October in the Classroom

With or Without Halloween

Story Elements, Grossology, & Fear Factor

I have seen so many cool ideas for Halloween in the classroom. In my current district, we are not allowed to dress-up (enter sad face here). But there are some creative ways to work in the holiday without celebrating.

One of my favorite October picture-books to read to my class to teach story elements is Borris and Bella.

This is a short, cute story about a monster ball and two main characters who start out by being each other’s nemesis but end up drawing on their differences to make each other better. I use a plot diagram with the story which students fill it out after I read the book to them. You can find the book HERE, if you want to check it out.

Grossology

Another way to bring some October to your class is by creating a science day using Grossology. Grossology is a great way to keep the students engaged on the 31st with lots of gross science!

I use the book Grossology by Sylvia Branzei to create my stations. You can find it here. There are several in the series, but the link I posted is my go-to. There is also a cartoon series on YouTube that are great companion videos to the stations.

In the past, I have created stations that the students work through, but it is even better if you can get your grade level to participate so you only have to be in charge of one station. All the teachers have a station and classes rotate through. The stations I have used in the past are:

• Colliods- learning about solids suspended in liquid

• Burp-o-matic

• Fake wounds

• It’s Not Snot

• Fake Blood

• (and so many more options- check out the book!

Fear Factor

I also love to throw in a Fear Factor station where the students get to try eating bugs, if they dare! I get a variety of the dried critters from Amazon in different flavors. They are really gross but the kids love them. It offers the perfect picture opportunity.

Rotations take about 20-25 minutes each. I always print up some fun crosswords and coloring pages, practice multiplication, etc. to put in a packet if there is any downtime during one of the stations.

If you need a template of a schedule or a list of items needed for your rotations, shoot me an email and I will send you the one I have used in years past.