Halloween Thematic Unit | STEAM Lessons, Literacy, and Math Centers

The Halloween Thematic Unit connects literacy, math, and science through fun, hands-on activities that meet key NGSS, Common Core, and TEKS standards for early learners.

NGSS – Next Generation Science Standards (Kindergarten–2nd Grade)

• K-PS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what materials are made of and how they can change (Witches’ Potion experiment).

• K-PS3-1: Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight and heat (seasonal temperature changes in October).

• K-ESS3-1: Use a model to represent relationships between living things and their environments (spiders, bats, and nocturnal animals).

• K-2-ETS1-2: Develop simple models to represent solutions to problems (Haunted House engineering activity).

• K-2-ETS1-3: Communicate solutions with others (group sharing during STEAM projects).

Common Core ELA – Kindergarten

• RF.K.1: Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print (thematic reader and poems).

• RF.K.2.A: Recognize and produce rhyming words (Halloween songs and chants).

• RF.K.3.C: Read common high-frequency words (magnet sight word center).

• RF.K.4: Read emergent-reader texts with purpose and understanding (thematic reader).

• SL.K.1: Participate in collaborative conversations (STEAM group projects and centers).

• L.K.5.A: Sort common objects into categories (sorting shapes, spider webs, Halloween items).

Common Core Math – Kindergarten

• K.CC.A.1: Count to 100 by ones and tens (number bingo).

• K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities (making five center).

• K.CC.C.6: Compare groups using greater than, less than, or equal (number sorting).

• K.OA.A.1: Represent addition and subtraction with objects (one more, one less activity).

• K.G.A.2: Correctly name two-dimensional shapes (Spider Shapes math activity).

• K.MD.B.3: Classify and sort objects (shape sorting and pattern centers).

TEKS – Kindergarten ELA

• §110.2(b)(2)(A): Demonstrate one-to-one correspondence between spoken and printed words (emergent reader).

• §110.2(b)(3)(C): Recognize at least 20 high-frequency words (sight word activities).

• §110.2(b)(6)(B): Retell and describe events or steps (shared writing about STEAM projects).

TEKS – Kindergarten Math

• §111.3(b)(2)(A): Count forward and backward to at least 20 (bingo and counting centers).

• §111.3(b)(3)(A): Model addition and subtraction using objects (making five, one more/less).

• §111.3(b)(4)(A): Identify two-dimensional shapes (Spider Shapes math center).

• §111.3(b)(6)(A): Classify and sort objects by attributes (sorting centers).

TEKS – Kindergarten Science

• §112.11(b)(2): Ask questions about organisms, objects, and events in the natural world (bats, spiders, pumpkins).

• §112.11(b)(5): Observe and record properties of objects (Witches’ Potion experiment).

• §112.11(b)(8): Use senses as a tool of observation (sensory activities, science crafts).