Halloween Reading for Kids

Check out the countdown below-Halloween is closer than you think! It's time to start planning the perfect celebration, and remember that you can use the natural excitement of the holiday to motivate students. Start now to collect ideas and information that will intrigue your kids or group of kids as the holiday approaches.

And don't forget to stop by All Info About Reading for more reading ideas and lesson plans.

Halloween Poetry: A Super Attention-Grabber!

Put some poetry fun in your day

One way to get kids reading and build those fluency skills is to use poetry. There are some great poems around that have a Halloween theme. Look for Peanuts' Pumpkin Carols for younger kids, and some of Edgar Allen Poe's work for older students. Try these web sites for some ideas: Halloween Poems, Halloween Poems and Rhymes, and More Halloween Poetry.

Reading poetry builds fluency skills. First, model the fluent reading that you dream of for all students/children. Read the poem in your best style! Next, give your young readers a large-print copy of the work. Practice reading the poem together in choral fashion. Finally, assign single students or groups of students to each line or stanza and read call-and-response style. You (and your students!) will be amazed at how this simple and motivating activity can build skills and boost confidence.

Motivate Some Halloween Writing

It's a great time for scary stories!

One way to get kids writing is to use story starters. These tidbits range from a few words or a sentence all the way up to several paragraphs that begin a story then leave the reader hanging.

You can harness the power of story starters this Halloween by preparing now. Start early, and find or write down scenes that could lead to scary fiction stories. You can easily adjust these to suit the age of the children you are working with, but get them started! For young kids, make the story starter fanciful or even funny. Make it obviously pretend or themed around kids who are getting fooled. For older students, the sky's the limit! You can have fun with this project-GO FOR IT!

And here are some super one-liner story starters from ABC Teach-check out these freebies!
Halloween Story Starters

Halloween Jokes and Riddles

Hauntingly fun reading ideas

Halloween jokes and riddles may be just the ticket to motivate your reluctant or disabled reader this fall. Jokes and riddles are great because they are short, easy to read, and non-threatening. Your library will have tons of material, or check your local bookstore.

Check Out More Great Halloween Reading Ideas...

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Does it ever seem like Halloween is sneaking up on you? Here's how much time you really have for planning and prep!

(Halloween! is October 31, 2008)

Intrigued by Holiday Ideas?

The fun doesn't end with Halloween! Please visit these holiday lenses...

Christmas Reading for Kids: Roll right on to Christmas reading-don't miss a beat! Check out these great ideas to keep 'em reading over the winter holidays, too. You'll also find some super gift ideas if you are planning ahead.
Valentine Reading for Kids: Liven up the dead of winter with some Valentine's Day fun.
Valentine's Day Craft Ideas: We all know that crafts teach a whole lot more than how to cut and paste! Here are some seasonal ideas to go with the hearts and flowers.
Easter Reading for Kids: Let that bunny bring fun to your reading program.
St. Patrick's Day Reading Fun: Green books? Not quite, but there are lots of things you can do to relate reading and learning with the Wearin' O' the Green!
April Fool's Day Reading: You can spice up reading on this, perhaps the funniest holiday of them all!