Most people think of Halloween as all about the costumes and the candy, but there are lots of ways you can sneak in some literacy fun on this spooky night.
First, realize that literacy is more than just reading and writing. Numeracy, drama, physical activity and social literacy are also important skills.
Social literacy is practiced every time you knock on a door or ring a bell. Kids learn that there is a prescribed greeting (“Trick or Treat”), and that they are expected to say thank you after they have been given a treat.
If you’re lucky enough to live in a neighbourhood with plenty of houses and sidewalks, Halloween is great physical activity, too. Motivated by candy and fuelled by the excitement of the night, kids love racing from house to house for an extended period of time.
Halloween even encourages play-acting, as children will often get into the spirit of their costume and “act” like whatever they have become for Halloween.
Finally, Halloween can be a great way to encourage numeracy skills. My sons’ favourite part of Halloween night is always returning home to sort and count the candy. (They really love math!) They spend time deciding which things go together, which things were most popular to give out this year, etc.
Do you have a Halloween tradition that encourages literacy in some way? Share it here for others to try out this year!
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