Listening, language, and learning with a Halloween mystery bin is a motivating activity for kids of all ages. I use a clear plastic container, dry pinto beans, and cover seasonal objects with a small swag of artificial autumn leaves to keep the item(s) hidden from view. Chose wisely items that can expand your child’s vocabulary. Acorns, leaves, and found items in nature and the dollar stores, Oriental Trading, and Target’s Dollar Spot have seasonal toys that are inexpensive and just right for a bin. Depending on the child’s goals this activity level can be leveled up or down. Increase or decrease the set size to meet the child's listening and language level.
Here are some ideas to try!
Ear contact before eye contact: Bury seasonal objects, cover with leaves and talk about the item before the child sees it. (Hearing First) Hide a ghost under the beans. Cue the child to listen. Say Boo, ooo-ooo. I hear a ghost. Boo, ooo-ooo. Uncover the ghost fly it around while saying Boo, ooo-ooo. Hand the ghost to the child and offer the opportunity for them to imitate the ghost.
Listening for descriptions: Hide a spider, a jack-o-lantern, and a few leaves. Ask the child to find an insect something with a face and what grows on trees.
Categories: Search for something that flies, is scary; seen in a pumpkin patch; is make-believe and so on.
Following directions/critical elements: Find the bat and make it sleep upside down. Put the straw has on the scarecrow.
Auditory memory: Look for the owl. Find the apple, the wagon, and the black cat. Uncover the skeleton, the witch but not the monster.
Auditory Comprehension and Sequencing: Tell a short story with the hidden items. Then, have the child find the objects and retell the story.
Inferences or Riddles: "I am the color of darkness. Witches keep me as their pet." Find it!
Let the child be the teacher: Give the child a turn to bury a toy and describe it to the other players.
Visit my Listen With Lynn store for more Halloween listening and language activities and games.
