​Get your hands on this book here:

J is for Jack-O'-Lantern ​by Denise Brennan-Nelson

There aren't enough alphabet books in the world. The more exposure little ones get to the alphabet, the better (without resorting to flashcards!). This book is so much more than just another alphabet book. Although there are Halloween-y pictures for each letter along with a nice rhyme, it is actually aimed at older kids. Every page also has a factual paragraph to accompany it, giving the history behind costumes or particular symbols linked to Halloween. Filled with facts and fun!
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​⚈​ 1 Play ideas    ⚈​ 2 Classroom Activities  
Play dough pumpkins - Age 2+
​What child doesn't enjoy opening a present? Try hiding objects inside play dough and let them search through it. Or use plastic eggs (easy to find around Easter time) and hide an object inside then cover in play dough. If it is around Halloween, try making black and orange dough and create your own play dough jack o'lanterns. Toddlers and preschoolers can help spread the dough around the egg (and of course open them up!). Older kids can help cut out faces and decorate the pumpkins. It is a nice activity that suits siblings of different ages.

Read about when we originally shared it on Instagram -  HERE
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Shadow investigation - Age 4+
Next time you are planning on carving a jack o'lantern, why not make a template for it? Try using something sturdy like cardboard, cut out your pattern and then it can also be used to create some great shadows. Let kids play around with a flashlight and the template and challenge them to make the biggest shadow possible and to try and figure out the best way to do it. This is a common science investigation in schools, that can but done with any theme really. 

Read about when we originally shared it on Instagram -  HERE
  • Use the book as a jumping off point for research into one of the many facts 
  • Create a class story for another holiday or event using the layout of this book (a fact for each letter of the alphabet)
Click below for other books and activities about Autumn (and Halloween):