History of Halloween

To Educators:

As fall is approaching, a fun way to get your students engaged are some games and readings about a holiday they are excited for. This lesson is about what Halloween is and how the holiday originated. This lesson is appropriate for 3rd and 4th grade students. Included in this eBook will be a video, a game, discussion questions, and a reading comprehension activity.

Learning Objectives:

After this lesson students will be able to:

• Comprehend and summarize the main idea of the text.
• Draw connections between the text and their own experiences or prior knowledge.
• Respond to open-ended questions with evidence from the lesson to support their answers.
• Understanding history of Halloween.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is Halloween?
2. Where did the name “Halloween” come from?
3. Name one traditions we do on Halloween.
4. What do you like most about Halloween?
5. Why do people carve pumpkins into Jack-o’-lanterns?

“The Halloween Costume Dilemma”

It was the day before Halloween, and Mia was excited! She couldn’t wait to dress up in her Halloween costume and go trick-or-treating with her friends. Mia had three costume options: a spooky ghost, a friendly pumpkin, and a magical witch. She couldn’t decide which one to choose. Mia’s mom asked, “Which costume do you think will make you feel happiest?” Mia thought for a moment. She imagined herself as a spooky ghost, scaring her friends and giggling. Then she pictured herself as a friendly pumpkin, smiling and sharing candy with her friends. Finally, she imagined herself as a magical witch, casting spells and flying on a broomstick.

After thinking it over, Mia knew which costume would make her happiest. She chose the costume that would let her be a friendly pumpkin, spreading smiles and joy wherever she went.

Multiple Choice Questions:

How many costume options did Mia have?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four

Why did Mia choose to be a friendly pumpkin?
a) She wanted to scare her friends.
b) She wanted to cast spells.
c) She wanted to spread smiles and joy.
d) She wanted to fly on a broomstick.

What holiday were Mia and her friends excited about?
a) Christmas
b) Halloween
c) Easter
d) Thanksgiving