Are you looking for some obscure October children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
The month of October is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these amazing books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether it is pumpkins or the fun holiday of Halloween enjoy these engaging books and try some of the extension activities suggested.
1. From Seed to Pumpkin by Wendy Pfeifer
Why not begin the month of October with the study of pumpkins. This book is a very detailed story of how pumpkin seeds grow and form into big orange pumpkins. Once the pumpkins form, the book discusses all the seasonal things people do with pumpkins and a list of activities at the end.
Literacy Extensions:
- Pumpkin Writing Station Words
- “I See Pumpkins” Student Counting & Color Booklet
- Pumpkin Seed Art Project
- Pumpkin Letter & Beginning Sound Match Game
2. The Runaway Pumpkin by Kevin Lewis
Try this wonderful rhyming picture book about the delicious fate of a gigantic pumpkin on the run. When Buck, Billy, and their little sister Lil spy the biggest pumpkin they’ve ever seen, they can’t resist. Buck and Billy try to roll the pumpkin down the hill to show everyone, but it’s too big! Read about the adventures to come.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Pumpkin Fun” Classroom Book
- “Pumpkin Senses” Student Booklet
- Pumpkin Story Retelling Organizer Worksheet
- Pumpkin Seed Counting Game
3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Explore this story of a little boy named Max and his adventures with the Wild Things. After his mother sends him to bed without dinner, Max falls asleep and his room immediately transforms into a moonlit forest surrounded by a vast ocean. Your students will love the illustrations and may discover ways to handle tough times.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “If I Were a Wild Thing”
- “I See Monsters” Student Counting Booklet
- My “Wild Thing” Student Story
- Wild Things Masks Art Project
4. Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley
This Caldecott medalist author has designed an ingenious book to help children overcome their fear of monsters. With each turn of the page, a new part is revealed, until all of a big, green monster has taken shape. Then, with the words, “You don’t scare me!” and page by page, the monster slowly disappears. There are so many literary extensions to explore with this book.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: My Monster and Me
- “Go Away Big Monster” Student Color Booklet
- Big Monster Art & Poem Project
- Monster Roll & Cover Math Game
5. Five Silly Ghosts by Hilli Kushnir
Join five silly ghosts in this fun counting caper! This board book features a classic rhyming read-aloud text. Five silly glittery ghosts in Halloween costumes peer through a die-cut cover. Each page turn provides a playfully ghoulish reveal.
Literacy Extensions:
- Ghost Writing Station Words
- “I See Ghost” Student Counting & Color Booklet
- Ghost Art Project
- Ghost Roll It & Read It Short Vowel Game Cards
6. Boo Who? By Ben Clanton
This book is about a shy little ghost who is new to the group and has trouble fitting in. Even if the other kids are welcoming, it can be scary being new. Find out how the new little ghost uses his special talent to fit in to his new group.
Literacy Extensions:
- “If I Were a Ghost” Classroom Book
- “My Ghost Story” Student Story
- Ghost & Haunted Houses Counting Games
- Ghost Build a Word Game
7. The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing
Little monsters and goofy goblins take center stage in this silly, spooky spin on Clement C. Moore’s beloved poem. But what will happen on Halloween when the monsters come face to face with human trick-or-treaters in this fun-filled book?
Literacy Extensions:
- “Halloween Fun” Classroom Book
- “The Halloween I See Book” Student Counting Booklet
- Jack-o-Lantern Art Project
- Halloween Addition & Subtraction Game
8. Halloween Stories by Arnie Lightning
Halloween is upon us. For most, it’s a fun time of year where we dress up in our favorite costumes and get lots of candy. For others, it can be the most frightening time of year. In these five scary stories that’s the case. Prepare yourself. You have been warned! Just for fun activities and Halloween jokes are also included in this book.
Literacy Extensions:
- Our Halloween Costumes” Classroom Book
- “Halloween Senses” Student Booklet
- “On Halloween” Student Story
- Halloween Sight Word Game
Grab your Free, Halloween Counting Student Booklet Here!
Finally, there are so many obscure October children’s books you can choose from. From the themes of pumpkins to the holiday of Halloween the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
