Halloween Activities for High School

by Caitlin Kelly

For high school students, Halloween usually involves parties, candy and costumes. Halloween is a fun and spooky holiday that some high school students also associate with mischief and pranks. It is still possible and fun to incorporate Halloween history and themes into school lessons. Teachers can encourage Halloween related activities, teach the origins of the holiday, or introduce students to writers in the horror genre of literature.
Read Horror Stories

Literature and English classes can incorporate readings of horror stories into lessons around Halloween. Halloween is a perfect time to introduce high school students to writers like Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley or Bram Stoker. Assign readings like Frankenstein or Dracula in the days leading up to Halloween. Then, have students watch and read selections of modern and updated versions of these stories. Discuss how these horror classics have influenced popular culture. Or, if the Halloween readings will be limited to one day, try reading one of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories or poems. Gather students in a circle and dim the lights for a spooky reading of "The Raven" or "The Telltale Heart."

Teach the Origins and Variations of Halloween

Halloween has had important cultural and historical implications for many different civilizations, and its meaning has developed as different cultures have influenced it. Halloween began as an ancient Celtic Pagan festival called Samhain. This festival marked the end of the summer and the plentiful harvest season, and the beginning of the winter, which was associated with death and darkness. These ancient people believed that the souls of the dead could return to Earth on the night of October 31st. Halloween developed out of these early festivals, and different cultures have added their own twists. Teach students about El Dia De Los Muertos in Mexico, and traditional bonfire celebrations in Britain and Ireland.
Fund Raise

Halloween is a good opportunity for student groups to raise funds for clubs or events. Students can work with the school administration in advance to organize a Halloween, costumed dance. Profits from the dance could go towards student activities, and such a dance would provide students with a fun and safe alternative to unchaperoned parties. Student-run clubs can also sell candy grams to fellow students to raise money for club supplies or events. Performing arts groups can perform Halloween themed plays or concerts to raise money for their bigger productions.

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