These are the days of pumpkin spice, flannel shirts and crisp, and cool mornings. I love fall..both in and out of the classroom. There are so many fun ideas that you can do with your students to help them learn during this time of year. These Halloween ideas in special education can help. The pumpkin life cycle, cute storybooks and so much more add excitement to your day. Halloween fun in the self-contained classroom is easier than you think.
Pumpkins Galore
My class recently took a trip to the local farmer’s market. Each student was allowed to purchase two pumpkins to bring back to our classroom. This is what starts our Halloween activities in special education.
This is where their lesson of the pumpkin life cycle begins. Once we have exhausted the life cycle, I let my students dissect their first pumpkin. We cut it open and study the insides of the pumpkin. We count seeds, complete sensory activities with the goop and even follow directions to roast some of the seeds for a snack. The second pumpkin is all about fun for my students. They get to design and carve their pumpkin (with a little adult help) and we keep them out in the classroom as long as possible. Pumpkins create so much Halloween fun in the self-contained classroom.
Story Time
There are so many good books that you can read as Halloween activities in special education. Titles like The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything and Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich always appear on my classroom shelf. But, our very favorite is Spookly the Square Pumpkin. There are so many life lessons for my students. We discuss cause and effect and anti-bullying among other things. Storytime is always great Halloween fun in the self-contained classroom.
Can Your Students Escape The Pumpkin Patch?
Your students are stuck in a pumpkin patch and the only way to escape is by solving math, life skills and literacy-based questions. They can work individually or as a group through a digital or printable, highly interactive activity. There are pumpkins, trick or treating puzzles and more in this easy-to-use resource. The Pumpkin Patch Escape Room is designed specifically for Halloween activities in special education the self-contained classroom. Escape rooms are one of my favorite things to use with my students which is why I have created a year-long bundle to keep the fun going.
All the Emotions
Anytime I can incorporate social-emotional learning in a fun way in my classroom I jump on it. And if that way can be Halloween fun in the self-contained classroom then it is even better. That is why I love using my emotions and feelings pumpkin activity. My students can identify various feelings and emotions like being happy, sad, surprised, worried, scared, grumpy and mad. They work with flashcards, matching worksheets and several other differentiated methods of showing what they understand.
All Together Now
Do you wish that your entire Halloween season was planned out? Each detail ready to go so that you could focus on student learning? Well, friends, I got you! The Halloween Bundle has all you need. There are two escape rooms included, the pumpkin patch and autumn leaves. That means double the Halloween fun in the self-contained classroom. You also get the pumpkin emotions and feelings sheets and some spider printable and digital activities. I have also included a bonus spooky handwriting download. This resource will take care of everything but the grading.
Need More?
Want more fall ideas? Check out this blog post full of more Fall Activities. My number one goal is to make sure that you are supported in every way that I can. If you need more help then reach out to me on Instagram and let’s connect. You can also check out my other blog posts and my weekly podcasts, both full of resources and tips just for you.
