Fall Harvest Day

Our school allows student to dress up for Halloween either on Halloween or the Friday before. However, due to respecting parents and their choice to participate in Holidays we call it our "Fall Harvest". At the school I taught at in Minnesota only Kindergarteners were allowed to wear their costumes to school and they only wore them for an hour for their "holiday party". Being at schools the last two years that allow students and teachers to dress up has been so much fun! I love seeing students and staff dressed up and the kiddos love it! My favorite student costume this year was a Manta Ray. A student who barely talked last year and who would barely draw last year came into this school year talking nonstop and loving to draw (especially Manta Rays- he even tells us that’s what he drew and it looks like one too). His costume was so perfect for him!

For our Fall Harvest Day, we took our students out to the Playground where we had centers set up to trick or treat at and to play different games. Below I will describe the tables and activities. We had our Speech Therapists, Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists all participate and come up with activities for their trick or treat center. When students weren't trick or treating, they were able to participate in the other activities or play on the playground.

Trick or Treating Centers

Most items students received at the centers were donated including lots of books, children's scissors, crayons, and candy.

Occupational Therapy

At the Occupational Therapy Center students were to pick up pom pom balls using tweezers or the adaptive scissors with a ball at the end of them. Once they completed the activity a few times they received their candy, a pair of children’s scissors and a box of crayons.

Physical Therapy

Students had to walk on a balance beam to trick or treat at the Physical Therapy Center. After completing the balance beam, they were given a children’s book and some candy.

Speech Therapy

At the Speech Therapy Center, students could either use verbal language or the communication device to ask for a "treat bag". Once they asked, they were given candy and some Halloween items to identify such as a spider ring, skeleton toy or yo-yo. Students also received a book at this center.

Activities

Pumpkin Washing

We placed water in a sensory table and soap and placed some mini pumpkins in it for the students to play with. A lot of them enjoyed this activity!

Painting

An easel was set up with paper and orange paint for students to paint. All of our students enjoy painting so it was fun to watch them be able to "free" paint instead of having it be a structured art project in the classroom.

Pumpkin Exploration

A pumpkin was cut open for students to see the inside of the pumpkin and to feel the pumpkin insides and seeds. We were surprised at some of our students who were willing to try this sensory activity!

"Bowling"

We didn't have a flat surface for students to bowl so we set up the cans and had students throw bean bags at them instead. They really liked it and did a great job taking turns!

We had such a fun time at our Fall Harvest and our students really enjoyed it! I am very thankful for our Therapists and our Preschool Coordinator who did most of the planning! We also received so many donations from outside organizations which was appreciated as well! Students went home with a little candy but also were able to bring home some new toys, a few books, scissors and crayons. I am so excited for next year’s Fall Harvest already! How does your school or classroom celebrate Halloween?

~ Marissa