How to Survive Halloween as a Teacher

By LAURIN BRAINARD Updated Oct. 18, 2023

Halloween falls on a Tuesday this year which means that we not only have to survive Halloween day, but also the THREE school days that follow. Here are a few quick teacher tips to help you not only survive, but enjoy one of our student’s favorite days of the year. Click here to save this post to your favorite Pinterest board to read again!

1. Choose a Comfortable Costume

You will be wearing this costume all day long while still being expected to perform your teacher duties, so save the itchy wig and high heels for trick or treating. #dontbecrazy This year I dressed up as a blue crayon and it was the best costume ever! I got to wear my soft black leggings with boots and a comfortable shirt. #bestcostumeever

2. Be Prepared to Throw Out the Lesson Plan Book

I always have jam packed lesson plans on days like Halloween. It is one of those days where I MUST keep my students busy if there is any chance of enjoying the day. However, it never fails that parents will show up with cupcakes, cookies, and treats galore even if we did not plan a classroom party. When this happens, just push something off the lesson plans to make time for special surprises at the end of the day.

My favorite resource for Halloween is this NO PREP Halloween Packet. It includes everything we need for a complete day of learning that covers so many standards, and it even has editable lesson plans already made for you! It is easy to pause lessons as needed and pick up where we left off at a later time of the day. Check it out here:

HalloweenActivities

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3. Have Extra Costumes Prepared

There are always a couple of kids who show up to school without a costume. My sweet littles are so sad and embarrassed if they are the only students without a special outfit. I always make sure to have some animal clip art printed out so that I can easily turn a sentence strip and clip art into a costume! Just wrap the sentence strip around the child’s head, staple the clip art of their choice and….tada… Instant costume.

4. Don’t be Afraid to be Silly

This year, my students are naturally chatty. Finding ways to keep the chatter to a minimum is a struggle…especially when all my kids are wearing costumes. I made sure to have silly stories, a class reflection, and lots of giggles to keep the chatter down and the learning a priority.

5. Save Treats for the End of the Day

Several students will typically show up to class with treat bags for their friends. I allow this, but we wait to pass out until the very end of the school day. Otherwise, it never fails that a few kids will be sneaking candy throughout the day. Nothing is worse than having to take away their treats because they didn’t follow directions.

6. Have FUN!

Halloween is supposed to be a fun day. If your school is like mine, then students will be wearing costumes. We even have a parade! Spend this special day getting to know your students and plan some special activities to do with them. It is days like this that they will remember forever.

I hope these tips help you make the most of your Halloween with your littles! Here is an free resource you can use with your students to make Halloween a fun day for your students:

HERE ARE SOME OTHER FALL ACTIVITIES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:

Fall Fine Motor Activities

A Thankfulness Writing Project

Fall Activities for Kids

Laurin

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