The preschool children enjoyed a variety of activities to celebrate Halloween. What kind of day was Halloween for them? In fact, the children had been eagerly looking forward to it for days, wondering what costumes they would wear and how much candy they would collect when they go out with their parents.
On Halloween Day, the children first participated in creating little ghosts using shaving cream. They demonstrated focus as they problem solved how to squeeze out the cream with great effort. It was not only fun but also a great opportunity to strengthen their finger muscles and develop fine motor skills.
Next, the children made edible witch hats using a variety of materials. They placed icing on top of Oreo cookies and then added cone-shaped chocolates. Finally, they sprinkled shiny glitter over their creations. Watching their tiny hands scatter glitter was like watching them cast a bit of real magic.
There was also a group of children busily making their own treat bags, using art materials that allowed for choice making, and supporting their independent thinking. After completing their bags, they went ‘trick-or-treating’ at Judy’s office and to the kitchen with Karen. Showing them all their varied costumes, they received lovely gifts from them in their treat bag, and returned to the preschool room with bright smiles on their faces.
Back in the classroom, the children discussed with their teachers about the trick-or-treating they would do later that night. Their sparkling eyes were filled with excitement and anticipation for the evening ahead.
For the children, Halloween was not just a day to dress up and collect candy, it was a special day that sparked their curiosity and imagination. They imagined magical worlds filled with flying witches’ brooms and bubbling cauldrons, becoming whoever, they wished to be for the day.
Spending Halloween with their friends and teachers helped them build positive relationships while fostering creativity, imagination, and social skills. These joyful experiences will serve as a valuable foundation, helping the children grow with confidence and positive energy as they step into the wider world.
We wonder what other learning opportunities will emerge through future celebrations.
