8 Ideas for Spooktacular Writing!

While some teachers cringe as distracting holidays grow closer, I like to embrace the moment and utilize it for good.  Good writing, that is!  

Halloween is upon us and if your little ghouls and goblins are having a hard time sitting still, start your day with, "Today we are learning all about CANDY!"  It is a powerful word - CANDY - and should not be used lightly.  So, be prepared to bring the candy out and have some eager learners by your side.  

What better time to work with candy than Halloween?  Instead of you having to go out and buy it, your kiddos will be bringing it home for your inspection.  Perfect!  

So, once you know the stash is good-to-go, try some of these ideas to incorporate candy and writing.

1.  For younger children, start by having them alphabetize the different candy they collected.  
2.  For children a little older, with eyes closed, reach in and grab one candy.  Write the letters on a piece of paper.  How many words can you make?  (For example, HERSHEY BAR:  her, she, he, bars, yes, see, bear, etc.)
3.  With empty wrappers, create a fun comic strip.  I love this idea below from Our Thrifty Home.

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4.  Write a narrative story-telling-adventure from the perspective of a piece of candy.  Where did he start, what did he see, what happened to him, and did he survive?!
5.  Make a "Candy Board" with various candies.  Use it to write out a story, make a yummy note for Dad, or cheer up a friend.  Here is an example of one.

6.  Develop a Facts and Opinion paragraph or essay on any candy of your choice.  It can be a real eye opener to realize most of our arguments are often opinionated even though we know the facts are more convincing. (For example, there are both facts and opinions I can write about Three Musketeers.  Facts:  chocolate, sweet, fluffy center, made by Mars, etc.  Opinions:  delicious, best chocolate bar invented, satisfying, etc.)  
7.  Construct a Comparison and Contrast paragraph or essay on two different candies.  Use a Venn Diagram as your graphic organizer.
8.  Jot down you Halloween night escapade.  This makes a perfect journal prompt on November 1st.  And, best of all, you child is capturing his or her fun memories for you to keep. 

Whatever you do, plan to have fun!  Some of the happiest childhood memories are centered around fun holidays and celebrations.  Drop the dread and have fun instead.  It will be spooktacular, I'm sure.   

Write On! 

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