The highlight of the October month is right around the corner and Wise Wonder is all abuzz with costume plans and candy excitement and festive energy. There are so many things about this time of year to look forward to, but our favorite is the cozy weather! It invites you to stay inside, read a book, and jump into some crafts — when you’re not trick or treating, of course. 😉
We have compiled some of our favorite Halloween reads — and some corresponding crafts! — to keep your little ones busy as the weather gets colder and the days get longer.
Little Blue Truck’s Halloween by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry
Little Blue Truck is a classic among little ones — but what kinds of hijinx can Blue and his friends get into on the spookiest night of the year? This is a fun, interactive story that will have your little ones giggling throughout.
A fun activity to pair it with? Make your own Halloween lift the flap book! All you need is some paper (maybe cardstock to add a bit of weight to it), markers, glue, and any additional tricks and treats you’d like to add. We recommend finding pre-drawn coloring book pages online ahead of time — it adds a professional, illustrated look while also allowing your little ones to do the heavy lifting themselves.
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
This is a classic and beloved among many generations of readers, but it never gets old. It’s a silly story while still incorporating impressive rhyme schemes and some seriously spooky illustrations. Classics are classics for a reason, after all.
Rhymes are a great way to introduce independent reading to your little one. Print out rhyming words that can form little couplets or stanzas, cut them out, and have the kids put them together as they see fit! Parents can always be there for guidance and to help with the sounding out of words — or you can see how whacky random selection can get! Glue them down and have your little ones add illustrations!
The Roll Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders and Daniela Volpari
This book combines patterns with some classic onomatopoeia to create a very silly story that your kids are sure to enjoy. And it’s perfect for the whole season! While a lot of fall books stick strictly to Halloween, this includes the sights and sounds of fall itself — which we love best of all.
The messiest fall activity to pair with this book? Make a jack-o-lantern! Find a small pumpkin at the store or patch to minimize a typically very pulpy situation and go to town. But don’t get rid of those seeds — have the children arrange them on a baking tray and then pop them in the oven! Nothing says “Happy Fall!” quite like roasted pumpkin seeds.
Did you know Wise Wonder Enrichment is having a Halloween party of our very own? We’d love to see you there for stories, music, crafts, and so much more.
Happy Halloween!