Using read alouds in my classroom is right up there with math centers on my list of favorite classroom activities. And I LOVE integrating holidays into my read alouds. Today, I want to share with you my favorite Halloween read alouds suitable for upper elementary classrooms.

To read more about implementing read alouds in your classroom and the benefits, click HERE.

Note: Halloween can be a tricky time in the classroom depending on what area you teach in and the type of students you teach. I have been fortunate to have virtually no restrictions on any holiday integration in any of the schools where I have taught. With that being said, it is definitely a legitimate concern in many schools. In this post, two of the read alouds I share make no mention of Halloween at all. This may be an option if your school does not allow any mention of the holiday.

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The Spider and the Fly by Tony DiTerlizzi

The Spider and the Fly is a “cautionary” tale based on the poem. There is no reference to Halloween at all, but the characters are very well-suited for a Halloween read aloud. In the book, the spider continually persuades the fly to stay over with different persuasive methods. The fly resists but is eventually won over by the spider’s flattering words and compliments.

The fact that this book is considered a “cautionary tale” makes it perfect for teaching theme. I use this printable to have the students write a possible theme for the text and their evidence.

The complex vocabulary used by the author makes this also great for reviewing and practicing using context clues to definite unknown words. After you read the book aloud, place the book and the printable shown below in a reading center. Have the students use the book to practice defining unknown words using context clues.

Hallowilloween by Calef Brown

I like to do Halloween stations or centers in my classroom on the day of or before Halloween. Hallowilloween is perfect for a Halloween literacy station. The book is a collection of silly poems with a Halloween theme. Poetry collections are perfect for incorporating student choice. I have my students choose the poems they want to read and respond to.

I created a choice board to provide choices and allow them to respond to their chosen poems in a variety of ways. You can assign a specific number of poems or require the students to read all of the poems, but only respond to the ones they choose using the choice board.

If you are interested in learning more about choice boards and how I use them in the classroom, click HERE to read a very detailed post with lots of freebies!

The Widow’s Broom by Chris Van Allsburg

The Widow’s Broom is another read aloud that does not mention Halloween at all, nor is it set during that time frame. However, the book does mention a witch and that the broom came from the devil, so keep that in mind when choosing books appropriate for your students. in the book, a witch leaves behind a broom that has lost its magic, or has it? The book tells the story of a widow who accepts the broom and her neighbors who despise the broom.

This is a powerful book for teaching about judging others without getting to know them and bullying versus acceptance. To read a detailed post about how I use this book and grab lots of free printables, click HERE to see that post.

How to Download the Free Printables

To download the freebies for The Spider and the Fly and Hallowilloween, click on the image below. Remember to visit the post linked above to read more about and grab all the freebies for The Widow’s Broom.

Do you have any favorite Halloween Read Alouds? I am always looking for new ones to add to my collection! Let me know your favorites in the comments.

For more Halloween Activities (and a few freebies), click here to read a post with activities for almost every subject!

Want More Halloween Activities?

Click the links below to check out my favorite Halloween math and reading activities.