At Herrin Elementary School, the annual Grandparents Day celebration is more than just an event on the calendar—it is a heartfelt tradition. This year’s 2025 festivities in the second-grade classrooms were filled with songs, poems, laughter, and of course, cookies and juice. For the children, it was a chance to show love and gratitude. For the grandparents, it was a chance to step into their grandchild’s daily world and feel honored in return.

The celebration was carefully planned by second-grade teachers, including sisters Natalie Thompson and Lindsay Fortner, who team teach, along with their colleague Krystal Mofield. The teachers explained that they always hold the event on the Thursday and Friday before the official Grandparents Day in September so that families can enjoy it without conflict. Each classroom organized activities that gave every student a part to play, making sure no child was left out.

In Mofield’s classroom, students performed a poem together and then introduced grandparents in different languages. Some practiced saying “grandmother” and “grandfather” in Italian, Mandarin, or Swahili, while others tried Dutch or Russian. After speaking the words, they located the countries on a world map, a lesson in both language and geography. Every student had a role—either speaking, pointing out a place on the globe, or helping with the presentation. “It gave everyone a chance to shine,” one of the teachers noted.

After the performance, grandparents and grandchildren shared cookies, juice, and water. Students proudly presented handmade cards and sang songs. The classrooms buzzed with the kind of excitement only second graders can bring. Grandparents smiled as they heard familiar titles like “Papa,” “Nana,” or “Mimi,” and the children loved explaining the special names they use at home.

In Thompson and Fortner’s classroom, the activities had a different flair. Students read aloud How to Babysit a Grandma, delighting the audience with the humorous tips from the book. They also performed a creative version of Walker Hayes’ hit “Fancy Like,” rewriting the lyrics to celebrate grandparents instead. With laughter and clapping, the room quickly filled with joy as the children sang about “stuffing at Walmart” and “Nana’s pajama nights,” a playful twist on the original tune that resonated with everyone.

Stations were also part of the celebration. Grandparents and students could color together, pose for photos in a makeshift booth, or play a game called “Roll a Grandparent,” where dice determined which features to add to a drawing of a grandparent. Another station encouraged reading together, giving students a quiet moment to share a book with their special guests. Perhaps the most memorable was the interview station, where children asked their grandparents questions about their full names, childhoods, and favorite pastimes. Many were surprised to learn something new. “I didn’t know my grandma’s full name before,” one student admitted. “Now I do.”

The number of grandparents who attended was overwhelming—in the best way. Almost every student had at least one grandparent present, and for the few who didn’t, teachers quickly paired them with friends’ families so no child felt left out. “It really felt like a family reunion,” one teacher said. “There was love everywhere you looked.”

For the students, the highlights were clear. Maverick Thompson grinned as he described the snacks, while Riley Cowan enjoyed learning to say “grandparents” in a new language. Blair Smith and Ezra Lowe both said their favorite part was simply getting to spend time with their grandparents. Bricyn Counts said with pride that the best moment was being able to leave school early and go home with his grandmother. Others echoed that sentiment—ending the day by going home with grandparents made the celebration feel even more special.

Grandparents also relished the chance to be part of their grandchild’s school day. They walked through hallways decorated with student artwork, listened to the children read, and participated in the games. For them, it was an opportunity not only to spend time with their loved ones but also to see firsthand the care and creativity of the teachers and the vibrant energy of the Herrin Elementary community.

The afternoon concluded with more songs, hugs, and promises to cherish the memories until next year. For the children, Grandparents Day was a joyful mix of learning, laughter, and love. For the grandparents, it was a reminder of how much they are appreciated and how deeply they are woven into their grandchildren’s lives.