Ok, here we are again. It seems as though there are costumes and candy in every aisle of every store. Teachers are already looking ahead to the Monday after Halloween weekend with some trepidation. We know many of our students will return to school either crashing from a sugar rush or still in the midst of one.
As you may know, these sugar-laden children can send teachers in search of a large chocolate bar of their own. In the meantime, we are still looking for some padding for the walls so when kids bounce off them they won’t hurt themselves.
Last year I sent out a plea for everyone to hand out something besides candy to the kids who come knocking on your doors. This year I find myself again asking for your help and I have some alternatives to suggest.
Stickers/Temporary Tattoos: The kids all love these. They are inexpensive, fun, and won’t send the kids (or their teachers) climbing the walls. There are many types available – everything from fairies and flowers to glittery gems and pirates.
Little Notepads: Ok. I know what you are thinking. Trust me, kids love to doodle and draw and write notes. They can’t get enough of it. I know this is true because many teachers (myself included) have commented on how much the kids love to write notes and doodle. Again, these are fairly inexpensive, come in a variety of colors and sizes, and are sugar-free.
Pencils/Pens: Yes, I know…but believe me when I tell you they don’t have enough. Besides, this will come in handy after your neighbor has handed out little notepads. This also has the benefit of not causing a tummy ache from over-indulgence.
Bouncy Balls/plastic rings: These are fun. I admit to being hooked on bouncy balls, myself. They are just…cool. Little plastic spider rings or those rubber band bracelets that are all the rage would also be a hit. Kids like that stuff. Bouncy balls and plastic bracelets also do not cause cavities.
Scarrots: Ok, ok…I know this is the least favorite. I had to add it, however, because I was so impressed with seeing this in the store this past weekend. They are little baby carrots in little bags decorated with a Halloween theme. I thought it was kind of cute. I admit this is not one my kids were overly excited about. I think I heard the words “lame” and “how embarrassing” when I suggested handing those out this Halloween. Go figure.
I admit, when I was a kid I went trick-or-treating. I dressed up and went door-to-door in search of candy. When it was over, I would go home and dump the entire bag onto the floor and pick out my favorites to eat right away. Luckily, my family would never let me gorge, and would take the candy and put it away for me. At the time I did not appreciate that. Now, I do. After all, they did know what was best for me. I was just a kid. Today, however, I see many effects of Halloween. The kids are tired when they return to school, they have brought pounds of candy to eat for lunch, and many are simply bouncing off the walls. A little is a fine thing…I personally like a little something sweet now and then. However, I would like to ask you again this year to offer something a little different. Think outside the trick-or-treat bag.
If you are determined to give away candy….I am sure your local teachers would be happy to find a place for it in the faculty candy dish. Have a safe and fun Halloween!
Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and recently earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She is now working on her Ph.D. in Educational Technology. Married with four children who attend Brownwood schools, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 15 years. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!
