Ever tried signing “ghost” while dressed as one? 👻 It’s a whole vibe. Teaching American Sign Language for Halloween isn’t only educational; it’s downright enjoyable, especially when your students are hopped up on costumes and candy.

Let’s be real: Halloween is the perfect time to sneak in some learning while everyone’s distracted by the candy! The kids are already excited; the themes are fun, and adding sign language makes it even more enjoyable for everyone, especially our deaf, hard-of-hearing, and non-verbal children.

Ready to make Halloween fun for everyone? This guide is for you, whether you’re a teacher, speech pathologist, homeschool parent, or daycare warrior.


From Pumpkins to Potions: Why Teach Halloween in Sign Language?

Okay, story time.

A few years ago, one of our teachers from a preschool class told us about a little boy named Max who used ASL to communicate. When the class started prepping for Halloween, Max lit up every time they practiced the sign for “witch” (which, let’s be honest, is super fun to do). But it wasn’t until they played a Halloween game with signs that he really joined in, laughing and leading the group with confidence.

That’s the power of accessible learning.

By incorporating sign language into Halloween lessons, all children can participate, rather than observe. It transforms an otherwise chaotic and overwhelming celebration into an inclusive one.


Spooky Signs to Teach This Season

Let’s get signing! Here are some Halloween sign language basics that are perfect for kids:

Child in a black witch hat and cape wearing orange shirt, classroom background, is ready for ASL for Halloween Fun Activities

🎃 Pumpkin
👻 Ghost
🕷️ Spider
🧙 Witch
🍬 Candy
🧛 Vampire
🧟 Zombie
💀 Skeleton

Tip: Act out the sign with dramatic flair. The spookier the better!

✨ Want more Halloween fun? Check out ASL Books on Amazon:
👉 https://amzn.to/3Ptyfyt


FREE WEBINAR ALERT!

My Proven System to Learn & Teach ASL Confidently

Discover powerful tips and time-saving tools to help you with ASL, even if you’re seasoned or just getting started.
✅ Perfect for all ages
✅ Designed for busy teachers and you
✅ Includes ready-to-use ASL resources
🎁 BONUS: When you sign up, you receive surprises in the training.

Hurry! Register while this event is free.

Smiling woman points at timer next to bold text promoting free ASL training event with sign-up message.

Register for the free event

 


Fun Activities with American Sign Language for Halloween

Now that you have the signs, let’s turn them into fun things to do in class. Let’s be honest: kids recall more when they’re having fun.

Here are some Halloween fun activities with a signing twist:

  • ASL Costume Parade: Have students dress up and introduce their costumes in sign. “I am a witch!” “I am a ghost!” Encourage them to fingerspell their costume name if they’re ready.
  • Monster Sign Freeze Dance: Play Halloween music. Pause the music and call out a Halloween sign. Kids must freeze in the position of that sign. It’s hilarious and sneaky good practice.
  • ASL Trick-or-Treat Role Play: Prepare for the big night by setting up a pretend door and letting kids practice signing “trick or treat,” “please,” and “thank you.”
  • ASL Matching Game: Use Halloween-themed ASL flashcards for a memory match game. Pair the sign with the picture.
  • Witch’s Cauldron Word Hunt: Put “ingredient” cards in a pot (e.g., spider, bat, ghost). When a student draws one, they have to sign it!

Halloween Activity Worksheets for Reinforcement

Need quiet time options, group activities, or homework practice? Our Halloween activity worksheets are here to save the day. This activity bundle includes:
Halloween Activities Bundle product image with ASL flashcards, bingo, crossword, mazes, and 82 pages for teachers and parents.

  • Halloween ASL Flashcards
  • Bingo
  • Crossword
  • Fortune Teller
  • Matching
  • Mazes
  • Scramble
  • Word Search

These printable activities are fun, visual, and support the retention of American Sign Language. Best part? You can print and prep in under five minutes.

🎃 Get your set of Halloween Sign Language Worksheets here:
👉 https://aslteachingresources.com/product/halloween-activities/


YouTube Video Resource

Want to see these signs in action? We’ve got you covered!

📺 Watch Halloween ASL Signs on YouTube

Let the kids watch and sign along. Our videos are made with visual learners in mind, featuring slow, clear signs and cheerful energy!


Halloween Fun and Games That Include Everyone

We get it—some Halloween games can be too loud, too fast, or just too much for some kids. That’s why adapting games for sign language can bring in students who might otherwise sit out.

Try these inclusive Halloween fun and games:

  • 🕸️ Sign Language Bingo: Use Halloween signs instead of numbers.
  • 👻 Guess the Sign: One child signs, others guess.
  • 🎃 Sign and Seek: Hide flashcards around the room. Kids find and sign what they see.
  • 🧛 Story Time in ASL: Read Halloween books and pause to sign key vocabulary.

📌 Q&A: People Also Ask

  1. How do you say Halloween in sign language?
    To sign Halloween, cover your eyes with both hands (like a peekaboo motion), then open them wide. It mimics a mask or surprise face, which is super fun for kids!
  2. What are some easy Halloween signs for beginners?A graphic for a Halloween ASL Resource List, featuring a person signing and various ASL flashcards and activities.
    Start with easy-to-remember signs like ghost, pumpkin, candy, and witch because they are visual and fun.
  3. How can I make Halloween more inclusive for non-verbal children?
    Use plenty of signs, visuals, and gestures. Provide choices using pictures and ASL. Include them in games that focus on movement and signing rather than speaking.
  4. Can Halloween ASL activities be used in speech therapy?
    Absolutely! Besides being fun, they also build vocabulary, motor skills, and expressive communication.
  5. Where can I get Halloween sign language worksheets?
    Head over to ASLTeachingResources.com, where you will find seasonal worksheets, games, and more explicitly designed for ASL learners.

👉 Grab your Halloween Resource here


Key Takeaways 🎃

  • American Sign Language for Halloween makes learning accessible and fun. Perfect for any spooky activity.
  • Children can enjoy the holiday by learning Halloween signs, even those who don’t talk.
  • Easily add signs to any traditional Halloween games or activities to help you remember the signs.
  • Don’t forget to use tools like worksheets and YouTube videos to make it more visual and interactive!

🎉 Ready to get started?

Let’s make signing part of your everyday teaching magic!
👉 Explore more ASL Halloween
👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel
👉 Buy Sign Language books on Amazon.


Related Resources

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This