Once Every Four Years

In 1984, I was seven years old and in second grade. I have a few key memories from that year in school, and one of them was our Leap Day party. I can’t recall a lot from that February 29, but I remember it was a big deal because one of my classmates turned eight that day and celebrated his second “official” birthday. I remember thinking how special he was to be born on Leap Day, and I wondered how he celebrated his birthday during the off years. I do know our teacher made a big deal out of it that year.  

Leap Day comes once every four years and gives us a chance to do something fun and different with our students. This year it falls on a Thursday, and since we get to spend it with our students, we should make the most of it! Here are some ideas:

1. Play Leap Frog. Use the school gym or, if the weather permits, go outside and play a game of leap frog. Forget how to play? Here’s a refresher. 
2. Graph It! Bring it into math! See who can jump the farthest. Have each child line up and jump. Measure their distance and graph the information. 
3. Look Backward and Forward. Start a class discussion or have students reflect in their journals. 
   • Take time to reflect on what you have done in the last four years. How old were you four years ago? What are some of your biggest memories from those years? 
   • Look ahead to four years from now. How old will you be on the next Leap Day? What do you predict will happen in this time?
4. Make Origami Jumping Frogs. Use this tutorial or search for others. 
5. Writing Prompts. Use the writing prompts shared below or create some of your own.
6. Share Fun Facts. What fun facts can you learn about Leap Year? Start with a short video or story that shares information, and then search to look for more.
   • Kid History: What is Leap Day? 
   • YouTube: Leap Year for Kids
   • National Geographic Kids: What is Leap Year?
   • Leap Year Facts for Kids

Leap Day is next week! What will you do with your students on this rare day? Whatever you decide, enjoy it, and I am sure your students will remember it for a long time to come! 

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