The following ideas for Halloween lessons use easy-to-find materials, and most of them don't take more than an hour.
- Halloween Word Games: Grades 3-5
- Pumpkin for a Day: Grades 3-5
- Ghost Categories: Grades K-2
- Jack-o'-Lantern Stencils: Grades 3-5
- Creature Recipes: Grades 3-6
Halloween Word Games: Grades 3-5
Objective
These are fun for students, and also provide good word-use practice.
Materials
- Paper
- Writing utensils
- White board or overhead projector
- Prizes, if desired
Procedure
Words from "Halloween
Write the word HALLOWEEN on the board or overhead. Have students generate words using the letters found in Halloween (wheel, hall, halo, when, now, etc.).
Halloween Lists
Write the word HALLOWEEN on the board or overhead. Have students generate lists of words that pertain to Halloween (October, pumpkin, ghost, costume, apples, candy, etc.). Set a time limit, and give a prize or two for the highest number of pertinent words.
Pumpkin for a Day: Grades 3-5
Objective
Students enjoy this creative writing activity. Depending on the grade level, you will get a variety of interesting responses.
Materials
- Paper (pumpkin-bordered paper, or large orange construction paper pumpkins work well)
- Writing utensils
Procedure
Have students take on the role of a pumpkin during the last week of October. Have them write about their experience: How were you selected? How long did you stay intact? When and how did you become a jack-o'-lantern? What did you look like, and were you pleased with it? What did you see on Halloween night? How were you disposed of? If time allows, have students draft a copy for editing, then write the final result on the pumpkin paper.
Ghost Categories: Grades K-2
Objective
This activity can be done just for fun, or you can have students select the best ghost in each category and offer prizes.
Materials
- White and black construction paper
- Black felt-tip pens
- Scissors
- Glue or paste
- Prizes, if desired
Procedure
Determine categories for types of ghosts (scariest, brainiest, happiest, strongest, most afraid, etc.). Have students select a category and design a ghost. Display finished ghosts (just put them on desks and walk around if it's REALLY last minute!), and have students verbally appreciate others' efforts.
Jack-o'-Lantern Stencils: Grades 3-5
Objective
At the end of this activity, students will have a stencil to take home for easy pumpkin carving!
Materials
- White construction paper
- Pencils
- Scissors
- Envelopes
Procedure
Have students take some time to design a unique face for a jack-o'-lantern (discuss scale and proportion). Have them sketch it in one corner of the construction paper. Then, have them carefully draw the face parts on the rest of the construction paper and cut them out. Place the parts in envelopes and send them home. When the students are at home, they can tape the face parts on the pumpkin and trace around them. Emphasize the importance of parental supervision while carving.
Creature Recipes: Grades 3-6
Objective
This is a good activity for upper grades, and it's a great opportunity for technical writing practice.
Materials
- 3" x 5" index or recipe cards
- Writing utensils
- Scissors
- Glue or paste
- Construction paper
- Paper scraps (construction paper, wallpaper, gift wrap)
- Yarn
- Cotton
- Paper clips, brads, staplers
- Craft supplies you have on hand (buttons, dried pasta, jiggly eyes, popsicle sticks, coffee stirrers, raffia, etc.)
Procedure
Discuss the two main parts of a recipe (ingredients and directions). Have students write a recipe for a creature using the "ingredients" you've provided — and their imaginations. Emphasize the importance of being precise in recipe writing, so that others can follow the directions easily. If time allows, have students draft a copy, edit it, and write the final on 3" x 5" cards. If time is limited, have students write the recipe directly on the cards. Place all the recipes in a basket and have students draw one out of the basket. This is the recipe they will follow to make a creature. Have students make the creatures using the provided materials and following the recipe. As follow-up, have them get together with the recipe writers, and see how close they came to the writers' "visions." Take pictures of your students with their creations!
