I grew up celebrating Halloween and loved every minute of it, especially the costumes and candy. My parents had some guiding rules: nothing scary, no blood, and no gore, preferably fun things.
Later, when I started working, I noticed how some children did not participate in Halloween activities at all because of religious reasons. After conversations with my parents, I realized that this was one of their reasons as well. This experience made me notice that these children often had ‘alternative activities’ during holiday celebrations and, as part of it, were separated and excluded.
As clinicians, we often use holidays as inspiration for themed activities. However, not all students celebrate holidays, and some may only enjoy certain aspects. For example, I could take part in the fun and costumes, but not the scary parts. This raises an important question: How can we create holiday-themed activities, like those for Halloween, that all children can feel included in, regardless of their traditions? My approach is to focus on inclusive fall themes such as leaves changing, pumpkins, hay rides, and s'mores around a bonfire to support student goals.
Here are some of my favorites:
Grasping/Finger isolation: Print out a tree, cut sponges, and put on a clothespin. Use red/brown/yellow washable paint and decorate the tree! Maybe place small dots where to target to add a visual motor component. Or use a washable ink pad, and finger tips to add on the leaves!
Sequencing: Caramel apples and s’mores are favorite fall treats! Sequence the steps in building a smore (with print outs or food items). Add in variables, different options of graham crackers, types of chocolate (bars, peanut butter cups), marshmallow or marshmallow fluff, or different ‘doneness’ of roasted marshmallows.
Typing/Writing: For upper elementary, mad libs are a great way to use a fall theme and still target writing or typing. For lower elementary, trace letters, holding a fall item, like a plastic apple or leaf. If you live in a fall foliage area, leaf letter write! Use pieces of leaves to make the uppercase letters, or crumple leaves into a texture like sand and write letters in them!
Remember, reframing holiday activities—such as those at Halloween—ensures that all children feel included and respected. Focus on broad themes so everyone can participate.
Author: Joy Burkley
