The 100th Day of School is such a fun day in a primary classroom. It's an excellent opportunity to incorporate lots of math skills in a fun and playful way. Here are just a few of the things I have done with my first graders on the 100th Day!
Our 100th day usually falls around Valentine's, so it is always a week of celebration and excitement. Some times I have even rolled the two days together for one big day of chaos. Lesson learned! It may sound good, but in reality, it is TOO MUCH! It is far better to give each day its own day of celebration and start fresh the following week!
Here are a few of my go-to activities:
1. Collections
Students arrivedexcited and eager to share their 100-day collections. The first task is to ensure that the collection does, in fact, contain 100 things! Students use a counting mat to count their collection into groups of 10.
You can grab this free one to use if you don't have one.
2. 100th Day Hats
What celebration is complete without a fancy hat. My students make these hats/crowns right after counting out their collections. They are part of my 100th Day of School Pack.
3. Measuring Collections
I always ensure that we have either completed or are in the middle of our linear measurement unit around this time of the year. Measuring collections is the perfect authentic task to see how students do with measuring with non-standard and standard units. This is an excellent opportunity for some assessment for you! You can find this booklet that provides lots of opportunities to measure and compare with non-standard units in my 100th Day of School Pack.
Don't forget to incorporate mass too. I have had students use balance scales to compare the weight of their collection to mine or other students. It is a perfect opportunity to introduce mass and capacity if you haven't discussed it yet.I had a collection ofmini cubes (centicubes), and the students first had to predict if theircollection was heavier/lighter or the same weight as mine, and then they usedthe scales to find out exactly how their collection measured up.
4. Exploring What 100 Looks Like.
The 100th day is a great day to see what 100 looks like and to be creative with showing 100. I set out bins with 100 of an item all around my classroom and have students visit different stations and think about what they can do with the 100 items. Some of our favourites are pattern blocks, popsicle sticks, glass gems, plastic cups, mini erasers and more. The love to create pictures with them or group them and count.
5. Scavenger Hunt!
Last year I hid 100 candy hearts around the room, and the kids had to find them and then put them in the right pocket of our pocket chart. It was fun for them to search for them and a good exercise to find all of the numbers in the 100's chart.
I have also heard about putting number stickers on the bottom of Hershey's kisses or directly on a letter tile. These are also great ideas.
6. Dress Up Like You are 100 Years Old
I have never done this with my class, but our Kindergarten team did one year, and the kids were super cute with their wigs, powdered hair and canes!
7. Read and Write 100
There are so many great pictures books to read on the 100th Day. Click below to be taken to a great collection of books.
You can also incorporate writing and have your students write 100 words. This is probably best done collaboratively with younger students. Each team of 4 each is tasked with finding 25 words. Doing it this way is much more fun and manageable.
8. Exercise!
Can you do 100 jumping jacks? 100 toe touches? GoNoodle has some great videos that get kids moving and counting to 100. Check them out below.
9. 100th Day Crafts
What's a celebration without a craft! I have pinned some great crafts. You can find them on this Pinterest board:
10. A 100's Day Snack
End your celebration with a snack. 100s Day trail mix is a great option. I ask families to provide 1 food item out of a list of 10 choices. Some families send in a baggie of the item and others send in a whole box or container. Some of the things I ask for are:
- mini marshmallows
- pretzel sticks
- raisins
- cheerios
- goldfish crackers
- square crackers
- M&Ms or Smarties
- chocolate chips
- popcorn
- another brand of cereal
Be sure to check on your school's policies regarding serving food in your classroom as well as being fully aware of any food allergies your students may have.
There you have it! 10 ways to celebrate your 100th day of school! Enjoy
Are you looking for a bit more inspiration? Check out this related post.
FAQs
Why do we celebrate 100 days of school? This marks a point in the year where students are more than half-way through the 180 day school year. It is a time to reflect on all the learning that has taken place so far.
How do you celebrate 100 days of school? ›
For most schools, the 100th day falls sometime in February or early March. Many teachers use the countdown in their lessons by having children tally the days on a whiteboard or by filling a countdown chart with numbers or stickers. Many wear special t-shirts to celebrate the 100th day of school.
