Ghosts, scary things and Halloween

Ghosts

Halloween is sometimes embraced in Australian early childhood education, but many childcare centres avoid it completely. Halloween can be commercial and involve non-sustainable decorations. And aren't we supposed to be protecting children, not scaring them?

But what should early childhood educators do if children have a genuine interest in spooky things? Children can see ghosts, spirits, skeletons, werewolves, vampires and other mythical creatures in the media. Can educators follow their interests as part of a meaningful and intentional curriculum?

And what if the community really wants to throw a Halloween party? This celebration is often criticised as being too American, but early childhood education is inclusive and respectful. Cultural events popular in the United States are just as important as those from countries like Japan, Israel and Ireland.

How to link scary things to EYLF learning outcomes

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) supports learning about myths and magic. Ghosts and other scary creatures can promote curiosity, confidence and imagination (4.1). Educators can help children who ask questions about death or are scared by things they have seen (in real-life or the media) feel safe, secure, and supported (1.1).

Cultural events like Halloween help children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing and respectfully respond to diverse cultures (2.2).

Learning experiences

Research Halloween

There are many misconceptions about Halloween and cultures have celebrated it differently over time. Early childhood services that choose to celebrate this event could turn it into a research project.

Use the internet and create a survey for friends and family members to find out the answers to these questions:

What is Halloween?
Where did Halloween come from? Why did people first start celebrating Halloween?
How do people in our community celebrate Halloween?
Is Halloween too scary for some people?

Cook with pumpkin

Pumpkin is a nutritious and festive ingredient and Halloween is the perfect time to cook with it. Try one of these pumpkin recipes from Taste.

Dress up

Organise a dress-up day. Some children might not have suitable costumes at home so educators can help them make costumes during the day. If this sounds like too much fun or you are concerned that some children will miss out, hold the event for an entire week.

Explore your senses

Fill a trough with Halloween-themed items: fake spider webs, plastic spiders, small pumpkins and glow-in-the-dark toys. Occasionally throw in a few edible treats in wrappers for children to discover. Let the children explore the tub using all their senses.

Choose a craft

Halloween is renowned for cute, teacher-directed crafts and there are endless ideas on Pinterest and Instagram, but this is not consistent with a play-based curriculum like the EYLF. If you are determined to offer craft activities, let children decide if they want to participate and what they want to make.

Support children in using technology, including social media, to research Halloween crafts. Let them choose and plan how they want to celebrate.