Trick AND Treat: 3 Non-Halloween Ways to Party

October is such a glorious time of year, especially in school. The leaves are turning (at least in the North East), you are getting into the swing of things after heading back to school, and there's nothing like fluffy teacher sweaters to make you feel cozy. Another plus about October in the classroom? The treats! And I'm not just talking about Halloween candy. Think pumpkin, apples, cinnamon, and cider! Also, who doesn't love the autumn decor, like the scarecrows, corn stalks, and more pumpkins?!

So, if you are like many other classrooms or schools who do not allow Halloween-themed parties in your classroom, here are 3 tricks for non-Halloween parties to celebrate this awesome month with your kiddos!

1. Pumpkin Party!

So I love me a good pumpkin display. I love carving pumpkins, roasting pumpkin seeds, and making pumpkin desserts. I also love using them as plain ol' decorations. You could easily have a Pumpkin Party day (or week, like I did) and spend the time using pumpkins during art, science, math, free time, cooking class, community outings, morning meeting, writing, reading, whenever!

2. Apple Fest!

If you haven't already had a similar celebration with apples back in September, try it out during October! You could take a class field trip to the apple orchard, learn about the life cycles of the  apple, try sprouting your own seeds, try your hand at cooking apple sauce with your class, and using literature and writing prompts in ELA. I've even see some cool social skills activities using apples.

3. Leaf Extravaganza!

This is the perfect time to focus your attention  to the leaves. Never do they look as beautiful as they do during autumn. Go on a nature walk to do some leaf-peeping and find interesting leaves. Use the leaves to create some beautiful art work. Read some leaf-related stories. Create a classroom Wishing Tree -while this one was election themed, you could totally do a similar activity during your leaf-themed instruction. Want some goodies for your leaf party? Look up some recipes for maple-flavored treats, or create and decorate leaf-shaped cookies! The possibilities are endless!

You might also like these awesome resources: The Autism Helper's Book Companions, Pumpkin Craftivity Freebie, Pumpkin Mini Unit 

Now for your treat! Click here for a special pumpkin-themed preposition worksheet!

ABA at Play: reinforcement, social skills, ABA teaching strategies, motivating operations

How will you celebrate October? Leave comments below!