Halloween Traditions

Halloween is second only to Christmas in spending by consumers in the United States.  Last year, about 2.5 billion dollars were forked out for October 31^st.  There are many traditions associated with Halloween. As I list a few, remember that I am only reporting, not recommending.  How about black cats?  They are symbols of bad luck.  Jack-O’-Lanterns?  Their light originally guided lost souls out of Hades…or Pittsburgh.  Bats?  They congregate to witches. What about witches? Well, they make the magic potions.  Apparently, they are chemistry majors or had a booth at Woodstock. Spiders? They are the evil companions of witches and can frighten every female in my home.  Cauldrons?  They are the pots in which the witches make their brew.  I wonder if is domestic or imported.  Broomsticks?  A method of transportation for witches.  Where do they put their luggage?  Costumes?  This was how the deceased disguised themselves in order to mingle with the living.  Why would anyone want to leave Heaven?  Orange and black? They represent the turning color of leaves and the death of summer as well as the colors of the Cincinnati Bengals.  Bobbing for apples?  The first child to pluck an apple between their teeth meant that they would be the first to marry.  That is why nuns do not bob for apples.  Candy Corn?  They represent an ear of corn…thank you Captain Obvious. 

Some traditions are fun. Not all traditions are good.  Not all traditions produce something positive.  I am a big traditionist on holidays; especially Christmas. My wife and I have a tradition of celebrating three anniversaries each year – our wedding, our engagement, and our first date.  Man, I love that girl. Did you ever try to make an adjustment to a time-honored tradition in your family? Not pretty is it?  As a teacher, I had traditions that my classes took part in each year.  Perhaps you have traditions that you hold near and dear in your family.  You have fond memories of these I am sure.  What about your classroom?  Do you have traditions?  What do they involve?  How long have you done these activities? Do the kids enjoy them?  Do you enjoy them?  What is their purpose?  How’s that?  What is their purpose?  Is the tradition just an activity or is it pointed at an objective?  Is the tradition tied to the academic standards or common core standards without stretching your answer?   Take a hard look at any tradition that you have.  Does it tie in the long and short term goals?  Does it have relevance for the kids?  Does it engage them in ways to increase their learning toward that big idea?  Has it been successful in these areas?  If so, you should probably keep in it your toolbox.  If not, get rid of it!  That will be hard to do, but it must be done.  There is too little time to invest in activities that do not mesh with learning objectives.   Break with tradition if necessary.

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The Browns play on the shores of Lake Erie this coming Sunday against the Baltimore Ratbirds, I mean Ravens. I will be heading out to Cleveland to meet up with the boys for the annual Big Jack Tailgate.  Yes, there are actually more Browns’ fans than me!