The season of celebration is upon us. The weather is getting cooler, the pumpkins are appearing in shop windows and ghosts are hiding just around the corner. Halloween is possibly is the most fun holiday for kids. Their imaginations soar as they plan their costumes, design their candy collectors, and gather together to go trick-or-treating. This year we are all looking for ways to join in the fun that will keep our families safe as we enjoy the first of the season’s holidays.
Of course, this being the Gabbing Blog, I have some ideas that may do the trick, as we find language treats to go along with the Halloween candy
Some traditions are forever, even in times of social distance.
Gather all of the old clothes, shoes, hats, gloves and get those make-up brushes out. Every family member can design their own costume and make-up effects. If your family shares a passion for superheroes, cartoon characters, or monsters go for a family theme costume extravaganza! Take photos for your family album, share to your social media pages, or perhaps to use as New Years Cards in just a few short months.
Create a Haunted House of your own. One family shared that they created a Haunted Staircase in their house, complete with cobwebs, ghosts, scary sound effects and flashing lights that are set to go off whenever anyone climbs the stairs. Spooky!
Work with your neighbors to set up neighborhood trick or treat stations. One family placed a bell at the curbside and set up a clothes line pulley system to send treats in a basket to the ghoulies and goblins that ring their bell.
Of course, this would not be the Gabbing Blog without an activity/game or two:. I have one that is traditional, and one that is brand new, just for you.
Create a Jack-o-Lantern.
Pumpkins are made for carving! Of course, when using sharp knives, be sure to keep them out of the reach of small children. The Kids can help scoop out the pumpkins and choose or create the designs that you will cut out.
Target Skills: Following directions, planning, vocabulary (Pumpkin, Jack-o-Lantern, serrated, seeds, scoop,etc…)
Materials: Pumpkin, serrated knife or pumpkin carving set, large spoons or scoops, magic markers, newspaper or plastic tablecloth, candles, matches. Optional: jack-o-lantern designs printed from internet sources, cookie sheets, colander, oven, spices)
Object of the activity: To create a Jack-o-Lantern, a holiday light made from a pumpkin or gourd that can be used to decorate a front porch, a windowsill or as a table centerpiece.
Step One: Place your pumpkin on a solid surface you can wash, or spread newspaper to catch any drips. Cut into the pumpkin, creating a circle around the stem at the top of the pumpkin, Remove this part, clean off any seeds or strings, and set aside to use as the lid of your Jack-o-Lantern.
Step Two: Pull out the guts and seeds using your scoop or a large spoon, smooth the inside of your pumpkin removing any strings.
Step Three: This step is optional, but tasty! Make a healthy snack by roasting the pumpkin seeds. Add to the fun by following these directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 F (163 C).
Remove the seeds from the stringy core by soaking everything in water to untangle the seeds. Pick out the seeds from the fibers.
Wash the seeds in a colander, drain well and pat dry with a paper towel. Too much water increases the roasting time and may make the pumpkin seeds soggy.
You can choose to leave the pumpkin seeds unseasoned, or you can add flavorings to the cleaned and dried seeds, be sure to combine well, to make the pumpkins seeds sweet, savory or spicy.
Spread the seeds evenly on a baking tray. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir the seeds every 5 minutes so they roast evenly. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes. Enjoy!
Step Four: Draw or trace your design on the outside of the pumpkin, using black magic markers. These form lines thick enough to be a bit forgiving when you carve curvy lines. Be sure that you leave enough pumpkin in your design to support the final creation. Too many holes in the pumpkin side will collapse your jack-o-lantern,
Step Five: Cut out your design. There are pumpkin carving kits that contain thin serrated-edged tools that you can use to saw the design into your pumpkin. These may be safer for older children to use. If not a serrated-edged knife can be used by the adult “sculptor”.
Step 6: Condition your jack-o'-lantern. Make sure that the interior of the pumpkin is smoothed without any hanging strings. Place it by a window to let it dry.
Step 7: Illuminate your jack-o'-lantern. You can use a regular tea lite candle, with safety in mind you can also use battery operated candles or flashlights.
Haunted House Hunt
This is a game for 2020! In neighborhoods all over the country folks have taken the time to decorate their houses, apartment windows and storefronts for your holiday enjoyment. Even if door to door trick or treating is not practical for your family you can still enjoy the Halloween experience together. Keep the spirit of the holiday alive for everyone!
Target Skills: Holiday Vocabulary (ghost, spooky, Jack-o-Lantern, pumpkin, monster, fun, trick, treat, ghoul, spider web, skeleton, costume, etc…), Attention to Detail, Following Directions, Concepts: same/different, scary/funny.
Materials: Costumes, make-up, treat bags, reflectors, twinkle lights, flashlights, Adult treat bag filled with candies, stickers, pennies, or anything your family likes best, camera or phone.
Object of the game: The child will earn treats or points for every Halloween themed decoration they spot on a neighborhood walk-a-bout.
Step One: Create a search-list of Halloween related items you are likely to see in your Halloween neighborhood tour. For younger children you can use pictures from the internet or your own drawings to create picture cards they can use to remember what they are looking for. Punch a hole in the corner of each card and place the cards on a ring-clip for easy access.
Step Two: Get all dressed up in your most creative costumes, adults and children together! This is your night to shine, literally. When going out after dark be sure to add reflectors and twinkle lights to your costumes for visibility. Carry Flashlights. Every child must have a treat bag.
Step Three: The Adult treat bag is filled with family favorite treats before leaving the house.
Step Four: Go Trick or Treating. Whether in Suburban or City Neighborhoods, Shopping on Main Street or Fifth Avenue, there will be a treat on every street. Every time your child spots an item on your search list, he/she gets to reach into the adult’s Treat Bag to get a reward.
Step Five: Be sure to bring your camera or phone to record the holiday displays. When you return home, you can create a memory board to enjoy along with your treats.
Happy Halloween, Everybody!!