<h2 id="e8df7788-4cd4-4230-8bd5-9a74d14d8cf5" data-toc-id="e8df7788-4cd4-4230-8bd5-9a74d14d8cf5">Classroom Management Tips for a Fun and Focused Halloween with ADHD Students</h2>Halloween in the classroom can be equal parts exciting and challenging, especially with middle schoolers who have ADHD. The trick (and treat!) is to make Halloween enjoyable and educational while keeping students engaged. Here are practical strategies to help you manage the energy of Halloween week in a way that supports all students—especially those with ADHD.<hr><h3 id="178db34c-bb92-4e51-a1d8-f1c433eabe34" data-toc-id="178db34c-bb92-4e51-a1d8-f1c433eabe34">1. Set Halloween Expectations Early</h3>Let your students know at the beginning of Halloween week if your class will be participating in any Halloween activities, like classroom trick-or-treating or themed lessons. Setting clear expectations early helps ADHD students feel prepared, easing any anxiety they may feel about changes in routine.Trick-or-Treat Tip: If you’re going to allow classroom trick-or-treating, consider having it in the last 10 minutes of class. This keeps students focused throughout the lesson while giving them something fun to look forward to at the end. You can take this time to “chillax” as they enjoy their treats. Make it clear that clean-up is essential—if candy wrappers or other trash are left behind, remind them that there may be no candy or food allowed in class until Thanksgiving. This approach encourages responsibility and minimizes distractions.<hr><h3 id="80ebd066-368e-409a-8350-c22ed77a7c37" data-toc-id="80ebd066-368e-409a-8350-c22ed77a7c37">2. Incorporate a Cut-and-Paste Activity</h3>Halloween week is the perfect time for an interactive cut-and-paste activity, which is hands-on and helps ADHD students stay engaged. You can adapt this to suit a lesson or theme related to your current ELA unit. Here’s an idea that brings in both creativity and collaboration:<ul><li>Interactive Notebook or Butcher Paper Activity: Have students cut out words, images, or symbols that represent a theme from a short story you’ve read recently. Each class gets its own butcher paper or poster where students can glue or tape their cutouts to represent their unique take on the story. Let them get creative! Although it might look a bit messy, the students will love the chance to express themselves.</li><li>Classroom Competition: After the cut-and-paste activity, encourage students to view each other’s posters. Then, hold a vote on which class had the most creative or meaningful poster. This is a great way to engage all classes in a bit of friendly competition, making it educational and fun—a perfect combination for ADHD students who thrive with active, hands-on learning.</li></ul><hr><h3 id="3ee0a2cf-c441-4be9-864d-0b7bd5ac70c4" data-toc-id="3ee0a2cf-c441-4be9-864d-0b7bd5ac70c4">3. Tie It into a Story They’ve Read</h3>Halloween-themed activities are a fantastic opportunity to bring literature to life. Tie the cut-and-paste activity or a classroom discussion into a spooky or suspenseful story you’ve read in class. For example:<ul><li>Connect with Themes or Characters: If you’ve read something with a Halloween or mystery theme, such as “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Tell-Tale-Heart-ELA-Quiz-Writing-Matching-Activity-Figurative-Language-12307001">The Tell-Tale Heart</a>” by Edgar Allan Poe, ask students to reflect on themes of suspense, fear, or mystery. Then, they can create visuals that represent their interpretation of these themes and add them to the class poster.</li><li>Engaging Questions: As students work, ask open-ended questions like, “What would happen if our story took place on Halloween?” or “How might the characters celebrate Halloween?” This keeps students focused on ELA concepts while allowing them to use their imagination.</li></ul><hr><h3 id="b950b360-abe7-4286-9f4a-b8e06801fb50" data-toc-id="b950b360-abe7-4286-9f4a-b8e06801fb50">4. Use Movement and Visual Cues</h3>The excitement of Halloween can make it hard for ADHD students to sit still and stay focused. Adding movement breaks and visual cues can help redirect their energy:<ul><li>Short Movement Breaks: Incorporate Halloween-themed movement breaks, like a “ghost walk” around the room or a quick “zombie stretch.” These short bursts of activity let students release pent-up energy, making it easier for them to settle back into their seats and focus.</li><li>Visual Cues: Use a color-coded signal (like a traffic light system) to let students know when it’s time to listen, participate, or wind down. For instance, a green light could mean group activity time, while a red light signals time to quiet down. This technique provides ADHD students with clear expectations and helps them self-regulate during the lesson.</li></ul><hr><h3 id="844a82f0-326f-4615-9484-9830d349f1d2" data-toc-id="844a82f0-326f-4615-9484-9830d349f1d2">5. End the Day on a Calm Note</h3>After an exciting Halloween lesson, it’s crucial to wind down with a calming activity. Consider wrapping up with a quiet reflection or journaling exercise where students can write about their favorite part of the day or share a memorable Halloween moment.Calm Options:<ul><li>Journaling: Prompt them with questions like, “What’s one thing you enjoyed about today’s activity?” or “If you could be any character from our story for Halloween, who would you be?”</li><li>Reading Time: Dim the lights, let students get cozy, and have them read a short Halloween-themed poem or story.</li><li>Soft Background Music: Play some calming instrumental music to create a relaxed classroom atmosphere, helping students wind down from the day’s excitement.</li></ul><hr><h3 id="f32ee10e-ceff-4788-a8f9-ccfa0fbccc99" data-toc-id="f32ee10e-ceff-4788-a8f9-ccfa0fbccc99">Wrap-Up</h3>Halloween doesn’t have to be a chaotic day in the classroom! With these strategies, you can create an environment that’s fun, educational, and supportive for all students, especially those with ADHD. By setting expectations early, incorporating hands-on activities, encouraging creative expression, and adding calming elements, you’ll create a classroom experience that’s memorable for both you and your students.Happy Halloween, and here’s to a day of learning, laughter, and a little Halloween magic! 🎃

Classroom Management Tips for a Fun and Focused Halloween with ADHD Students

Classroom Management Tips for Halloween to Support ADHD Students

Explore ADHD-friendly ELA strategies, homeschool & classroom tips, diagnostics, and engaging resources for grades 6-8 from Light Up Literature™ Curriculum

Middle School ELA Blog – ADHD-Friendly Tips & Strategies | Light Up Literature™ Curriculum

Discover teaching techniques, ADHD-friendly routines, homeschool support, and ELA resources for middle school grades 6-8.

Classroom Management Tips for Halloween to Support ADHD Students

Classroom Management Tips for Halloween to Support ADHD Students

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