As elementary teachers, we are always on the lookout for books that not only capture our students’ imaginations but also offer meaningful opportunities to develop key academic skills. Look not further for some really fun engaging Halloween activities. One book that hits the mark is The Hallowiener by Dav Pilkey. It’s a heartwarming and hilarious tale about Oscar, the dachshund, who gets teased by the other dogs for his hot dog costume but ultimately becomes a hero.
Not only is Hallowiener a great seasonal read, but it also offers a plethoral of ways to incorporate hands-on, cross-curricular activities into your classroom. To maximize the learning experience, I’ve created a comprehensive resource that includes everything from sequencing and crafting to math, ELA, and writing, all while keeping students fully engaged!
Here’s how you can use the Hallowiener resource to create engaging Halloween activities that are dynamic and interactive for your students:
1. Sequencing the Story
Understanding story structure is a crucial skill for young readers. After reading The Hallowiener, students can practice sequencing by retelling the story in the correct order. I’ve created a fun sequencing activity that allows students to manipulate scenes from the book and arrange them on a timeline in a pocket chart. This not only reinforces comprehension but also strengthens their ability to identify beginning, middle, and end events making it the perfect story structure activity.
2. A Creative Craft
Crafts are always a hit in elementary classrooms, especially when they tie directly into the story! In this resource, I’ve included a hands-on craft where students create their very own “Oscar the Wiener Dog” using paper and other simple materials. It’s a fun way for students to express their creativity while connecting with the character on a deeper level. They simply pull on the craft to display a hidden story sequence in the middle. Plus, these adorable creations make for great classroom displays leading up to Halloween!
3. Math Integration
Who says math and literature can’t go hand-in-hand? To add a little number fun, I’ve included a math component that allows students to solve basic addition or subtraction problems using a “hot dog” theme. This simple to make bead counting wiener dog is perfect to use while counting on or subtracting for simple addition problems. This math craft / activity brings a fun, thematic twist to the lesson. I’ve also included an independent math center to practice math facts.
4. ELA Activities
Building vocabulary and comprehension are essential parts of any literacy lesson, and the Hallowiener resource has plenty of ELA activities to offer. One highlight is the character analysis worksheet where students describe Oscar’s personality traits and how he changes throughout the story. This helps students dive deeper into understanding character development while practicing descriptive language.
5. Writing Prompts
After reading Hallowiener, students will be bursting with ideas! I’ve included writing prompts that encourage students to respond to the story. These writing activities not only boost deeper thinking but also reinforce making connections to text.
6. Interactive and Hands-On Learning
One of the most exciting parts of this resource is how interactive it is. From the hands on bead dog for counting to the story retell sticks, the activities are designed to keep students engaged and moving. These hands-on tasks are perfect for young learners who thrive on active participation, making the story of Hallowiener even more memorable.
Why This Resource Works
What makes this resource so effective is its ability to integrate multiple subject areas into one cohesive unit. Instead of viewing the story as just a read-aloud, you’re turning it into a multi-faceted learning experience that touches on key academic skills, from sequencing and comprehension to math and writing. Your students will love the mix of crafts, activities, and interactive learning, making The Hallowiener one of their favorite books of the season.
This resource is designed to not only make your job easier but also provide students with an enriching experience that goes beyond the book. With engaging activities in every subject, Hallowiener becomes more than just a Halloween tale — it’s an opportunity for fun and learning.
Ready to bring Halloweiner to your classroom? Download the resource and watch your students thrive with these engaging, hands-on activities!
I hope you love this resource, please tag me on instagram if you use it in your classroom @teachingmore. Also, if you are looking for more fun Halloween ideas click here.
Happy teaching!
