Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, is celebrated all around the world on October 31. It has its roots in an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain. In simple terms, Samhain was a fun festival that celebrated the changing seasons from light to dark, or in other words, from summer to winter. Today, Halloween is a time for kids to dress up in silly costumes, carve pumpkins into funny faces, and go trick-or-treating for candy! It’s all about having a spooky good time and enjoying the thrill of the season!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your social studies mini spark recording page: #31: Halloween History

2. Read this short article about the history of Halloween. On your recording page, explain the origin of the jack-o-lantern.

3. Read this article about the history of costumes.  Why did people start wearing costumes? Starting with the 1930s record a sentence or two explaining what the costumes were like for each of the decades that are listed.

4. Study this graphic organizer from Visual Capitalist. What are some possible reasons for trends or popular costume choices? Use information from this image to support your idea.

5. Pumpkins are a favorite at Halloween time. Watch this short clip and write 3 sentences  about how the characters are able to express emotions without any words.

6. Watch this newscast about a pumpkin that holds the world record for size.  What types of preparation do the farmers need to do to grow these giant pumpkins.

7. Share your social studies mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.