It’s October 30. It’s a Friday. That means it is the eve of all hallows eve. Hallowe’en, as if things aren’t strange enough on Fridays in the classroom. Days like today are good social opportunities that are fun and chaotic. However, they can also be awkward and stressful for some students.
In my class, the students have streamed in wearing a variety of amazingly well thought-out costumes, while others sport the same tops and pants they’ve worn all week. As they enter, the room’s giddiness level rises as students guess what the other is wearing followed by smiles, giggles, and compliments. The only way to describe the energy in the room is bristling.
There I was, last night, purchasing student friendly treats in an aisle filled with other teachers doing the same. For some reason Hallowe’en is a day long permission slip to bend the healthy schools guideline, and it has been written by the candy companies. Or is it time to let off a little steam after 2 months in the classroom?
One way or another, there will be candy and other treats.
In our classroom that means; peanut free, sesame free, gelatin free, as well as a vegan option. When planning for days like today, it is important to understand the dietary diversity of our learners. This can be a great chance to learn about our students and celebrate our differences with one another.
At the start of this post I mentioned all of the amazing costumes that some students were proudly wearing, but not all. How do you ensure that all students feel included in your classroom? Do you offer an alternative to activities that some students are uncomfortable taking part in due to religious or other reasons? How can this moment be used to include students, rather than make them feel excluded?
This is also a great chance to discuss trick or treat strategies (candy, reflective clothing, manners) and safety on Hallowe’en night. My students love hearing about my 2 pillowcase candy retention system from the old days.
My class is having a party. It is student organized with the following requirements; inclusive of all students whether they are wearing a costume or not, treats must be peanut/sesame free, no gelatin gummies, sour keys etc that are not Halal friendly, and have fun.
This scene is playing out through the halls of our school with teachers and admin getting into the spirit as much as the students. Hope you have a ghoul time.
Well done Bro! Not sure about your area, but here they have now limited the hours for trick and treating. 4pm to 7pm, remember when it was a all night thing and parents stayed home!
Thanks Tim, I do remember running the streets for hours pn end to shake down the neighbours for treats.
I probably burnt off the sugar in-take while running from house to house for 3 or 4 hours.
Many homes in our neighbourhood are choosing to keep the lights off.
Not everyone has grown up with Hallowe’en as part of their culture, and that is becoming very evident in the classroom.
Hope no little ghouls and monsters scare you when they come to your door.
I definitely remember Trick or Treating taking up most of the evening – well into the dark hours! I find now that kids are out and finished before (or just barely after) it gets dark now.