Halloween is a unique holiday—it can be scary, exciting, and silly all at the same time, and hosting a festive party is the perfect way to bring some of that amazing energy into the classroom during the fall. You might feel spooked at the thought of planning a party, but these simple ideas and tips will help you throw a terrifyingly terrific Spanish-language Halloween party.
Set the Scene
A few days before the party takes place, use class time to create decorations with students. You can use conventional images, such as black cats, pumpkins, and bats, but also try to incorporate some decor inspired by cultural images. For example, many of the surrealist paintings done by the Spanish painter Dalí conjure up thoughts of horror movies. Choose a school appropriate piece to show students and have them design a decoration based on what they see. Additionally, you could create streamers in the style of papel picado using the traditional Halloween colors orange and black. Finally, don’t forget that music goes a long way in establishing the perfect ambience. There are several Spanish-language Halloween songs available online, such as Las Calaveras Salen De Su Tumba.
Activities & Games
Who doesn’t love a game of Lotería in Spanish class? Students get to practice vocab words related to Halloween while also enjoying a fun, easy-prep party game. Be sure to include a variety of word types, including adjectives and verbs, so that students can use the new vocabulary for another spooky activity: ghost stories. Depending on your students’ proficiency level, provide prompts or scaffolds for crafting scary sentences or short stories. For more spooky inspiration, read a cultural folktale like aloud such as La Llorona from Mexico. Lastly, no Halloween party would be complete without costumes! One possibility is to hold a costume contest where students come dressed up as a famous Hispanic person or character.
Treats
Candy and sweets are abundant during the Halloween season, but if you would rather students share “compliment cards” shaped as treats that is a wonderful alternative. This also gives students the opportunity to practice writing in Spanish while still celebrating Halloween in the classroom. For a cultural “treat,” students can choose a tourist site in a Spanish-speaking country and take a virtual field trip or explore with Google Earth.
Hosting a Spanish-language Halloween party in class offers a fantastical brew of fun, culture, and language practice. By integrating creative decorations, engaging activities, and meaningful treats, you can create an unforgettable experience that celebrates both the spirit of Halloween and the richness of Hispanic cultures.
By Kelli Drummer-Avendano
Also read:
6 Spooktacular Ways to Celebrate Halloween in the Classroom
Halloween Celebrations Around the World
