1-2-3 Come Do Some Quick,Halloween Activities With Me

Halloween happens to be on a Monday this year, so some schools will be celebrating on Friday, others waiting 'til the real day. 

Since our party day is Friday, I still wanted to have some quick, easy and educationally fun Halloween-themed activities for Monday, so I whipped together a pumpkin glyph, writing prompt and class book.  They are featured on the blog, along with today's  FREEBIE.

First up is the pumpkin glyph. No matter what grade I taught, my students absolutely LOVED making glyphs.

They are a quick, easy & interesting way to practice and assess listening and following directions.  This pumpkin glyph will also review some 2D shapes as well.

Since this is one of my report card standards, glyphs also provide a "hard copy" to use as proof that a child does or doesn't listen & follow directions.

Completed projects make an adorable bulletin board, as each one will be different! 

I've included 2 posters for the center of your glyph display.

Glyphs are also an interesting way to get to know your students.  The packet also includes a few posters for explaining things so even PK students can make one.  

The "Positive-Negative Writing Prompt Pumpkin" also makes an awesome bulletin board or hallway wall display.   

The controversy of Halloween, makes a nice comparison-contrast writing activity, where students list the positive aspects of Halloween that they like, as well as the negative ones that they don't care for.

Whenever I include a bit of hands-on craftiness to a lesson, I instantly have my students' attention; and they can't wait to get down to the business of writing.

So as a topper for their completed October writing prompt, children use an art form fittingly called: "positive-negative" and create a Jack-O-Lantern with my easy-peasy pattern.

To add some variety to your display, I've included 5 writing prompt worksheet options with different Halloween-themed graphics and fonts for your students to choose from.

PK teachers can do this as a whole-group discussion activity, where students give their opinion and you jot down their answers on one of the writing prompt worksheets, then each child can make a positive-negative pumpkin, which can be scattered around the prompt.

Finally, if your kiddos are like mine, they are constantly talking about what costume they are going to wear for Halloween.   I take advantage of their excitement and enthusiasm by having them make a costume class book.

They are super-excited to get down to the business of illustrating their own page, which is a great activity for the week of Halloween, or even on party day for something educationally fun to help channel all of that energy.

I’ve included 2, full color cover options to choose from, as well as 3 different page designs. (See PREVIEW).

There’s a black and white pattern for your students, as well as templates in color, so that you can easily make a sample to share to help explain things, then contribute your costume page to the book too.

On party day I snap everyone’s picture, then add their photograph to our book as well.

Class-made books are one of my students’ favorites in our classroom library; they are terrific to share during parent-teacher conferences too.   Besides the book, I’ve also included 2 song posters.

I enjoy making up songs to familiar tunes. One is “Trick or Treat” to the tune of “Are You Sleeping Brother John?” the other is “What Costume Will You Wear” to the tune of “Farmer in the Dell”.  

Today's featured FREEBIE is a collection of tried and true Halloween party games that my students really enjoy.  I call the packet "Ready-Set-Ghost!"

Click on the link or photo to grab your copy and let the spooktacular fun begin!

Well that's it for today... Gotta dash, as there are treat bags yet to make for the neighborhood children.  We don't have that many, so I like to make something extra special. 

Wishing you a very Happy Howling Halloween!

"There is magic in the night when pumpkins glow by moonlight!" -Unknown