Are you planning on having a Halloween classroom party?
Are
you celebrating Halloween in the classroom this year?
How do you have a great Halloween? Here are some tips for having a successful Halloween party in your classroom. Try one or all of these tips and your students will have a great Halloween celebration in your classroom this year!
Halloween Classroom Ideas
1. Limit Candy Consumption
Depending
on your school policy for Halloween and other holidays, error on the side of
less is more. Students will have candy, students will bring Halloween trinkets,
students will want to celebrate the spooky holiday. In preparation always buy
a bag of candy or two for students to celebrate success or good behavior
(if school policy allows it). Another great incentive is free homework passes
or another reward that students will find value in.
Start
class on Halloween by listing the agenda, "Today's goals are ....x.......y
........z..., If you accomplish them, then you will be rewarded with 2 minutes
of candy time at the end of class." That two minutes of candy time always
seals the deal. Wow! The teacher is allowing us to eat candy. (It's going to happen.
So prepare for it and allow it during a certain time).
Remember
that students appreciate a structure. Being the teacher with a structured class
on such a chaotic day will benefit your class. Make sure your objectives for
the day are clear and reward them appropriately for completing all the
tasks.
2. Students place ALL book bags in front of room
Keeping
book bags in the front of the classroom allows for less distractions. Students are less tempted to get in their bag
for more candy or other Halloween items. Your classroom will have less behavior
problems, less time talking about the book bags and other items, and more time
focused on learning.
3. Plan for a Halloween Activity
Your
entire lesson plan does not have to be Halloween based, but if you acknowledge
the day with a bellwork question, your students will remember it more.
Creating an environment to celebrate and acknowledge fun holidays is always
helpful in developing rapport with your students. Think about what your
students celebrate and how they celebrate it. Would having a Halloween math activity in class be helpful in building relationships with students?
However
you decide to celebrate Halloween, remember to have fun! This is a great
opportunity for building relationships with your students. Holidays are a great
time to show the students you can enjoy learning math in your classroom.
Happy Halloween!
