using 100 beads or Fruit Loops. |
| Animal Research Project | Students choose an animal and learn more about its characteristics, habitat, and behavior. |
| Digital 100th Day Event | A virtual celebration with a smart cookie theme, offering clickable Google Slides with various activities for students. |
These activities not only make learning fun but also help students develop their math, science, and research skills. The 100th Day of School celebration is a great opportunity to engage students in hands-on learning and make the concept of 100 come to life.
Virtual 100th Day Celebration in 2021
Experience the excitement of a virtual 100th Day Celebration in 2021, where students can participate in engaging activities and celebrate this milestone from the comfort of their own homes. In this virtual celebration, remote teaching becomes interactive and fun with the use of digital tools. Here are some highlights of the event:
- Smart Cookie Theme: The virtual 100th Day Celebration is designed with a smart cookie theme, making learning enjoyable and delicious.
- Clickable Google Slides: Teachers can navigate through the celebration activities seamlessly using clickable Google Slides. This allows for easy access and interaction with the content.
- Activities Galore: The Google Slides include a variety of activities such as counting exercises, interactive quizzes, and virtual games, all centered around the number 100.
- Digital Whiteboard Integration: While the event was designed for remote teaching, it can also be adapted for in-person classroom settings by using a digital whiteboard. Teachers can engage students by guiding them through the activities on the whiteboard.
With this virtual celebration, students can still experience the joy and excitement of the 100th day of school, even from a distance. Teachers have the flexibility to choose the activities that best suit their students’ needs and interests. So, get ready to celebrate the 100th day in style with this engaging and interactive virtual event.
The Importance of the 100th Day Celebration
The importance of the 100th Day Celebration lies in its significance as a major milestone in numeracy for Grade 1 students. It provides an opportunity for teachers to make math fun and enjoyable, while also helping students understand the concept of place value. Counting objects on the 100th day helps make the number 100 concrete for young children. Additionally, the celebration allows students to delve deeper into the idea of place value, going beyond just counting objects. They can begin to think about larger numbers, such as their 1,000th day of school. This engagement in rigorous and meaningful math thinking is crucial for their overall numeracy development.
To ensure that the 100th Day Celebration is inclusive and engaging for all students, alternative activities can be offered. For example, instead of dressing up as older people, which may perpetuate stereotypes about aging, schools can consider themes such as dressing in favorite clothing styles from the past 100 years. This allows for creativity and avoids potential complications for parents and students. Furthermore, parental involvement is key in making the celebration a success. Parents can be encouraged to participate in activities and engage in discussions about numeracy with their children. This collaboration between teachers and parents fosters a supportive learning environment and enhances the overall impact of the 100th Day Celebration on students’ numeracy skills.
Concerns and Alternatives to Costumes
To address concerns and explore alternative options, consider the potential issues with costumes for the 100th Day Celebration. Costume concerns arise when costumes perpetuate stereotypes, particularly in the case of dressing up as older people using canes and walkers as props. This can reinforce negative stereotypes about aging and disability. Advocacy organizations suggest alternative activities that celebrate aging without relying on costumes. Some schools have introduced alternative themes, such as dressing in favorite clothing styles from the past 100 years, which allows for creativity and avoids potential stereotype perpetuation. Dressing up as a 100-year-old can also be complicated for parents and students, as it may require complex costumes and may not be suitable for everyone. Parents may choose simpler options, like plaid suspenders and a bow tie, to ensure inclusivity. It’s important to consider different levels of participation in dress-up activities, as some students may not be comfortable or able to participate fully. The 100th day celebration can still be an opportunity for parent participation, whether it’s through alternative activities or embracing their inner ‘Pinterest Mom’.
Personal Experience and Reflection
Reflecting on your own involvement in the 100th day celebration can provide valuable insights and perspectives. As a parent, you may have been faced with the task of helping your child choose a costume for this special day. The dressing options can range from traditional 100-year-old attire to more creative and personalized outfits. Parental involvement in this process can vary, with some parents going all out to create elaborate costumes, while others opt for simpler options. Reflecting on your costume choices, you may question whether you made the right decision for your child. Regardless of the costume, the 100th day celebration can be a memorable experience for students as they participate in various activities centered around the number 100.
