Officially, "Michigan Week" starts the third Saturday in May and runs the whole next week. The dates for Michigan Week in 2010 and 2011 will be from May 15th - May 21st. Michigan Week is a time to celebrate all the great things about the state of Michigan, and a great way for Michigan elementary schools to encourage students to learn more about their state.
Many Michigan elementary schools celebrate Michigan Week with activities that include school-wide projects, inspiring assemblies, and presentations from Michigan artists and authors. Here are some more creative Michigan Week celebration ideas:
3Rd Grade Math Practice
Michigan Grows!
Many yummy fruits and vegetables grow in Michigan. Blueberries, cherries, apples, grapes and peaches are just a few of the diverse Michigan crops. These could form the theme for Michigan Week. Coloring pages, word puzzles, artwork and songs could all focus on crops grown in Michigan. The children could write stories about some of the crops their state grows or on their favourite fruit or veggie that grows in Michigan. Computer class could also incorporate the theme. Using a program such as Kids Pix, the children could draw the fruit. Older children can do some online investigate on the subject. The week could end with a picnic featuring some of the many goodies found in Michigan.
The Many Bridges of Michigan
Michigan is home to some major bridges. The Ambassador Bridge, Blue Water Bridge, Mackinac Bridge and the International Bridge can all be found in Michigan. Have fun discovering bridges during Michigan Week. There are many ways this can be done. One such way is to give each grade a different bridge to do a task on. At the end of the week, the projects could be set up in the school auditorium for all to enjoy. The younger children can create bridges out of blocks and the older kids can make creative bridge masterpieces. Use your imagination as to what to make bridges out of. Even empty cardboard boxes can serve the purpose for building a bridge. Art classes can incorporate the bridge theme by using different textures and techniques. Each class could make its own mural showcasing the bridges of Michigan.
A Taste of Michigan
This theme may complement the "Michigan Grows!" theme or may be used on its own. The students can regain their popular Michigan treats. These can be based on their cultural background or just house favorites. The children in each class could conclude (have a vote) on which formula to make at the end of the week. The measurements and calculations of amount of servings needed for the recipes can also provide an occasion to demonstrate and custom "real world" math problems. Group could be practiced, as well as multiplication and pie charts along the same theme.
Celebrate the State Reptile - The Painted Turtle
The painted turtle, being the state reptile, could form the theme of your Michigan Week festivities. Crafts, stories, artwork and science lessons could all focus on the popular painted turtle. On the technological side, older students could investigate and then organize a story on what they have discovered. These stories, along with together with artwork, could be presented at the end of the week assembly. "The Tortoise and The Hare" could be read to the preschoolers by the teacher or by some of the older students. Teachers could passage further books about turtles to make ready to the children.
Michigan Authors
The center of concentration surrounding this theme would be Michigan born authors. Books written by Michigan authors would be highlighted and literacy and book writing would be encouraged. As a astonishing tie-up to this week, a visit from one of the featured authors would be a bonus. He/she could read an excerpt from one of their stories for the children at the assembly. Some of the older students may be able to perform one or two short skits, based on one of the books.
Michigan Fest
The astonishing state of Michigan has so many unique festivals and society celebrations. From the tulip festival in Holland to the Baby Food Festival in Fremont, Michigan knows how to throw a party. Your school could have a "festival day", where each classroom hosts a mini Michigan themed festival. The classroom festivals could be based off a festival that already takes place in Michigan, or a new celebration that the class invents.
Michigan Week Celebration Ideas For Michigan Elementary Schools
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