Halloween truly is the scariest celebration I think. I mean what other celebration (this year occurring on a Monday) stuffs children full of as much sugar as they can eat and then returns them to the classroom often on the following day? As a teacher, the kids are overjoyed it’s Halloween, and certainly, I don’t want to cut into that joy by making the day seem less exciting for them than it is. However, I also want to ensure that the day seems as normal as possible without being crazy or overwhelming for me. In my classroom, Halloween is a time for stations! This means that between my teaching partner and I, we run several stations that are easily set up, easily done, and require little explanation. In my 6/7 class, these were a huge hit
I will say that most of my stations are used again and again but I mix them out depending on the kids I have. So I may not always run the same stations every year.
Station 1
Pumpkin Math – sometimes we do this as a class but it’s excellent to review/teach scatter plots. We also look at the weight, circumference, and a variety of other features the pumpkin has. I always go back to this activity because the kids have a ball. We often show the video from Jimmy Fallon when we do it! There is also a free version available here, however, it will not have the math menu that I will mention shortly.
Station 2
Adult Colouring Pages – This one is often a favourite. While I understand the idea of colouring meditatively it’s surprising how many students pick this as their favourite centre year after year. I usually try to find five or six and print about 5 of each.
Fall Colouring Options (without Halloween)
Station 3
Boomwhackers. If you don’t own a class set of boomwhackers let me tell you those are the best investments you can make! These allow for Christmas, spring, fall, Halloween, and fun end-of-school centres. If you don’t own boomwhackers and Halloween is tomorrow give the kid’s rhythm sticks or pool noodles cut up. They can also just tap out the rhythm as the song plays. All I do is go over how to use a boomwhacker. You cue up the Youtube video and let the kids have fun!
- Don’t hit it on your head or anyone else’s
- Don’t hit it on the floor (they crack)
- Hit it on your legs or arms (this way they won’t hit hard enough to make it crack)
- Do not hit it on the side of a desk or table
Station 4
Halloween Algebra. This is great fun and you can really use it the next day for number talks. Or do it in the morning before all the fun!
Station 5
Map out their trick-or-treating route on Google maps and estimate the amount of candy received. Leave coded instructions for this (you can use this as part of your coding if you want). Walk ___ m forward. Turn right, and walk 10 steps up to the door. This can be a long process so be prepared. You may want to make the walk up from the sidewalk to door a standard 10 steps.
Station 6
(I complete this only if there is candy they can use or if the students brought in treats)
Halloween Math Menu Students complete enough of the tasks on the menu to equal the required amount of points
Station 7
As the traditional Dia de Los Muertos falls so close to Halloween we often take a quick peek at the beautiful sugar skull masks that go with this holiday. (It’s often celebrated on November 1 or 2). I have them design their own sugar skull mask. Sometimes I give them a template but if you think they can do without it I often find the skulls turn out better. Here is a free template if it’s helpful
Station 8
Word searches and crossword puzzles are often overlooked as busy work. I think differently! There is a good deal of evidence that solving problems, showing perseverance, and working with friends can be fun and beneficial to your brain. They also help with visual tracking which is often something students who have a learning disability struggle with. This is the only time (during centers) that kids will get these in my classroom and they often request more.
Fall Word Search – there are 3 different varieties from easy to difficult
Station 9
I remain the caller at this activity as the kids circulate. For this reason, it is nice to have another class that you can partner with on this. That way you can have another adult circulating. Depending on your classroom you could also invite a parent in.
Station 10
Students can take a break as I often bring in a giant bag of popcorn and put it in little cups for them. Please, of course, know your kids and know what they will do well with!
I truly hope that helps you with planning your Halloween day. For me, running something fun like this that ties into literacy, math, art, and music allow me to have fun with the kids while not going completely away from the curriculum. Plus it keeps them entertained, engaged, and on task for the entire afternoon!
Now, I have to be honest. The next day??? We are all watching a movie!