A not so scary Halloween

Soon in some of our streets you may notice some jack-o-lanterns, cob webs, and assorted indicators that let you know that Halloween is approaching. Halloween in Australia seems to be growing in popularity as a family event each year, but whether or not it’s something your family celebrates, Halloween is an opportunity to have conversations about themed things you see, plus add in some new vocabulary to stretch your little one’s knowledge, and explore some new and classic picture books together.   

Even with very young children there are some not-so-scary activities you can take part in while helping your little one feel safe! You could try decorating a pumpkin together, icing some monster cupcakes or making a fizzy lemon spider as you explore the funny words and sounds that come with Halloween, like 'spooky', 'frightening', 'skeleton', 'spine-tingling', 'trick or treat', 'hocus pocus', 'cackle' and 'BOO'! You can even try stirring a pumpkin soup with a spooky spell with words that start with the same letter or rhyme. Have some fun with it and coming up with some great nonsense! Try this one for fun – and look up the meaning of 'wargs' together!  

Wands of wood and warts of wargs, wings of bats and wounds from swords 

For little ones who are learning to manage fear, books can also help with big emotions. Read more about ideas here and ask your local library for other book suggestions. Otherwise, if you’re not heading out to trick or treat, dust the cobwebs off some of these beloved stories and get cuddly together with a flashlight.  

• Funnybones by Allan Ahlberg 
• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown 
• In the Deep End by Charlie Thomson
• Meg and Mog by Helen Nicoll 
• Pig the Monster by Aaron Blabey 
• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson 
• Stellaluna by Janell Cannon 
• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson 
• There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Bat by Lucille Colandro 
• What was I Scared of? by Dr Seuss 
• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak 

Check your local library to borrow these and many more titles and resources.