The Montessori method is not just an educational approach for early childhood learning. It can also be applied to teach about holidays and seasonal events.

As we have mentioned before, the Montessori method helps prepare children to grow into strong, independent adults. For this reason, it encourages them to engage with real-life situations and elements from an early age. Specialists trained in the Montessori technique, created by María Montessori, suggest that children should be surrounded by real-world objects, without fantastical or fictional elements.

However, childhood is an important phase in a child’s life. So, if you want your children to enjoy seasonal celebrations without straying from the Montessori philosophy, you can apply these tips to help them enjoy special occasions. In this post, Central Montessori Schools (CMS) will share some ideas for celebrating Halloween, one of the most eagerly anticipated holidays for children and adults alike around the world.

How to Celebrate Halloween Using Montessori Principles

Halloween is celebrated every year on October 31st. On this day, it is common to see homes and streets decorated with spooky and fantastical elements. Children often get excited about dressing up as their favorite characters. However, if you have taught your child that these things do not exist in real life, they might feel confused when they see their friends or neighbors in costumes.

In this case, it is important to remember that one of the key principles of the Montessori method is freedom of choice and respect. So, if you notice your child is interested in this holiday, you can allow them to engage with their surroundings and participate in activities with their schoolmates or family members. At the same time, you can explain that Halloween is a celebration with different meanings.

For example, you can tell them that many years ago, Celtic communities celebrated the autumn harvest by lighting bonfires and protecting their crops. You could even incorporate a role-playing game related to farming and the harvest. This way, you tie real-life elements to the holiday, making it both educational and enjoyable.

Fun Halloween Activities for the Family

At CMS, we offer specialized classes and have experts who provide the best care for our children. Every season, we incorporate activities related to that time of year. In the fall, we have discussions and tasks focused on leaves and insects. These activities are also easy to recreate at home.

Here are some other activities you can do with your children for Halloween:

· Pumpkin Carving: One of the classic Halloween activities is carving and decorating pumpkins. To align this with the Montessori method, you can take your child to pick out their own pumpkin at the store or market. Then, let them clean out the inside of the pumpkin in their own way. Show them different pumpkin designs and let them carve their own creation.

· Designing Costumes: While fantastical elements are not usually associated with the Montessori method, you can still play dress-up. Ideally, you would encourage costumes based on real-life figures like doctors or police officers. However, if your child wants to dress up as a scary or fantasy character, you can help them design their own costume.

· Cooking Together: In previous posts, we have shared the benefits of cooking with Montessori children. Now, you can use that idea to prepare fall-themed dishes together. You could even play with the colors of the season by making food in autumnal shades. If your child asks for it, you can even make some “spooky” dishes and have fun in the kitchen.

· Sensory Box: If you have babies or younger children, you can create a sensory box with colors and textures related to the season. For example, you can fill a box with orange kinetic sand and add small objects like pumpkins, spiders, rubber eyes, and other items with different shapes and sizes for a sensory experience.

· Building a Skeleton: Another fun activity for Halloween is building a skeleton. Using seasonal decorations, you could get a puzzle or a human skeleton diagram and assemble it with your child. Make sure to teach them about each bone, turning it into both an educational and dynamic activity.

· Storytelling: Finally, you can celebrate Halloween Montessori-style by telling stories. To stay within the Montessori approach, you can look for stories that explain the origins of the holiday, its cultural significance, and the importance of respecting different cultural celebrations. A great book for young children is Halloween by Anna Canyelles, which introduces the holiday through global traditions.

Conclusion

It is entirely possible to celebrate Halloween while following the teachings of María Montessori. However, it is acceptable to be a bit more flexible during this time and let your child engage with the fantastical elements present in the holiday. You can explain why people dress up and go trick-or-treating, while also sharing real-world stories, like the arrival of autumn and the harvest. Remember, you should always allow your child the freedom to make their own choices. And whatever you do, make sure the activities are fun and educational to capture their interest. Do not forget that you can use seasonal elements for sensory activities, cooking, or even carving the classic pumpkin.

At Central Montessori Schools (CMS), we encourage families to celebrate holidays in ways that align with Montessori values. We offer activities and guidance to make these celebrations meaningful, educational, and enjoyable for children, fostering their curiosity and development.