halloween

  • My Favorite Halloween Activity

    I can’t let Halloween fly by without sharing my all-time favorite Halloween activity! This Jack-o-Lantern shape set can be used in so many different ways, so it is easy to use with children of varying ages and abilities. Children can use the shapes to make any face they wish, or they can recreate the inspiration cards by recognizing the shapes that have been used, finding them, and placing them in the proper locations on the Jack-o-Lantern. The set also includes matching cards, which children can use to play memory, or to match to the larger Jack-o-Lantern inspiration cards. Finally, there are “find me” cards.  Children can work together to find…

  • Treats to watch out for

    Halloween is quickly approaching, so this week I’m going to share some of my favorite activities, but I also want to share some safety tips that are helpful for teachers, parents, and anyone that will be spending this holiday with young children. Halloween is all about sweet treats, so candy and snacks tend to appear out of thin air.  One thing to remember when celebrating with the youngest children is that many common Halloween snacks can also be choking hazards.  So whether you are indulging in sweets or trying to stay healthy, here are some foods to watch out for; Popcorn Jolly Ranchers Jawbreakers Hard Candy Gum and Gumballs Nuts…

  • Halloween Play Dough Activities

    Play Dough is one of those preschool supplies that some teachers love and other teachers hate. I can certainly see both perspectives, but I love it.  I’m a huge fan of homemade play dough, for a couple of reasons; A batch of homemade play dough can be shared among more children than one container of store bought play dough. When you make your own play dough you can create any color that you want, so it can be used for endless themes and seasons. If you’re careful you can make the play dough in the classroom, extending the learning experience and helping the children appreciate the play dough even more…

  • Friday Freebie – Halloween File Folder Game

    Happy Halloween! It’s sure to be a fun weekend, but I hope that your Friday won’t be too crazy with the parties and sugar highs! Today’s freebie is one that you can put together quickly and file away for next Halloween.  This Candy Visual Discrimination File Folder Game is super cute, so the kiddos are sure to love it, and it works on some serious math concepts that are perfect for this part of the school year.  Download your copy from Play to Learn Preschool and enjoy your Halloween weekend!

  • Halloween shapes and emotions

    Since Halloween is this weekend most of you are probably celebrating today or tomorrow. If you’re looking for one more really great Halloween activity for your celebration look no further! This is one of my all-time favorite Halloween sets because there are so many different ways to use it, making it something that every single child in your class can benefit from.  This shape practice set includes three activities to do with the included printable cards. Children can use the Jack-o-Lantern mats to practice visual discrimination and recognizing shapes. Cut out each Jack-o-Lantern mat and the extra face pieces on each page. Then ask students to match the extra pieces…

  • Compare and contrast with pumpkin

    What do you do with all of those pumpkin insides after you scoop them out? Sure, they make a great sensory experience, but have you ever considered doing an authentic compare and contrast? Simply put a large scoop or the insides of your class pumpkin on a tray or cookie sheet. Next to it, place a similar size scoop of canned pumpkin.  What do the children have to say about these two scoops of pumpkin? If they need a little guidance you could ask these questions: Those are both pumpkin, why are they different? What do they look like? What do they feel like? Do they smell different? What else…

  • Pumpkin Activity round up

    ‘Tis the season for pumpkin everything! Whether you’re carving your pumpkins for Halloween or trying to figure out how to use up all of the left-over pumpkins and gourds as Thanksgiving approaches, there are a million different ideas for classroom activities using pumpkins.  I thought I’d share some of my favorites so that you can get all of your activities in one place! Pumpkin Pie Dough from Fun At Home With Kids Pumpkin Moon Sand from Growing a Jeweled Rose Pumpkins, hammers, and golf tees from Exploring the Outdoor Classroom Describe a pumpkin using your five senses from Gift of Curiosity  Pumpkin Pie Art from Fun A Day Make a…

  • Friday Freebie

    Happy Friday! This month is flying by and I’m not sure that I’m happy about it.  The weather is approaching just a little bit chilly and I’m definitely not ready for winter, I want to hold on to fall as long as possible! That said, I’m also very much looking forward to Halloween, and this Candy Corn Alphabet bunting would be the perfect Halloween themed addition to any classroom! Download the free bunting from Mr. & Mrs. Brightside and enjoy with your class for the rest of the month!

  • Preschool Halloween Party Activities

    The most difficult piece of any holiday party is planning activities that will keep the kiddos busy, but still be easy enough that they can do them independently – because you barely have time to breathe during a party, let alone facilitate games and crafts.  I’ve put together a list of 10 activities that would be perfect for any preschool Halloween party. Mini pumpkin relays – challenge the children to place a mini pumpkin on their head and walk a short distance without it falling off.  If they’re really good at it see if they can circle around a chair or plastic cone.  Sensory bins – There are a million…

  • Planning a classroom party

    Whether you are planning a Halloween party or a Harvest Party, it’s time to start thinking about it! I know some people dread party days, but I love them.  Parties are the perfect time to build classroom communities.  They give the children a common event to look forward too and opportunities to bond over their anticipation, and throughout the actual party.  Over the years I’ve come up with quite a few tips for making those crazy party days run just a little more smoothly.  The planning makes all the difference, so consider your party details as I run through some of the questions you might want to ask yourself. What…