chool is well underway and everyone is happily falling into the routine. Starting back at Bytown Nursery School again with my third child, I am reminded of all the wonderful experiences that lie ahead for him at Bytown. There are mornings filled with new experiences, making friends and having fun with "Cathy and Dorothy".
Another new experience just around the corner is Hallowe'en. Many young ones will not remember Hallowe'en from last year or will experience it in a whole new way this year. Hallowe'en is a time filled with excitement for children. What with, dressing-up, going out after dark, scary sights, candy and treats, it can be a little overwhelming for pre-schoolers.
They may be filled with questions. Who or what are all those creatures in strange clothes and what are they doing? Why am I dressed-up as someone or something? Why can't I eat all this candy right now? Sometimes a little preparation ahead of time can save you from later tears.
Talking about Hallowe'en, doing crafts, making costumes and reading books about Hallowe'en can help make the season fun and less scary for younger children.
Making a spooky pumpkin tree is a fun and simple way to decorate your home for the holiday. Draw silly or spooky jack-o-lantern faces onsmall pumpkin shaped gourds. Then hang them by their stems from your trees. Interspersed with paper ghosts made with paper towels, it can make a spooky sight!
A paper towel ghost is easily made with a little help from Mom or Dad. Roll a piece of paper towel into a ball and place inside another piece of paper towel tying it in place as the head. The outside paper towel becomes the ghost's body. Draw a face and tie it up around outside so it can blow in the wind!
Another way to get in the spirit is to read some great Hallowe'en stories. Here are some suggestions for some spooky, but not too spooky reads!
Have a happy and safe Halloween from your friends at Bytown.