Halloween : Language Activities

Pumpkin Activity

This activity develops language skills around the concepts "shorter / longer" and the "same". Using a real pumpkin, have the children estimate how long their string should be to fit exactly around the middle. Have each child come up and measure their estimated string length around the pumpkin. Children should state whether their string is too short, too long, or the same size as the class pumpkin. Make a chart for the children to tape their strings.

Ghost Activity

This idea can be found in the Oct. / Nov. 1997 Mailbox Magazine (see Fine Motor / Art page for subscription information.) This activity helps children identify their classmates and use their reasoning skills to detect "whooo" is hiding under the sheet. Use a parent communication to request the donation of a large white sheet for this activity.

Monster Feelings

Numerous language and emotional growth activities can be found on pages 38 & 39 of the October / November 1997 Mailbox Preschool edition. Our favorite activity is called "No Monsters at my House." Our little monster is attached with velcro and can be removed for a color matching activity. You'll have to purchase the magazine to find out what the words are to the cute poem that helps associate a color to a feeling. (See Fine Motor / Art page to purchase these exciting activities.)

Everyday Language Activities

Some of our children with no understandable language are excited to use assistive communication devices. We start our training using a simple two choice device with photos to which the children can easily relate. Once the children understand the cause and effect relationship, we graduate to more choices to communicate basic needs and desires.

Room on the Boom

Check out this new book on the Literature page. At the bottom of the page there is a short discription of how this delightful book can be used in a language lesson.

For additional information, please contact: Ms. Kathy Van Velzen by e-mail.