First Year Kindergarten Teacher--What should I be for Halloween?

Question

I'm 24 years old and this is my first year as a Kindergarten Teacher. I'm not sure what to be for Halloween? Do teachers get dressed up?

It seems to be a mixed crowd at my school. Some do, some don't.

As parents, do you notice your children's teachers dressing up? If so, what are they?

I have a witch costume. I was thinking about wearing that. It's not scary, but I have the hat and everything.

What do you think? I need some ideas.

Answer 1

Little red riding hood...cute and not scary.

Answer 2

Hello,

Since Halloween is really about those who have passed on (Day of the Dead or All Soul's Day) we, as a group. honored our ancestors or family members that have passed away. The line between life and death is thin for the young child, and they don't have all the baggage we often bring to this subject as adults. They see the transition (to quote one of my little kindergarten girls) as their loved one going back across the Rainbow Bridge. We would go around the circle and show a picture of a deceased relative or pet and remember them and send them a message of some kind, such as love and appreciation or thanks. I would tell guardian angel stories and give protective heavenly images in the conversation as children need this whether it is Halloween or not, but especially at this time of year to counteract all the negative commercialism. (We asked for copies of pictures and originals were discouraged for obvious reasons.) This worked out beautifully and it is authentic and real as opposed to superficial media hype.

As for costumes, I sent a letter home to parents with a list of appropriate animals or ideas for costumes. No bloody or scary stuff, or sharp or unsafe objects such as swords. Good witches are alright and pirates (peaceful pirates) if they are not too severe if they help others as a theme but better to be animals or elves and fairies, etc., for preschool and kindergarten. Peace and good will and helping others is always the theme. Try and stay away from certain media characters as it is hard to transform some of the hyperactive, chaotic and violent themes.

I found the parents cooperative and grateful for this approach that they could use at home, as well as guidance for costumes. This is a far-reaching and meaningful way to celebrate, as it can change the whole experience for the classroom and the entire family.

Best
Sandra
http://www.enchantthechild.com
copyright 1984 to present

Answer 3

Dressing up can be fun but make sure what you do isnt scary. Why not be Glenda the good witch, an angel or kitty cat? If the kids cant dress up though they may not understand why you can. You can always wear a cute Halloween sweater and earings.

Answer 4

My son is in kindergarten and I just went and asked him if his teacher dressed up as a witch for Halloween would he like it, and he said "I think that would be AWESOME". I thought a kindergartners opinion might help, plus I think it is a great idea. Good luck!!

Answer 5

I was gonna say you should be a witch before I read that you have a costume. My daughters teachers usually dress up. Go ahead and do it. It's fun!

Answer 6

I have worked in the same profession.
We liked to wear funny hair accesories and things like spider web earings. you don't want to be scary because the kids are young. one teacher wore a tucked in pumpkin t shirt, and stuffed it with newspaper. she wore a hat that looked like a pumpkin stem. The little kids loved that. I dressed up as a flower- a little totu with ribbons and a big flower bow in my hair.
I can see a witch. as long as you keep it light hearted. Kids like bright colors and playful faces. you could wear silly black cat earings. and keep a little broom in the corner. A cute witch hat-could be a fun and simple costume.

Answer 7

I would go with the witch idea. I remember my teacher's dressing up every year. I think its a great and safe idea! Good luck and Happy Halloween!

Answer 8

I always remember my teachers wearing these turtle necks with candy corn print, and a sweatshirt that was orange with a big jack-o-lantern face. Just a memory that really sticks out. Go ahead and use your witch hat and stuff, but don't use face make-up....that can be scary.

Answer 9

The witch costume is fine, I'd just lean toward silly witch, and not mean witch. The kindergarteners will love your effort.

Answer 10

YES- Teachers do dress up for Halloween. If the witch costume doesn't work out, you can be kindrgardener.

Answer 11

my sons teachers always dressed up. Go as a clown or a funny witch or something like that, nothing scary cause it'll scare the kids, go as something that has a lot of colour and depicts a lot of energy.