Activity Instruction Page
Talk About Being Scared
- Activity Type: Hands-On Activity
- Theme: Halloween, Season: Fall
- Learning Center: Social Studies & Emotional Dev
Halloween is the perfect time to talk about what it means to be scared. You can have children identify people who look scared. You can talk about what makes them scared and what they can do if they are feeling scared to help them feel better.
Materials & Direction
Materials List:
– Pictures of people showing scared expressions
– Props or costumes related to Halloween (e.g., masks, toy spiders, fake cobwebs)
– Blank paper
– Crayons or markers
Preschool Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize facial expressions that show fear.
2. Identify and discuss things that make them scared.
3. Develop strategies to cope with fear and feel better when scared.
Teacher Instructions:
1. Start by showing pictures of people with scared expressions and ask children to identify the emotions they see.
2. Discuss with the children what makes them scared. Encourage them to share their own experiences and feelings.
3. Use props or costumes related to Halloween to further explore the theme of fear. For example, you can ask the children to pretend they are scared of a toy spider or a mask.
4. Have children draw or write about something that makes them feel scared and something they can do to feel better when they are scared.
5. Encourage group discussion about strategies to cope with fear. Talk about ways to stay calm, seek help, or face their fears.
6. Conclude the activity by reinforcing the idea that it’s okay to feel scared and that there are ways to overcome fear.
Teacher Tips for Differentiated Instruction:
– Provide visual aids for children who may struggle to express their emotions verbally.
– Offer a variety of art supplies to accommodate different preferences and abilities.
– Be patient and supportive if children feel uncomfortable discussing their fears.
Assessment Suggestion:
– Observe children’s reactions and participation during the activity. Look for signs of understanding, empathy, and willingness to share their feelings.
– Review the drawings or written responses to see if children were able to identify things that make them scared and suggest strategies to feel better.
