Autumn poems

Halloween Treats – Activities

Spooky Word Bank
Literacy

Read the poem to inspire a discussion about children’s own experiences of Halloween. (This may need to be done with sensitivity and caution, depending on your setting. There may be some children in your class who are not allowed to take part in Halloween activities. In this case, the discussion could be related to general parties and dressing-up.)

As the children share their experiences, make a bank of spooky words. These words can be displayed on bright pieces of card and inside ‘zig-zaggy’ shapes, in the style of the Meg and Mog story books. These words can be added to a display board or put inside a cauldron, in writing, reading or role-play areas.

Spooky Spells and Magic Mixtures
Mathematics

Children can follow magic spells or make up magic mixtures of their own at the messy table. A set of plastic cauldrons, spoons for stirring and measuring and a variety of Halloween-related items could inspire the spookiest of spells. The children can begin by following simple spells using items made of plastic or card etc. For example: Add 2 spiders, 3 toads, a spoonful of goo and a sprinkle of magic dust (glitter).

Spooky Counting Pictures
Mathematics