Teacher Halloween costumes are usually either allowed per school policy or not. From asking my audience, I have found that the majority of schools still do allow costumes every fall.
I looooooove fall. Even when it’s rainy like today and I’m under the blanket.
And don’t even get me started on the candy.
But – something I never liked as a child and something I don’t like now: costume parties.
So weird, right?
My hubby LOVES costumes. {Side note: He was a theater major in college so there’s that.}
I know I can’t be the only one. Are you in the same camp with me or do you love dressing up too?
After polling my newsletter subscribers {Not on the list yet? Join HERE for free}, turns out I am definitely in the minority.
I asked “Are you a fan of getting dressed up for school during Halloween?”
They responded with the following:
As you can clearly see, most teachers love getting a chance to show off their creativity and have a little extra fun around this fall holiday.
Need some great examples? Keep reading!
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- Groundhog Day
- Winter
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- Valentines Day
- St. Patricks Day
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- Summer
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- Fall
- Halloween
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Alternatives to Halloween Dress Up day at School
While many schools allow traditional Halloween costumes, many feel it takes away from academic time.
If you are in a school that feels that way, but you are itching to grab a costume anyway, perhaps suggest one of the following ideas:
- Book Character Costumes:
Whether you are a middle school teacher or a preschool teacher, book characters are a wonderful way to incorporate seasonal fun into your literacy block. The idea is simple: students may dress up as their favorite book characters, rather than the latest trending superhero or ghost.
It really makes students stop to think about their favorite book and catch all the details about the character they love.
Plus, you can really build on it in class with cross curricular ideas such as writing a Venn diagram to show how their character is the same/different a another student in class, using addends and sums in math for various duplicate characters, and even looking for historical figures in social studies.
- Vocabulary Hat Parade:
Another option if you don’t want the distraction of all day costumes is a vocabulary hat parade. I have participated in one of these events myself with third graders and it is a hoot!
Simply grab vocabulary words from your grade level and pass one out to each students at least a week before the event.
Students and parents can work on their hat at home.
It needs to showcase what their vocabulary word means and should be on display somewhere on the hat.
Students have used baseball caps, winter beanies, or even just construction paper as the base for building their hats.
On the day of the event, student will line up by class and walk around a large space, such as a playground or cafeteria.
It really helps them to learn new vocabulary words and visualize what they mean.
They get a chance to “dress up” while still making it educational.
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See it HERE.
Costume Ideas for Classroom Teachers
Are you looking for some amazing teacher Halloween costume ideas? Below are a few of the best ever that would be easy for grade level individuals, groups, or partners to do!
From Sarah: “I have a picture from our Family Reading Night last year. We encouraged staff and students to dress up like their favorite book character. Mine was a random Weasley cousin.
Tina sent us a bunch to check out!
I love these dominoes – and super easy to put together!
Adorable group of educators there!
Milk and cookies!
Alyssa also sent in several – loving them all!
Loving this matching pair of costumes!
Need something quick? Grab a pack of photo props and you are good to go!
Who doesn’t love the Cookie Monster?
Fancy Nancy!
And Ms. Frizzle!
Can’t go wrong with Dr. Seuss-theme costume ideas.
Eric Carle group costume = so awesome.
Cat in the Hat cuteness!
Don’t forget Dog Man!
Thanks to the bloggers above who agreed to have their photos included. Make sure to click on their photos and follow them on Insta for more fun ideas.
Which is your favorite? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
~Charity
