There’s nothing more classic than a gumball machine activity to celebrate the 100th day of school. It’s such a fun time for students as they fill their machine with one gum ball for each completed day of school. What an accomplishment!
For more 100th Day of School fun, Here are 20 fun activities to help you celebrate 100 Days of School. Make sure to grab this free 100th Day of School Writing Prompt Worksheet too!
If you child’s class is having a party to commemorate completing 100 days of school, bring along this free printable activity or share it with the teacher!
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Celebrate 100 Days with a Gumball Machine Activity!
The first time I ever saw a gum ball machine activity for the 100th day of school was this adorable paper plate activity my daughter did in kindergarten:
SO CUTE, right?!
The kids were instructed to add 100 bubble gum balls to their paper plates, which seems like a lot until you break it down by color. 10 dots of 10 different colors = 100 gumballs!
I’ve taken this adorable activity and created a free printable gumball machine worksheet that can be used at home or in the classroom.
100th Day Gum Ball Activity Variations
My favorite thing about this activity is that it’s so versatile. Students can fill their empty worksheet with “gumballs” using a variety of different mediums. Here’s a few of my favorites.
Using Crayons, Markers or Color Pencils
An no-brainer, no-prep option is to have kiddos draw in their gum balls with tools they already have. Every elementary school supply list I’ve ever seen has crayons or markers on the list!
The important thing here is to have 10 different colors available. This can be challenging when school supply lists often have us purchase the 8-color packs, especially in Pre-K and Kindergarten.
Luckily, colorful crayons and markers are affordable and can be reused again and again in the classroom.
Using Paint!
Just like my daughter’s original gumball machine, (washable) paint is a great option for creating their 100 bubble gum balls.
Paint is different than crayons, since you can mix primary colors to make new colors. Using paint is a great way to incorporate art and math in one activity students will love.
Finger painting is a fun option since their fingerprints will look like little gum balls. In the photo below, we actually used Q-tips (one fore each color) to fill our gumball machine.
My daughter ended up putting her fingers in the paint regardless. 😑
Using Stickers
Stickers are an easy, mess-free option. Theoretically, you can use any kind of sticker. But if you want to stay true to the concept, you’ll want circles.
Round pricing labels and hole reinforcement stickers immediate came to my mind!
Using Other Items as Gumballs
The possibilities are almost endless with the different kinds of items students can use to fill their gum ball machines.
Here’s a list of a few ideas if the above options just aren’t your style:
- pom poms
- lightweight buttons
- Do-a-Dot markers
- construction paper cutouts
- tissue paper cutouts
There’s no limit to how you can use these printables. You can even cut out the gumball machine and use it as classroom decoration.
More Ways to Use the Printables on the 100th Day
Obviously, these worksheets can be printed and given to individual students. But you can also make this a group activity.
Put students into groups and have them each add a certain number of gumballs to the worksheet until they reach 100 together. This activity will remind them they’ve gone through the 100 days together!
Choose Your Free Gumball Machine Printable
I decided to create two versions of this printable for you — a full color printable and a printer-friendly version with no color.
Both versions can be photocopied for the class or printed from your personal printer.
Click on the “Download” button below the image to download the free full-color worksheet.
100th Day of School Gumball Machine Free PrintableDownload
I love this activity because it adaptable to a variety of lower elementary ages. Even students as young as Pre-K can have fun with this activity while celebrating 100 completed days of school.
Click the “Download” button below the worksheet image to download your free, printer-friendly copy.
100th Day of School Gumball Machine Free Printable (Printer-Friendly)Download
After students have completed the gumball machine activity, invite volunteers to the front of the class to show off their bubble gum creation. They can also share their favorite moment of the last 100 days.
Alternatively, you can hang the gumball machines on the classroom wall or in the hallway on the 100th day for all the school to see.
Conclusion
I hope this gumball machine printable helped your kiddos have lots of fun while celebrating their 100th day of school!
If you’re not able to volunteer in-person at your child’s school this year, feel free to share this printable with your child’s teacher. It’s free!
Have a Happy 100 Days of School!!
Amy
