Am I the only one who detects it? There must be something in the air. Yeah, it’s Halloween season! Not only is Halloween great for food and costumes, but it’s also a great opportunity to make Halloween story time a spooky delight.
Have you ever wished that your Halloween storytime activities could be more accessible? No tricks here — just a treat: you can make it inclusive with Sign Language Storytelling!
Why Use Sign Language in Storytime?
Every child (not only those with hearing loss) can benefit from read-alouds that incorporate American Sign Language stories. Actually, this is true whether you’re a teacher reading, a speech therapist in a session, or homeschooling.
When you sign during storytime, this is what happens!
- Kids don’t just listen; they take part.
- Visual learners light up with excitement.
- Communication gets easier and more open to everyone.
- Everyone remembers the story better (bonus points for language development!).
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How to Use ASL in Your Halloween Story Time
Here are some easy ways to make Halloween sign language stories come to life:
1. Pre-Teach the Signs
Start by teaching 3–5 easy signs before reading. Try:
🦇 Bat
🍬 Candy
👻 Ghost
😱 Scared🧙 Witch
Use visuals or flashcards from ASL Teaching Resources to help kids remember.
2. Read Aloud and Sign
When you reach a vocabulary word, pause and show the sign, and have the kids do it with you.
3. Use Facial Expressions
In ASL, these are as essential as the hand signs. It’s fine to be silly; kids LOVE it! Go ahead and act out being as silly as possible, pretending to be “scared” or “excited,” while signing. It brings the story to life for everyone.
4. Re-Read the Story
On the second read, let the kids sign along with you. The repetition helps them remember the signs and deepens their love for American Sign Language stories.
5. Make It a Whole Lesson
Turn this into a complete Halloween lesson plan by adding:
- Coloring pages of ASL signs
- A craft to make their own “spooky” signs
- A mini play where students act out parts of the story in sign
🧡 Pro Tip: You can apply these same ideas to any story, year-round!
Need resources? Check out our ASL Halloween resources on ASLTeachingResources.com. It includes flashcards, coloring sheets, and more to keep things easy-breezy.
Real-Life Story: Spooky Success in the Classroom 🎃
Last year, Miss Carla, a preschool teacher in Ohio, used this ASL story approach with her kiddos, including one student who was nonverbal. That student lit up when they saw the sign for “candy” (priorities, right?).
By the end of the week, the entire class was signing “ghost” whenever they walked by the holiday book area.
It was more than just Halloween; it was about finding a sense of belonging.
A Halloween Story You Can Sign Along To
Are you ready for a really fun time? Our favorite Halloween story has colorful characters, spooky sound effects (yes, those can be signed too!), and interactive ASL that you can teach right away.
The Great Halloween Party Storybook includes
• English and Sign Language
• ASL Vocabulary Signs and Images
• 2 Coloring Pages
• 2 Halloween Hunts
• 2 Matching Sheets
• A Boo-tastic Maze
• YouTube ASL Storytelling video
You don’t need to know ASL well to get started. Just a few signs will help kids connect with the story better.
👉 Get your book on Amazon and let’s get started!
FAQ: What People Are Asking About Halloween ASL Stories
-
- What are some fun Halloween stories to read aloud in ASL?
Look for picture books with repeating phrases, expressive characters, and an abundance of Halloween-themed content. Pair them with ASL signs for a more immersive experience. - Can non-ASL speakers tell ASL stories?
Absolutely! You don’t need to know a lot of sign language to be an effective teacher. It’s like learning the steps to a song; only a few steps (aka signs) are a great starting point. - What age is best for ASL storytelling?
As early as the age of a toddler, you can begin. Preschoolers and elementary schoolers love American Sign Language stories, but any age group can enjoy a good story with ASL. - How do I learn the signs for my Halloween story?
You can find ASL Halloween signing videos on our Halloween Playlist.
- What are some fun Halloween stories to read aloud in ASL?
👉 Grab your free ASL Halloween Resource list today.
Key Takeaways: Make Storytime Magical with Sign Language
- You don’t need magic or dressing up to make your Halloween storytime memorable.
- A terrific book, a few ASL signs, and a little bit of your own excitement will make it a moment that every child will remember.
- You’re not just telling a story, you’re building communication, confidence, and inclusion.
🎉 Ready to get started?
Let’s make signing part of your everyday teaching magic!
👉 Explore more ASL Halloween
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👉 Buy Sign Language books on Amazon.
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