What are 100 days of school ideas? ›
Some classes celebrate with 100-themed parties, craft projects that involve the number 100, collections of 100 objects, dress-up days where kids are asked to wear a costume that makes them look 100 years old or drawing and writing assignments that prompt them to imagine what the world will be like when they're 100.
What do students reflect on during the 100th day of school? ›
Reflect on progress: The 100th day of school is a great opportunity for students to reflect on their progress and to celebrate their accomplishments. It allows students to see how far they have come since the start of the school year and to appreciate their hard work and effort.
What is the significance of 100 days celebration? ›
Many families choose to wait till the 100th day to throw a grand celebration. This custom has also found its way into other Asian countries, and for good reasons. In the past, infant mortality rates were high. If a baby reached the 100-day mark, it was considered a promising sign of survival and future prosperity.
Why is 100 days important? ›
It is traditionally believed that the first 100 days after the child's birth is the most vulnerable period for both the mother and the newborn. Therefore, they are advised to stay home to avoid contracting diseases. This is why making through the first 100 days is the perfect time to celebrate.
What is 100 days of school dress up? ›
Countdown to a Century: Encourage the little ones to dress up as living calendars, each adorned with the numbers 1 through 100. This creative and educational 100 days of school dress up ensemble not only celebrates the milestone but also reinforces the concept of counting.
How do you keep track of 100 days of school? ›
Tally Marks
Counting the days can be as simple as using your whiteboard and a marker. Add a tally mark for each new day and display it out of reach so your extra helpful, small people can't add additional tallies when you're not looking.
How to dress up for the 100th day of school? ›
A classic 100 th Day of School costume is a grandma costume or old man costume. Look no further – from grey grandma wigs in an array of hairstyles, to a crazy cat lady costumes, kids will find exactly what they're looking for. Team a granny wig with fake glasses to complete their old lady or old man look.
How to make a 100 day of school shirt? ›
This shirt is so simple to create. Just grab some foam heart stickers, a permanent marker, and your favorite-color tee. Once your stickers are in place, just swap out kindergarten for any grade or keep it simple and just say “Loved 100 days of school”!
Importance of School Life
Moreover, a strong bond is formed between other students, and this friendship is sure to last for many years. School days are also the best days to gather knowledge as well as learn basic etiquettes and skills, which make children better people.
What happens on the 100th day of school? ›
The 100th Day of School is a symbolic celebration of students' achievements during the academic year, especially for those in elementary school. The event centers around the number 100, which helps develop learners' understanding and recognition of numbers up to 100.
Who is responsible for the creation of the 100th day of school? ›
The First 100th Day of School
Back in 1979, Lynn Taylor, along with her colleagues David Cooper and Mary Hurdlow, celebrated their first 100th day of school. The idea grew from their experience with a program called Math Their Way and an activity called The Days of School Graph.
What is the stem activity for the 100th day of school? ›
Build the Number 100
For this 100th Day of School STEM Center students will explore their engineering skills by building the number 100 using various materials such as LEGO bricks and pattern blocks. Challenge students to build as many different 100 creations as they can including 2D and 3D versions.
Why is it important to celebrate the United Nations Day in school? ›
United Nations Day celebration in schools
They are made aware of various cultures, and how people from different parts of the world can co-exist. In a way, United Nations Day commemorates the formation of a new era in history – an era where equality, peace, and cooperation are valued above war.
What is the celebration of the 100th year? ›
A centenary is the hundredth anniversary of some event. When your great grandfather turns 100, his birthday party will be the centenary of his birth. If your town is celebrating its centenary, that means it's exactly 100 years old.
Why do we celebrate Teachers Day in 100 words? ›
Paragraph on Teachers Day 1 in 100 Words
Teacher's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the incredible educators who shape our lives. On this day, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the teachers who inspire us, guide us, and impart knowledge that lasts a lifetime.
What is the meaning of 100 days of May? ›
The "100 Days of May" is a term that aptly captures the flurry of activities that occur as schools approach the end of the year. From final projects, exams, recitals, prom and graduation ceremonies to end-of-year parties, the calendar fills up quickly with events both celebratory and stressful.
