Happy New Year everyone! Today in Physical Education I talked to my classes about the ball drop at Times Square to celebrate the new year. I showed a video of the ball drop, although this year's video coverage was greatly obscured by rain and smoke from the fireworks. We went back to watch the 2018 Times Square video which was much more clear. Students could see the ball made from crystals, the clock that eventually hit midnight, the numbers that counted down the final minute of the drop, and the fireworks that celebrated the stroke of midnight.
After recreating our own ball drop, complete with party hats, students did a number identification activity to a song called "Happy New Year." When the music played, students traveled around the numbered cones in various ways. The cones were our Times Squares. When I called out a certain number, students had to move to that number and quickly circle to the left around the cone. They shook hands as a group and saluted the new year before traveling through the cones again in a different way. The last time they did this, students counted down from 10, jumped up and yelled "Happy New Year" and gave two people a hug. What a fun way to "ring in the new year."
Kindergarten students jump with excitement as the ball drops in our Times Square.
Prekindergarten students find, and circle, a designated number at Times Square.
Students salute the new year.
A hug between friends.
The 2019 new year starts off right with a big hug.
