Halloween seems to have exploded in popularity over the last few years in Australia. If you're like me and want to experiment with some Halloween-themed activities in your classes without having to put in boat-loads of effort, here are 10 easy starter or brain-break activities you can modify for any year level and subject area.
Enjoy!
1. Halloween-themed word snake
How it works: Start by writing a Halloween-themed word on the board (eg. "ghost") and then give students 5 minutes to come up with the longest word snake they can. In this game, the last letter of one word serves as the starting letter of the next, creating a continuous chain (or snake) of words. For example, if the first word is "ghost," the next could be "trick." This engaging activity reinforces vocabulary and spelling skills while encouraging students to think critically about word connections. It's a fun and interactive way to enhance language skills in any classroom!
Tip: This can be modified by simply getting students to brainstorm as many words as they can (ie. remove the snake requirement)
2. Halloween-themed mystery words
How it works: Write 5 Halloween-themed words on the board, but instead of writing the words, draw dashes that correspond with each letter (hangman-style). As a class (or in groups), students have to correctly guess all 5 words. I like doing this one as a whole-class so you can give hints as needed.
Example:
- - - - - (ghost)
- - - - - - - (pumpkin)
----- (witch)
------ (spooky)
3. Spooky story quickwrite
How it works: Find a spooky picture online (eg. of a haunted house) and give students 5-7 minutes to write the spookiest story they can think of. This works best if students write their story by hand in silence.
Tip: If students are having trouble coming up with an entire story, they can just write a spooky description of the image.
4. Two-word horror story challenge
How It Works: Students try to create the spookiest story they can in just two words (like “It’s alive” or “She’s gone”). Students can share their stories with the class or write them down to see who creates the creepiest one.
Bonus: Have them illustrate or pair their story with a drawing if time permits.
5. Halloween-themed would you rather
How it works: Write a series of Halloween-themed “would you rather” questions on the board (e.g., “Would you rather spend a night in a haunted house or watch horror movies alone in the dark?”). Ask students to choose a side and share their reasoning in small groups or with the class.
Examples
- Would you rather spend a night in a haunted house or a night in the woods with no phone or flashlight?
- Would you rather be a vampire who can only go out at night or a werewolf who transforms once a month?
- Would you rather see a ghost once a week or have a house that makes creepy, unexplained noises every night?
6. Character costume design challenge
How it works: This one works best in English classes. Ask students to draw or describe their Halloween costume if they were going to go to a party as a character from the novel you've studied. What details can they think of to make it that little bit *extra*?
Tip: This could be modified for other subject areas by changing the requirements eg. “design a costume for a famous historical figure or famous scientist we've studied this year"
7. Halloween Pictionary
How it works: Write Halloween-themed words on small pieces of paper (like “witch,” “bat,” “zombie,” “haunted house”) and have students draw one and illustrate it on the board. Others can guess what it is!
Tip: Use words related to your subject (e.g., "haunted cell" for biology or "ghost equation" for math) to keep it slightly educational.
8. Murdle
My friend introduced me to Murdles this year and I'm obsessed!!
How it works: Help Deductive Logico to solve the latest crime by using your skills of deduction. You'll be given clues and evidence, possible murder weapons, suspects and possible murder locations, and it's up to you to solve the puzzle.
Find Murdles here: https://murdle.com/?mode=tutorial
Tip: Try the mini daily first if you're new to Murdle (https://murdle.com/?mode=tutorial)
9. Spooky sounds guessing game
How It Works: Play short, spooky sound effects (like a creaking door, howling wind, or ghostly moan) and have students guess what each sound is. Keep the sounds mysterious and Halloween-themed.
10. Halloween Riddle Challenge
How It Works: Present a few Halloween-themed riddles. Let students work in pairs to solve each riddle, or invite volunteers to share their guesses aloud.
Examples:
Riddle: What do you call a witch who lives at the beach?
Answer: A sand-witch!
Riddle: Why did the skeleton go to the party alone?
Answer: Because he had no body to go with him!
Riddle: What type of dog do vampires like best?
Answer: Bloodhounds!
Riddle: What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman?
Answer: Frostbite!
Riddle: Why don't mummies take vacations?
Answer: They’re afraid they’ll relax and unwind!