The Krewe of Rollin’ Readers: First Grade’s Mardi Gras Floats

Written By: Audrey Steeves

The season leading up to Lent is a highly anticipated time at Providence Academy, filled with countless fun activities. While each grade has its own way of celebrating, the first-grade truly stands out. The first-grade classes have brought their own creative spin on Mardi Gras with a special tradition called “The Krewe of Rollin Readers.” The Krewe of Rollin Readers is a special project that has first graders design and create their own Mardi Gras floats.

“The Mardi Gras floats are one of the highlights of first grade,” said first-grade teacher Mrs. Steinbrueck.

The Mardi Gras float tradition began back in 2021, when Mrs. Lee,  a former Providence first grade teacher introduced the idea. Mrs. Lee attended Louisiana State University, where Mardi Gras is an important aspect of the culture. Mardi Gras is celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, and it is a major festival, as a last celebration before the 40-day season of Lent begins. Mrs. Lee loved the South and thought bringing some southern culture to Providence would add to the Lenten season. 

“She loved the tradition and brought it to us,” said Mrs. Steinbrueck. 

The Mardi Gras project is assigned to students and their families 6 weeks in advance, and takes multiple weeks to finish. Each float is based on a student’s favorite book or story, and walking through the first grade hallways it is clear the floats bring the stories to life. This is a favorite project among both students and teachers because it allows the first-graders to express their creativity and enrich their education all while having fun at the same time. 

“We also do this to encourage the kids to read more as well,” said Mrs. Steinbrueck. 

The Krewe of Rollin Readers has become a beloved tradition that brings creativity, culture, and excitement to Providence Academy’s Lenten season. What began in 2021 as an idea from Mrs. Lee has grown into one of the highlights of first grade. Through their colorful Mardi Gras floats, first graders not only showcase their favorite stories but also discover the joy of bringing books to life. This special tradition continues to make the season leading up to Lent both meaningful and memorable for the entire lower school. 

“The students love looking at all of the other floats that their classmates have made. It is so heartwarming to hear their kind words to each other,” said Mrs. Steinbrueck.