Session 30: Halloween

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Chalice Children, in Preschool

In This Section

Introduction
From Chalice Children

You got to do when the spirit says do! — “When the Spirit Says Do,” Hymn 1024 in Singing the Journey Halloween can be a scary time for preschoolers embedded in magical thinking. Perhaps the child wearing the mask really does transform into a monster! Celebrate the gentler aspects of the holiday…
Session-at-a-Glance
From Chalice Children

Activity Minutes Activity 1. Free Play 15 Activity 2. Circle Rhymes Transition 5 Activity 3: Circle Time 5 Activity 4: Story 5 Activity 5: Ghosts 15 Activity 6: Circle Games 10 Faith in Action: We Celebrate Holidays Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1: Popcorn Party 15…
Spiritual Preparation
From Chalice Children

Take time before the session and find a quiet place for reflection. What are your memories of Halloween as a young child? Were there houses you would not approach because they were too scary? Were you attracted, or repelled, by the decor and costumes?…
Opening
From Chalice Children

Description of Activity In the Chalice Children program, sessions begin with Activity 1, Free Play rather than a formal Opening. The chalice is lit in Activity 3, Circle Time.
Activity 1: Free Play
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Name tags Variety of free play options, such as toys, a puzzle, a storybook, manipulatives, dramatic play props, and markers and paper Supplies for a free play activity relating to Halloween Preparation for Activity Make name tags for the children …
Activity 2: Circle Rhymes Transition
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Circle Rhymes posters Preparation for Activity Display the Circle Rhymes posters from Session 1. Description of Activity Using the same songs and chants each week will help the children transition smoothly and predictably from free play to Circle Time.
Activity 3: Circle Time
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice-lighting words, written on newsprint Chalice with tea light flame or other preschool chalice option Feelings Chart or Feelings Flashcards by Todd Parr Preparation for Activity Post the chalice-lighting words on the wall near the Circle Time…
Activity 4: Story
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Story book Preparation for Activity Choose a story from the following suggestions: Little Boo by Stephen Wunderli, 2014. The leaves fall, the wind blows, and one little pumpkin seed tries and tries to be scary. But he doesn’t scare anyone . . ….
Activity 5: Ghosts
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Facial tissues, at least two sheets per ghost Rubber bands, one per ghost; small bands work best (so children don’t have to double a band to fasten it) String or yarn Black markers Preparation for Activity Cut string or yarn into 18-inch lengths (o…
Activity 6: Circle Games
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 10 minutes Preparation for Activity Familiarize yourself with the games and songs. Display any posters you have made. Description of Activity Gather in a circle on the floor. Play the games and sing the songs. Keep the pace brisk to help the children stay focused. Welcome, Chalice…
Closing
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Taking It Home handout Markers or crayons Preschool chalice Optional: Envelopes, hole punch, and yarn or ribbon Preparation for Activity Download and adapt Taking It Home and make a copy for each child….
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Chalice Children

Reflect on these questions and discuss them with your co-leader: How do we feel about what went on during this session? Why? What was the best part of this session? Why? What preparation do we need for the next session?
Faith In Action: We Celebrate Holidays
From Chalice Children

Description of Activity The theme of Unit 5 is “We celebrate holidays.” Use one of the many traditional service projects associated with various holidays or design your own Faith in Action activity based on the customs and practices of your congregation….
Alternate Activity 1: Popcorn Party
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Raw popcorn kernels Small paper lunch bags or plain coffee filters Popcorn popper Oil (unless using an air popper) Optional: Salt and butter Preparation for Activity Locate a popcorn popper and decide where to pop the popcorn. If you use an air…
Taking It Home: Halloween
From Chalice Children

You got to do when the spirit says do! — “When the Spirit Says Do,” Hymn 1024 in Singing the Journey IN TODAY’S SESSION… We celebrated the gentler aspects of Halloween and helped the preschoolers enjoy and understand the traditions while they explore their fears. EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER….
Find Out More
From Chalice Children

October is national popcorn popping month. Read some 17th-century Europeans’ observations of popcorn-popping among indigenous Americans, and find many fun popcorn facts, on this http://www.popcorn.org/AboutUs/PopcornPoppinMonth/tabid/72/Default.aspx… website. “Even in its secular and commercial…

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The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Session 30: Halloween

Tapestry is Sunsetting

Shop Books & Gifts

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Get Inspired for Worship

Prayer in Response to Political Violence

Find Faith Development Tools

God Is Like Darkness