Classroom GamesNo. 6128 · The 2026 edition
6 Ways to Make October Spooktacular
October is here, and so is the chance to turn your classroom into a magical, spooky wonderland! Discover six creative ways to channel kids' Halloween excitement into meaningful learning. From selectin
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at drlorifriesen.com.
This resource provides six practical strategies for educators looking to embrace the Halloween season in their classrooms. It focuses on transforming student enthusiasm into educational opportunities through carefully chosen seasonal literature and interactive literacy activities. The guide includes specific book recommendations tailored for Halloween themes and offers step-by-step instructions for creating dynamic literacy centers that keep students engaged while celebrating the holiday.
About this
Show notes for an episode of the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast in which host Dr. Lori Friesen shares ideas for making October engaging for beginning elementary teachers. The episode covers channeling students' seasonal excitement instead of suppressing it, working fun seasonal literature into the day, keeping things light and playful to raise engagement, spicing up classroom management with the Halloween Mystery Motivator, and using the 'Meet My Lil' Monster' informational writing activity to build writing skills. Friesen notes the ideas work even in schools that ban the word Halloween or Halloween activities, and the page links her October First-Year Teacher Bundle, a free on-demand masterclass of the same name, glow-in-the-dark haunted house literacy centers, the October Imagination Station, Halloween joke morning work, and a free 8-day challenge for first-year teachers hired mid-year. It closes with platform links, related episodes, and a short bio.
The list
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01
10 Best Halloween Books (And a Glow-in-the-Dark Haunted House Literacy Project)
Related episode pairing Halloween book picks with a glowing haunted house project.
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02
The Magic of Five-Minute Field Trips
Related episode on short in-class field trip ideas.
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03
Ultimate Student Engagement: 5 Positive, Easy, & Creative Ways to Get & Keep Your Students' Attention
Related episode with five attention-keeping strategies.
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04
Infusing Imagination Into Your Teaching
Related episode about bringing imagination into teaching.
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05
Fast Finisher Challenges that Are NOT Busywork: The Imagination Station
Related episode on meaningful tasks for early finishers.
Where to watch: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Stitcher · iHeart Radio
More photos
Photos hosted by drlorifriesen.com.
