Send us a text

Ever found yourself torn between Halloween excitement and curriculum demands? You're not alone. That tension between creativity and standards alignment represents a false choice we don't need to make.

Remember that administrator who once told me schools shouldn't have crayons and children should practice sight words during recess? That mindset risks creating environments where children learn to hate learning. The truth is, creativity isn't expendable—it's essential. Crafts develop crucial fine motor skills (especially important for today's digital natives), provide visual learners opportunities to shine, inspire meaningful writing, and build classroom community.

The transformation happens when we add a STEM lens to traditional crafts. Instead of prescribing exactly what to create, we present open-ended challenges that encourage critical thinking: "Your ghost needs to hide at a crowded party without being recognized. How might you solve this problem?" This shift from directed crafting to problem-solving allows for diverse solutions and authentic engineering processes.

What's fascinating—and troubling—is how children's problem-solving abilities often diminish after third grade as test preparation increasingly dominates the curriculum. By continuing to provide design thinking opportunities, we can counteract this trend and nurture innovation.

Halloween offers perfect opportunities for meaningful creative learning. From ghost disguises to "Spookly the Square Pumpkin" STEM challenges, October activities can develop critical thinking while honoring creativity. These aren't just seasonal distractions—they're powerful learning experiences developing tomorrow's innovative thinkers.

Ready to transform your October classroom? Grab my "Disguise a Ghost" and "Spookly the Square Pumpkin" resources in my shop for complete, ready-to-implement activities that balance joy with learning. How will you say yes to creativity this Halloween season?

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Disguise-a-Ghost-Template-Halloween-Door-Decor-Opinion-Narrative-Writing-Paper-14382857

Spookley/Spookly Graphing & Activities | Pumpkin Patterns, Bookmarks, Retelling & Sequencing

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Send us a text

Feeling that mid-fall classroom fatigue? You're not alone. The back-to-school adrenaline has faded, student behaviors are surfacing, and those carefully crafted routines are starting to fray at the edges. It's the perfect storm of teacher exhaustion that hits just as the calendar turns to October.

This episode tackles the very real phenomenon of "teacher fog" – that overwhelming fatigue that creeps in when the novelty of the new year wears off but the holidays still feel distant. I'm giving you full permission to recalibrate without guilt. Whether you need a mental health snow day or simply strategies to protect your dwindling energy reserves, we've got practical solutions to help you shake the fog.

The reality is that sustainable teaching sometimes requires a pause. We explore simple systems for regrouping your classroom routines, transitioning kids back into structure, and building in predictable activities that reduce decision fatigue. From emergency sub plans (including a free downloadable day) to creating "smart stations" that engage students while giving you breathing room, these strategies will help you navigate the messy middle of fall without burning out.

This season doesn't have to derail your teaching joy or your wellbeing. Take it one day at a time, celebrate small victories, and remember – it's okay to prioritize sustainability over constant innovation. Your classroom (and your health) will thank you. Ready to shake the fog and reclaim your teaching energy? Listen now and join our community of educators who are tired of pretending teaching isn't exhausting sometimes.

Free Sub Day of Plans:

https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/subplansdayone

October Sub Plans:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/October-Sub-Plans-2nd-Grade-Emergency-Sub-Plans-2nd-Grade-Sub-Tub-Sub-Binder-11981267

November Sub Plans:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/November-Sub-Plans-2nd-Grade-Emergency-Sub-Plans-2nd-G

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Send us a text

Sugar highs, costume talk, and boundless energy—October's Halloween excitement can quickly derail even the most carefully planned lessons. But this seasonal shift doesn't have to steamroll your learning objectives or your sanity as a teacher.

This episode dives into practical strategies for maintaining classroom stability during the Halloween season. We explore why October presents unique challenges—from increasingly distracted students to disrupted routines and schedules filled with assemblies and special events. Rather than dreading this time, you'll discover how thoughtful preparation can transform your experience.

The key to October success? Strong anchors that keep your classroom steady. Maintaining consistent routines provides the stability students crave, especially those with special needs. Cross-curricular Halloween themes allow you to acknowledge the season while continuing meaningful instruction. And having backup plans ready—whether you need them or not—gives you flexibility when October exhaustion hits.

Most importantly, you'll learn that fun doesn't have to equal chaos. Students don't need elaborate celebrations to enjoy the season; they need engagement. Simple activities like Halloween-themed "Would You Rather" discussions that incorporate movement and opinion writing, spooky STEM challenges, and character analysis through costume themes can create memorable learning experiences without sacrificing classroom management.

Ready to embrace October's energy rather than fight it? Listen for practical ideas to keep learning both fun and focused during the Halloween season. And if you're looking for ready-made resources, check out Trina's TPT store for seasonal activities that maintain educational value while acknowledging students' Halloween excitement.

Halloween Resources

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!