Witches, Pumpkins, and Grinning Ghosts: The Story of the Halloween Symbols
#4 of 4 in Baby's First Holidays and Festivals Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (143)
What’s inside...
Discusses the history and lore of Halloween symbols and describes holiday observances in various countries. Here are the stories behind all the familiar and not-so-familiar symbols of Halloween.
Discussion points
What do you think each Halloween symbol represents and why?
How do you feel when you see images of witches or ghosts during Halloween? What emotions do they bring?
If you could create your own Halloween symbol, what would it be and what would it symbolize?
Why do you think people have used these symbols for Halloween for so long?
How do the stories behind these symbols change the way you think about Halloween?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each symbol and its story. Listen actively without interrupting.
Relate the symbols from the book to real-world Halloween experiences, which can help make connections between the book and your child's own observations.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to explore cultural history together, maybe even looking up more information about Halloween traditions around the world.
Help them think creatively by asking what symbol they would invent for Halloween, enhancing their engagement and making the conversation more interactive.
Reinforce that there are no right or wrong answers in these discussions, fostering a comfortable environment for open expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Cultural Significance
Explanation: The book provides a historical overview of Halloween symbols, explaining their origins and how they have evolved over time.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to appreciate and respect cultural traditions in diverse societies.
Example Lesson: Importance of Storytelling
Explanation: Each symbol’s backstory is shared through engaging narratives, highlighting the power of storytelling in preserving history.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to value oral and written stories as a way to communicate and pass on important information and traditions.
Example Lesson: Developing Research Skills
Explanation: As the book unfolds the investigation into the roots of various symbols, it encourages a curiosity-driven approach to learning.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore the background of other cultural symbols or traditions they encounter, enhancing their research and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Creativity
Explanation: The book showcases how traditional symbols can be creatively used in celebrations.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use their imagination to create their own representations of cultural symbols or to invent new ways to celebrate traditions.