• Raw popcorn kernels
• Small paper lunch bags or plain coffee filters
• Popcorn popper
• Oil (unless using an air popper)
• Optional: Salt and butter

• Locate a popcorn popper and decide where to pop the popcorn. If you use an air popper, you can place it on a large, low table in the meeting room; find an electrical outlet and, if needed, obtain an extension cord. If no air popper is available, you will need access to a stove-top, preferably in a kitchen. Plan how you will gather the children so everyone can watch the popcorn pop, but at a safe distance.
• Ask about allergies and food restrictions! If any children have dairy allergies or a vegan diet, plan to avoid butter. Then, buy supplies. You will need three tablespoons of vegetable oil to pop popcorn in a pot on a stovetop.
• Test the popcorn popper to make sure it works. Note: Air poppers sometimes turn on sensitive heat-activated fire alarms. Ventilate well.
• Set lunch bags or coffee filters near the popcorn-popping area so you can easily hand out individual servings.

Celebrate Halloween with the sound of the burst of the kernels and the aroma of the cooking, with POPCORN!

Consider popping the popcorn with the lid off (or remove the bowl from under an air popper) so the popcorn flies all over! Maybe just for part of the time, if you prefer less chaos. Popcorn flies up to three feet in the air. Gauge your group. For some preschoolers, hearing the explosive popping may be just enough excitement.

Children who have sensory issues may become overstimulated. Assess the preschool group's tolerance for this type of activity and adapt as needed.