As you navigate through the 100th day celebrations, you may also find yourself transitioning into the role of a ‘Pinterest Mom.’ This term refers to parents who go above and beyond to create intricate and Pinterest-worthy crafts, costumes, and activities for their children. The 100th day celebration can provide an opportunity for parents to embrace their creativity and unleash their inner ‘Pinterest Mom.’ However, it is important to remember that parental involvement should be based on personal preferences and the needs and interests of your child.
When Is the 100th Day of School
To determine when the 100th day of school is, you can refer to your school’s start date and any scheduled days off. Most classes celebrate the 100th day of school in February, often around Valentine’s Day. It is an important milestone in the academic year and holds significance for both students and teachers. The 100th day celebration allows students to engage in hands-on activities that reinforce math concepts and promote critical thinking skills.
Here are some alternative activities you can consider for the 100th day celebration:
- Commemorate the 100th day by bringing in a collection of 100 items and discussing count, size, and cost.
- Calculate when family members will turn 100 to explore the concept of aging and time.
- Explore differences in size, weight, and length using groups of 100 to enhance measurement skills.
- Engage students in filling in a hundreds chart to reinforce number sense and pattern recognition.
- Encourage creativity by making patterns or necklaces using 100 beads or Fruit Loops.
In addition to these activities, writing assignments can also be incorporated into the 100th day celebration. Students can imagine what they would do with 100 dollars, envision how they will look and feel at 100 years old, create a dictionary of 100 words they can read and write, research the history of their location 100 years ago, or come up with their own topic related to the number 100.
How to Commemorate the 100th Day
You can commemorate the 100th day of school by engaging in various activities and writing assignments that promote critical thinking and reinforce important skills. To celebrate this milestone, consider participating in hands-on activities and physical celebrations that involve the number 100. For example, you can bring in a collection of 100 items and discuss their count, size, and cost. Another idea is to do 10 sets of 10 different exercises to understand the concept of 100. You can also measure the distance of 100 steps or put together 100-piece puzzles.
In addition to physical activities, writing assignments can be a valuable way to commemorate the 100th day. Encourage students to think creatively and critically by asking them to write about what they would do with 100 dollars or imagine how they will look and feel at 100 years old. They can also create a dictionary of 100 words they can read and write or research the history of their location 100 years ago. These writing assignments not only promote language and literacy skills but also encourage reflection and imagination.
To further enhance the 100th day celebration, you can utilize kindergarten curriculum resources that provide ideas and activities specifically designed for this occasion. Websites such as Verywell Family, K-5 Math Teaching Resources, Education World, Edventures with Kids, and Action for Health Kids offer a plethora of resources and suggestions to make the 100th day memorable and educational.
Lastly, involving parents in the celebration can create a sense of community and enhance the experience for students. Encourage parents to participate by providing them with information about the activities and assignments their child will be engaged in. This can be done through newsletters, emails, or parent-teacher conferences. By involving parents, you create a collaborative and supportive environment that fosters the success and engagement of the students.
Curriculum Resources for Kindergarten Teachers
Enhance your kindergarten curriculum with these valuable resources for engaging and educational 100th day celebrations.
- Kindergarten Resources:
- Verywell Family: Provides accurate content from high-quality sources to support your curriculum planning.
- K-5 Math Teaching Resources: Offers ideas specifically tailored for the 100th day of school, including math activities to reinforce numeracy skills.
- Math Activities:
- Education World: Presents 100 ways to celebrate the 100th day, with a focus on math-related activities to make learning fun and meaningful.
- Edventures with Kids: Provides ideas for counting and estimation jar activities, allowing students to explore numbers and develop their mathematical thinking.
- Writing Assignments:
- Action for Healthy Kids: Offers resources and ideas for incorporating writing assignments into the 100th day celebration, such as writing about what students would do with 100 dollars or imagining themselves at 100 years old.
- Education World: Provides creative writing prompts and suggestions for students to create dictionaries of 100 words or research the history of their location 100 years ago.
- Physical Activities:
- K-5 Math Teaching Resources: Suggests physical activities that emphasize the concept of 100, such as doing 10 sets of 10 different exercises or measuring the distance of 100 steps.
- Edventures with Kids: Offers ideas for engaging physical activities, such as putting together 100-piece puzzles or participating in movement games that incorporate the number 100.
These curriculum ideas and resources will enrich your kindergarten classroom and make the 100th day celebration both engaging and educational for your students.
