Halloween and The Value of Make-Believe to Reading and Emotional Development

It is not mere childish escapism. There is a political aspect to it – we won’t try to change this world unless we are able to imagine another reality. One could say all change starts with fantasy.

~Cornelia Funke, German author of children’s fiction.

Here comes Halloween!

Parents and teachers sometimes dread Halloween, the candy indulgence, the gross costumes, the fear of pranks (vandalism is never acceptable), and numerous other hyper antics that seem to take children off their usual track of learning in school.

Some dislike Halloween because of their religion, or they fear it is unsafe. I hope children still get to play and dress up. Many fun Harvest Festivals encourage children to do this.

Children need make-believe and silliness now more than ever. It’s an escape to role play which can include emotional payoffs.

Halloween involves academic benefits.

Source: Halloween and The Value of Make-Believe to Reading and Emotional Development