To celebrate Halloween, the children at Candy Cuddles participated in a creative group activity where they made their own monster hands! I had already cut hand-shaped papers in various colors for the children to use, which allowed them to dive straight into the fun.
Each child selected their favorite color and began pasting googly eyes onto the hand shapes, giving each monster its unique personality. After decorating, they attached their monster hands to sticks, transforming them into playful Halloween decorations. To complete their creations, the children drew funny or spooky mouths, adding to the festive theme.
Learning Outcomes- This Halloween activity encouraged creativity and imaginative play while allowing children to practice their gluing and drawing skills. By engaging in this group project, they developed social skills and teamwork as they shared materials and ideas. The fun atmosphere enhanced their sense of belonging, aligning with the Contribution and Belonging strands of Te Whāriki.
The activity also supported the National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP) by fostering a culturally responsive environment where children learned to express themselves through art. The collaborative nature of the project embodied Whanaungatanga, as children connected with each other and formed positive relationships while working together.
Through this hands-on experience, children explored Halloween in a safe and inclusive environment, promoting cultural awareness and respect for diverse traditions. The activity not only sparked joy but also supported their development in a playful and engaging way.