Hey there, teacher friends!
Did you know that October is National Book Month for all our American teachers friends? How cool is that! So let’s kick off October with a real “treat”.
As Halloween approaches, many teachers are looking for books and films that they can share with their students to celebrate this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for novels and movies that are spooky, mysterious, or just plain fun, there are plenty of options available.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some of my top 13 favourite Halloween books and movies for teachers that are perfect for your Special Education class. So get ready to add some Halloween magic to your classroom!
Pig the Monster by Aaron Blabey
“Pig the Monster” is a children’s book featuring a lovable but self-centred pug who sets out to scare his friend Trevor to show off his bravery.
However, things do not go as planned, leading to a hilarious and heartwarming story that teaches valuable lessons about empathy, kindness, and treating others with respect.
The book is perfect for Special Education students, with engaging storytelling and adorable illustrations.
The Witches by Roald Dahl
“The Witches” by Roald Dahl is a beloved children’s book that has been captivating readers for decades! It tells the story of a young boy who discovers a coven of witches who are planning to turn all children into mice.
It’s one of our favourites to read in our classroom.
One of the things that makes “The Witches” such a special book is its message. Dahl uses his story to teach children about the importance of courage, kindness, and acceptance. He shows them that even when things seem hopeless, there is always a way to triumph over adversity.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling
I know… How could we not include it? I mean it made everyone fall in love with reading again, it’s an icon.
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” is a magical adventure that introduces readers to the wizarding world. J.K. Rowling’s writing is enchanting, and her characters are unforgettable.
This book is a must-read for both children and adults who love fantasy and adventure.
Plus, it even has a chapter (chpt 10) entitled “Halloween”!
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
“Room on the Broom” is not only an entertaining read, but it is also a great picture book for special education classes.
The colorful illustrations and simple, rhyming text make it an accessible read for students with various learning abilities.
The book’s positive themes of friendship, kindness, and cooperation can also be used as a valuable teaching tool for social-emotional learning in the classroom.
There was an Old Mummy who swallowed a Spider by Jennifer Ward
“There Was an Old Mummy Who Swallowed a Spider” is a funny and colourful picture book suitable for high school students with special education needs.
The rhyming text and humorous illustrations make it an accessible read for students with different learning abilities, and it can also be used to teach science topics like animals and the food chain in an engaging way.
Frankenstein By Usborne Young Reading (Rosie Dickins)
I actually stumbled across these amazing book sets at my local library. They are really great for special education! These are easy reading chapter books, yet still have the harder subject matter that maybe older students require.
“Frankenstein” by Usborne Young Reading is a beautifully illustrated and simplified retelling of the classic horror story.
The manageable chapter lengths and accessible language make it an engaging and enjoyable read for students with different learning abilities, as well as introducing them to classic horror literature.
Gnome Alone
Gnome Alone is an animated film that promotes teamwork, acceptance, and addresses themes of fear and courage.
The movie features a strong female protagonist and teaches children the importance of working together and appreciating differences – perfect for special education classes!
There is also a good comedy element to the movie, making it a great choice for this Halloween season.
Hocus Pocus by Walt Disney
Hocus Pocus is a Halloween classic that has been entertaining audiences since its release in 1993.
The movie tells the story of three witches who are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night and must be stopped before they can cause havoc on the town.
The movie teaches important lessons about the consequences of bullying, the power of friendship, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
This could be a good idea if teachers wanted to utilise these themes, so that that for students to learn and discuss its topic further.
The nightmare before Christmas by Tim burton
Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a beloved animated movie that gives you all the spooky feels!
If you’re studying design and animation, this movie is definitely worth checking out! It’s the perfect way to set the tone for a Halloween celebration in your class! This movie is one of our top favourites and is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit!
The witches – older version
We absolutely love anything spooky with Anjelica Huston – She is amazing!
If you want to be really intrigued, watch the older 1990 version of “The Witches”! This is the best witch movie in our class’s opinion – it’s magical and adventurous!
Students could perhaps do a film study and compare both versions of the movie – making notes of similarities and differences. It’s a truly great movie to watch with your class and get into the Halloween spirit!
The little vampire
Although “The Little Vampire” movie didn’t do amazing at the box office in 2017, it’s still a good little movie to watch!
It stars Rudolph, a 13-year-old vampire, who meets Tony, a 13-year-old human. Both help each other to fight against the notorious vampire hunter after Rudolf and his family.
It’s spooky and exciting, yet also has great social undertones for courage and friendship! It’s definitely a movie worth checking out with your class.
Hotel Transylvania
“Hotel Transylvania” – we all know it and it just sets the scene this Halloween for any class this season!
We love Adam Sandler as Count Dracula in this comedy play of monsters in a monsterfied hotel. It’s funny, engaging, and has some great themes about not judging a book by its cover! It’s a great movie to watch with your class, and it’s sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit!
Wallace and Gromit the curse of the Wearrabbit
“Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” is a good one to keep your students guessing!
It’s mysterious and funny for everyone to watch, with great claymation characters taking us on an adventure to find the Were-Rabbit.
It has a beautiful undercurrent of friendship and what you would do for your friends. It’s a fantastic movie to watch with your class, and it’s sure to have everyone entertained and engaged!
Click here for Halloween Directed Drawings
???? Want to engage your students and unleash their creativity? Try our fun and easy directed drawing tasks! ????️
Our 10 different drawings are expertly differentiated for all learners, and come with step-by-step worksheets and animated PowerPoint slides.
No big prep needed for teachers! Let your students unleash their inner artists and have a blast doing it!
Click here for Halloween Morning Work
or time to spookify your mornings with some Halloween morning tasks! ????
These daily warm-ups are perfect for getting your students excited and engaged at the start of each day.
Levels 1 & 2 come with a full page for each school day in October, featuring a range of components, including literacy, maths ➕, emotional check-ins, telling time, community signs, calendar writing, and life skills. Get ready for a hauntingly good time this October with these spooktacular morning tasks!
Click here for Halloween MEGA BUNDLE or wanting to make Halloween extra special for your students this year? Check out our Halloween bundle!
Just download and get ready for some spooky fun in your classroom! With simple, differentiated activities for every student, everyone can join in on the fun and make this Halloween unforgettable!
Thank You! ❤️
Thanks for hanging out with us! We hope you found this post helpful to both you and your special students.
Be sure to check us out when it comes to special education teaching resources and ideas, The Special Education Studio is where it’s at. Visit our website and socials for helpful tips, resources, and personalised support.