Did Halloween
sneak up on you this year? I know time is flying when students
comment. The other day as we looked at our math calendar, a boy said,
"Wow, we're already in the 20's! I feel like we just changed the
calendar to October!" So, it's not just you and me that feel like
the year is going fast.
To help you save
the day and fit in a couple of Halloween items this week, I'm sharing two activities
that I use in my classroom (my explanations are probably longer than the amount
of time it actually will take you to do these!):
The first is a
writing & grammar lesson: A Pumpkin Cinquain! Cinquains are a poetry
style that lend themselves to time limitations. The main goal when
writing a cinquain is that it has five lines.
Then there are two different styles:
One style focuses on using a certain number of syllables per line:
Line 1 2
Syllables
Line 2 4 Syllables
Line 3 6
Syllables
Line 4 8
Syllables
Line 5 2
Syllables
The other
requires a certain number of words per line and is the form that I use. After spending the beginning parts of the
year teaching nouns and adjectives, I like to use this writing assignment to
introduce verbs, so instead of any type of word, students follow this format:
Line 1 1
Noun
Line 2 2 Adjectives
Line 3 3
Verbs
Line 4 1
Sentence
Line 5 1
Synonym
We begin by
reviewing/teaching what nouns, adjectives, verbs, and synonyms are. Then together we brainstorm a collection of
each (for synonyms, we usually just pull from the nouns). Grr! I’m so mad at myself for not snapping a
picture of the poster I created to display everyone’s ideas. After we shared all of our ideas, students
worked independently to fill in their cinquain rough drafts. Students compose their own sentences about
pumpkins using other words from our brainstorm poster for ideas. The result is this:
The second craft that I use in my classroom is a Bible lesson that I L O V E because it challenges the season of vampires, bats, and jack-o-lanterns. Instead of scariness, there is a sweet, simple message that requires very little explanation….and the prep for the craft is minimal! Here is what you will need:
-This copy of the parable per student (to glue onto the back so that they can share the message with their friends and family. I shrink the size when copying so that it fits on a single page)
-Single 8.5x11” sheets of black construction paper per student (for the background)
-Single 8.5x11” sheets of orange construction paper per student (for the pumpkin)
-1/3 of an 8.5x11” sheet of yellow construction paper per student (for the face)
-1 small piece of green construction paper (scraps are good for this bc it’s for a leaf)
-1 small piece of brown construction paper (scraps are good for this bc it’s for a stem)
Students need scissors, glue, and a white crayon for writing their names on their paper
Implementing the craft is pretty self-explanatory. We busted out this craftivity in 25 minutes! I begin by reminding students that while this is a fun season with candy and decorations, we as Christians are called to represent Christ and God’s love. Then I read the parable straight through, adding no commentary.
Now, it’s time to bring our parable to life! Students draw a circular shape on their orange construction paper. Remember, it doesn’t matter the size or shape because God made each of us fearfully and wonderfully in His image. Next, I ask the class what sort of eyes the Farmer give the pumpkin? TRIANGLES! How about the nose? SQUARE! And a mouth? SMILING! Students use the yellow construction paper for these parts so that it looks like a light really is glowing from inside their pumpkins. Lastly, they can add their stems and leaves. No coloring or writing involved!
There it is: two quick Halloween activities that you can fit into your week! If you are able to use either of these, let me know by commenting below, tagging me in your instagram/facebook photos, or using the hashtag #justlikevandyk
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