After the holidays, perhaps the largest celebration for elementary students is the 100th day of school. From the very first day, classes begin keeping track of the number of days they have been in school in anticipation of the 100th day. It is a milestone that represents progress, growth, and achievement. For educators, this is likely a moment for reflection: What has been working well? What has not? What are your goals for the rest of the school year? For students, it is the perfect opportunity for creative learning and celebration. Below we have compiled a list of engaging activities to celebrate the occasion. You can do them both in the classroom or at home as a family.
If They Were 100...
Kids love dress-up days, and it doesn't get much cuter than having your students come to school or join their Google Meet, Flipgrid, or Zoom dressed like 100-year-olds. Beforehand, develop a fun writing assignment as a supplement. Have your students imagine what their lives would be like if they were 100—what they would look like and where they would be living. It is an opportunity to express themselves through their writing while allowing them to think about the future. Plus, it's sure to bring on the giggles!
Read 100 Books
For obvious reasons, this one’s our favorite! When we hear the terms “virtual learning” or “remote learning,” it’s easy to imagine students spending eight hours a day in front of a computer or tablet. Leading up to 100th Day, challenge your students to take a break from screen time and read 100 books or even 100 pages. Keep a chart or poster in the classroom or at home to encourage kids to track their progress. If they meet the goal, reward them with a World Book bookmark or extra time at recess (virtually or in-school).
Think Outside the Box
A popular idea for marking the occasion is to have your students make shirts or hats with one hundred of something on them, like wiggly eyes, buttons, or safety pins. Encourage kids to think outside the box! It’s a great creative exercise and a great opportunity for younger students to show off their newly developed math skills by counting from 1 to 100—by ones, fives, tens, the twenties, and more.
Let’s Get Physical
Keeping students active is crucial for their mental and physical health—especially now! The CDC recommends that children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years old do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. But what to do if you’re stuck indoors? Challenge your students to do 100 sit-ups or pushups, 100 jumping jacks, or turn on their favorite music and dance for 100 seconds (which is roughly a minute and a half). Dancing is one of the easiest ways to get your body moving. Afterward, reward kids who finish with a certificate of completion.
Give Back
Help students and families get what they need to survive and even thrive through this pandemic! First, have students collect 100 cans of fruits, vegetables, and beans and donate them to a local soup kitchen or school family in need. Then, as a class, brainstorm 100 ACTS OF KINDNESS that will be safe to do while staying at home! Invite your students throughout the day to add to the list and help to spread a little kindness and brighten someone’s day. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.
- Listen to your teacher and follow directions.
- Call, write a letter, or make a card for a relative.
- Do not fight with your siblings.
- Draw kind messages and colorful pictures on your sidewalks.
- FaceTime a friend to say hello.
- Leave thank you notes for essential workers—delivery drivers, garbage collectors, etc.
- Give your parents a big hug.
- Do your chores without complaining.
- Tell each of your family members one thing you love about them.
- Stay 6 feet away from other people, even your grandparents.
Go, Team, Go!
Are you looking for a great team-building activity? Create a classroom scavenger hunt requiring students to find 100 small items, like buttons, Hershey kisses, paper cutouts, and more. It is a good way to motivate students in a way that they feel compelled to work together (social-emotional learning) and complete a task. Add a learning component by having them guess how much the items weigh, then weigh them.
It is so hard to believe that the school year is more than halfway over. Tag us in your 100th day of school celebrations using @worldbookinc and get featured on our Instagram page.