Ghosts in the Air (K-2)

1. Parent helpers blow up white balloons and, without trying the ends, release them into the air.

2. The children try to catch the balloons (ghost s) before they deflate and fall to the ground.

3. Due to concerns about not wanting to spread illness, don't let the children keep the balloons they catch. They might be tempted to blow them up again. Have the children turn the balloons in for a favor.

4. Stretching the balloons before you blow them up will make it easier. You need a lot of helpers blowing up balloons so that no one gets tired. (A small tank of helium would work great.)

Floating Ghosts (K-6)

Two ping pong balls or
Two hollow eggs
Long table
Masking tape

1. Divide the class into two teams. Tell the children to hold their hands behind their backs. Station the teams at a long table opposite each other.

2. Mark goal lines with masking tape on each teams side.

3. Place a ping pong balls in the center of the long table.

4. The kids blow at the ball trying to get it to cross over into the other team's goal area. If a ball falls off the table before entering the goal, place the ball in the center of the table again.

5. Keep score: One point for each goal made. Play for an allotted time or to 21 points. Variation: try to empty egg instead of a ping pong ball. Using a needle, pierce a hole at both ends of the egg, then blow the yolk and egg white out. Let the egg dry overnight. An egg adds a little twist, because it doesn't roll evenly. It is more challenging and fun. If you have a large group of kids on each side you may use two eggs or ping pong balls for more of a challenge.

Ghost Faces  (K-2)

Powdered sugar
Candy
Individual paper plates

1. Sprinkle powdered sugar onto individual paper plates.

2. Hide a piece of candy under the sugar.

3. The children try to find the candy with their mouths (no hands allowed.)

4. They will look like little ghosts by the time they find the candy. Have your cameras ready.

Note: Children with allergies or breathing problems probably should not participate in this game. AS always, please check with the teacher or parents.

Haunting Ghosts (K-2)

Cardboard box (approximately 18" x 24")
Paints
One sheet of white tissue paper
Two moving eyes
or
Black marker
or Black felt
7" piece of yarn
Masking tape
A magazine

1. Decorate a cardboard box to look like a haunted house.

2. Cut out a doorway big enough to have the following ghost go through.

3. Tear a sheet of tissue paper in half, crumble up one half to form a ball. For the other half around the ball to form the ghost's body. If necessary trim any excess paper off the body.

4. Tie a piece of yarn around the neck and fluff out the body.

5. Make two eyes with a black marker or glue on the lack felt or moving eyes.

6. Mark a starting line with masking tape. Put the ghost on the floor at the starting line.

7. Have the kids use a magazine to fan the ghosts through the door and into the haunted house.

Ghost Bingo  (K-6)

Halloween candy
Paper to make bingo cards
Bingo calling numbers

1. Ghost bingo is played using Halloween candy such as candy corn for markers. Instruct the kids not to eat the candy during the game. Once the game is over they can.

2. For younger grades play regular bingo.

3. Rules for regular bingo: The caller draw out a number and the children mark that number if it is on their card. The first child who has all the numbers in one consecutive row wins. He then calls out "Ghost"

4. Play speedball bingo with the older kids.

5. Rules for speedball: The object is to cover each space on the bingo card (blackout). Announce the number twice very quickly. Do not repeat or display any numbers, the players must rely on good listening. The first player to reach a confirmed blackout wins. Speedball bingo is a challenge for all ages.

6. When playing either bingo game, remember to have the kids call out "ghost", not "Bingo", to win.

7. Use the following examples for your Ghost Bingo cards.

Ghost Story  (K-6)

Optional: Tape player and a blank tape

1. Seat the kids on the floor in a circle.

2. Have a parent start a ghost story and, going around the circle, ask each child to add a sentence to the story.

3. Meanwhile, another parent writes down or records the story so the children can listen to it during their snack time.

4. For a great favor, give each child a copy of the tape.

5. For younger grades, start a friendly story with a sentence such as "The friendly ghost went to the beach." For older grades you might start the story with "The ghosts were floating around in the graveyard."

Marshmallow Ghosts (K-6)

Marshmallows
Thread
Black decorating gel
Broom

1. Tie each marshmallow with a long piece of thread.

2. Dot with two eyes.

3. Tie the thread to the broomstick. For older kids, have a parent helper hold the broomstick up high and wave it a bit to make the ghosts "fly." For younger kids, the helper should hold the broomstick still.

4. Without using their hands, the kids try to capture the floating ghost with their mouths.