Literacy, Numeracy, Science

Subjects covered Activities Resources Differentiation
Literacy
  • Read a Halloween-themed story as a class.
  • Provide Halloween-themed word cards for students to practice reading and spelling.
  • Encourage students to create their own Halloween stories or poems.
  • Set up a writing station with Halloween-themed writing prompts for students to practice their writing skills.
  • Halloween storybook
  • Halloween-themed word cards
  • Pencils and paper
  • Halloween-themed writing prompts
  • Provide additional support for struggling readers by using simplified texts or providing word-to-picture matching activities.
  • Challenge advanced readers by encouraging them to explore more complex vocabulary or write longer stories.
Numeracy
  • Sort and classify Halloween-themed objects based on attributes (e.g., size, shape, color).
  • Create patterns using Halloween-themed manipulatives (e.g., pumpkins, bats).
  • Count and compare the number of Halloween candies or treats.
  • Estimate and measure the weight or length of Halloween objects.
  • Halloween-themed objects (e.g., pumpkins, bats)
  • Halloween candies or treats
  • Weighing scale or measuring tape
  • Provide support for counting and comparing numbers by using visual aids or manipulatives.
  • Challenge students by introducing more complex patterns or using larger numbers for estimation and measurement activities.
Science
  • Investigate the lifecycle of a pumpkin by planting and observing pumpkin seeds.
  • Explore the properties of different Halloween materials (e.g., plastic, fabric, paper).
  • Conduct simple experiments with Halloween-themed items (e.g., floating and sinking, color mixing).
  • Discuss and learn about nocturnal animals commonly associated with Halloween (e.g., bats, owls).
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Halloween materials (e.g., plastic, fabric, paper)
  • Water, containers, and other materials for experiments
  • Books or resources about nocturnal animals
  • Provide additional guidance and support for students who may require assistance in conducting experiments.
  • Encourage students to ask questions and make predictions during scientific investigations.

Arts Subjects

Subjects covered Activities Resources Differentiation
Visual Arts
  • Create Halloween-themed drawings using crayons and markers
  • Make paper plate masks with Halloween designs
  • Decorate Halloween-themed masks using collage materials
  • Create paper bag puppets of Halloween characters
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Paper plates
  • Construction paper
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Collage materials (e.g., feathers, sequins, googly eyes)
  • Paper bags
  • Provide different levels of complexity for drawing activities
  • Offer a variety of materials for mask decoration
  • Provide pre-cut shapes for younger or less confident students
Drama
  • Act out a Halloween story using costumes and props
  • Engage in role-play as Halloween characters
  • Play "Guess the Halloween Sound" using different sound effects
  • Halloween costumes
  • Props (e.g., broomsticks, cauldrons)
  • Sound effects (e.g., recorded sounds of creaking doors, howling wind)
  • Provide visual cues for non-verbal students during role-play
  • Adapt sound effects activity by using both visual and auditory cues
Music
  • Sing Halloween songs and rhymes
  • Create soundscapes of Halloween scenes using instruments
  • Explore rhythm and beat through Halloween-themed dance movements
  • Halloween song lyrics or songbooks
  • Assorted musical instruments (e.g., shakers, tambourines)
  • Halloween-themed visuals for dance movements
  • Provide visual aids (lyrics, pictures) to support singing activities
  • Offer a variety of instruments to cater to different preferences
  • Allow for individual expression during dance activities
English (Language Development)
  • Read Halloween-themed books and discuss the characters and settings
  • Write and illustrate Halloween stories
  • Engage in Halloween-themed word games and puzzles
  • Halloween books
  • Writing paper
  • Markers
  • Word games and puzzles
  • Provide a range of reading materials at different levels
  • Support emergent writers through guided writing activities
  • Offer various word games and puzzles of varying difficulty

Station Ideas

Halloween Stations for Junior Infants:

  • Costume Dress-Up Station
  • Pumpkin Carving Station
  • Ghost Storytelling Station
  • Spider Web Art Station
  • Witch Hat Toss Station
  • Face Painting Station
  • Trick-or-Treat Sensory Bin Station
  • Monster Playdough Station
  • Bat and Cat Counting Station
  • Apple Bobbing Station
  • Haunted House Building Station
  • Spider Web Science Station
  • Pumpkin Patch Sensory Station
  • Mummy Wrapping Station
  • Witch Broom Limbo Station

Story Time

The Spooky Halloween Party

Once upon a time, in a small town called Pumpkinville, there was a group of friends named Tim, Lily, and Max. They loved Halloween and couldn't wait for the big Halloween party at their school.

On the day of the party, the friends woke up early and put on their costumes. Tim dressed up as a friendly ghost, Lily as a pretty princess, and Max as a brave superhero. They were all very excited!

As they walked to school, they saw spooky decorations all around. There were cobwebs, bats, and pumpkins with scary faces. The friends giggled and wondered what surprises awaited them at the party.

When they arrived at school, their teacher, Mrs. Smith, welcomed them with a big smile. She was dressed as a funny witch. Mrs. Smith led the children to the classroom, which was transformed into a haunted house.

The friends saw a table filled with delicious treats like candy apples, spooky cupcakes, and creepy cookies. They each took a little bit of everything and sat down at a table with their classmates.

Just as they were about to take a bite, the lights in the classroom flickered, and a mysterious voice echoed through the room. "Welcome, children! I am the Halloween Ghost, and I have a challenge for you," it said.

The friends looked around, trying to figure out where the voice was coming from. Suddenly, a big screen appeared, showing different Halloween-themed puzzles and games.

The Halloween Ghost explained the rules. The children had to work together to solve the puzzles and complete the challenges. If they succeeded, they would win special Halloween prizes.

Tim, Lily, and Max joined forces with their classmates. They solved riddles, caught floating ghosts, and even danced to spooky music. The challenges were fun, and everyone cheered each other on.

After completing all the challenges, the Halloween Ghost appeared on the screen again. "Congratulations, brave children! You have passed all the tests. As a reward, you may each choose a special Halloween treat."

All the children lined up to choose their prizes. Tim picked a glow-in-the-dark toy, Lily chose a sparkly tiara, and Max got a super cool Halloween mask. They were all so happy!

The friends thanked the Halloween Ghost for the wonderful party and ran outside to play in the crisp autumn air. They played games, went on a hayride, and even carved pumpkins.

As the sun began to set, Tim, Lily, and Max said their goodbyes and headed home. They couldn't wait to tell their families about the amazing Halloween party and show off their special treats.

That night, as the friends lay in bed, they couldn't stop smiling. The Spooky Halloween Party was the best party they had ever been to, and they couldn't wait for Halloween next year.