5 ways to make classroom learning ‘spooky’ this October

It’s the most spook-tacular time of the year! As an early childhood educator, you can add October flair to any academic subject and create festive “spooky” classroom memories this season.

Here are five of my favorite ways to incorporate fall or Halloween into our learning in the classroom this time of year.

1. Reading. Swap out those readalouds for some spooky ones. One of my all-time favorites with an SEL (Social/Emotional) component is “Gustavo, the Shy Ghost.“

2. Writing. This is one of my favorite ways to incorporate creative writing into my lesson plans. Sharpen those pencils, and put on some spooky jams! Set the mood, and host a spooky story writing session. Students are tasked with writing a story that will keep me engaged and spook me! If they can achieve this, they get bonus points. If time permits, this lesson can be enhanced by having students create illustrations as well.

3. Math. Find unique ways to theme your math lessons based on age or skill. For example, if your students are multiplying, they can use plastic spiders or miniature pumpkins as manipulatives. If students are learning about area, they can design a haunted house as a team, calculating the area and perimeter.

4. Social Studies. Take a deep dive into Hallow’s Eve or other fall traditions throughout history. Have students conduct research then create presentations or posters with their findings.

5. Science. This is where it can get really messy and fun! Create Halloween slime, let a pumpkin rot to learn about decomposition or use candy corn to graph. The opportunities are endless so there are many ways to get creative.

What are some of your go-to activities this time of year? Share them with us at Arizona PBS Kids on Facebook, then visit the Arizona PBS spooky page for more inspiration!

About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (8) and Logan (6). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent the past nine years educating third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.