Halloween Descriptive Writing

Are you looking for a last minute Halloween activity? Maybe something fun but also engaging and incorporates writing?? I was searching for an activity for my students that was a little "spooky" but also followed the curriculum, too and I couldn't find anything.  So....I created these Halloween Descriptive Writing Task Cards.


These cards can be used to practice descriptive writing, as story starters, journal entries or even as daily warm ups.
How I use them: I give each student a task card and a graphic organizer. (There are 20 task cards. Most are a little scary like the ones below, but there are a few cute ones for those students who may not like Halloween.)  I project the task card on the board while they describe it to the class using their five senses.

Graphic Organizer

Check them out here!

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Halloween Contests for the Classroom - Free Printables

Looking for some Halloween fun in the classroom? Halloween is my favorite holiday and I love that there are so many great activities to do with students this time of year! I put together a few printables for you to use in your classroom, including a language arts, math and art contest.
                                             

1. Language Arts: Short Story Writing- My students are learning story elements and plot this month. We are reading short stories, but not writing them. So why not have them write a scary short story for Halloween? To get them excited and thinking, we go over possible characters: a witch, a zombie, a vampire, etc. Spooky settings are fun, too! Graveyards, haunted houses. You could even give them a story starter, "It was a dark and stormy night."
   

 2.  Art: Since it is a little difficult (and dangerous!) to have a pumpkin carving contest, why not have a pumpkin decorating contest with paper? I love any art projects with my ELL kids because I am always amazed at their talent.

3. Math: How Many Candy Corn Are In the Jar? - This is a lot of fun in math class. Of course, you can use any candy for this contest. (I like fall colored M&Ms!)

To download these printables, click here!

Thanks for looking!

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ESL Classroom Expressions and Commands for Your Classroom

Create a word wall with these classroom expressions and commands for your ESL classroom! I know that getting my students to speak English aloud is a real challenge for me, especially when most of their classmates speak the same home language. I set up words and expressions around the classroom for them to refer to so there are no excuses for not trying English first. These are great for those beginner ESL students who are still learning classroom English. 

Each card has a visual to help students understand what you are saying to them or what they may want to ask you.

                                           
Which expressions/questions are included?

• I have a question.
• I don't understand the directions.
• How do you say that word?
• May I use the dictionary?
• May I borrow a pencil?
• Do we have homework?
• May I work with a partner?
• May I go to the bathroom?
• May I sharpen my pencil?
• May I use my phone?

Teacher commands:

• Sit down, please.
• Stand up.
• Go to the board, please.
• Write on the board.
• Put away your books.
• You may work with a partner.
• Open you book.
• Close your book.
• You may work in groups.

Download this free resource from my TpT store here!

P.S. In case you haven't downloaded our free ESL classroom vocabulary cards, check them out here!

Enjoy!

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St. Patrick's Day Writing Freebie

I created this lesson as a quick and fun way to practice descriptive writing. It can be used with many grades. Below I have showed an example by a first grader and by a fourth grader. Enjoy!

The first page tells the kids there is a leprechaun loose in the classroom! They must fill out a "Wanted Poster" to catch him quickly! Then you can review what adjectives are and brainstorm some words together or individually.

Next, have students come up with a funny name for the leprechaun and a reward. (My kids chose a "pot of gold" for a reward.) Kids will write a description using lots of adjectives/descriptive words.

Last, they will draw a picture of the leprechaun according to their description.

Display in the classroom for all to see!

"Larry the Leprechaun" completed by a 4th grader.

"Lucky the Leprechaun" completed by a 1st grader.

Thanks for looking! Click here to try out this FREE "Leprechaun Descriptive Writing Activity".

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