Day 284
Our growing collection of Halloween inflatables have made their presence felt for a few weeks now. On school days, my son races from the bus to plug them in. During the weekend, they are inflated the majority of the day if Mother Nature and her wind gusts allow. But this year, we decided to try something new.
A haunted barn.
My kids were excited to decorate. Wanting to start slow and see where it goes, we decided to visit the local thrift stores and dollar store to see if we could get started in a fiscally responsible manner. I’ve always been a huge proponent of resale shops. With a limited school budget, searching for items for the classroom at places like these is a common occurrence. I love finding board games, toys, and other trinkets that I can use with my students. But now, my kids and I had a different goal in mind. Decorations.
We were pretty successful in collecting some spooky items, including light up spider webs, pumpkin lights, skulls and skeletons, and Halloween-themed signage.
Of course, getting items isn't nearly as much fun as putting them up.
With a ladder, a drill, a few screws, and creative teamwork, we were able to start the decoration process. From ghosts to pumpkins and just about everything in between, most stalls have at least one spooky item. A huge skeleton welcome banner hangs from the rafters. Glow in the dark skeletons start at each other from opposite ends of the barn. A sizable spiderweb will light up the wall. I can only imagine what the chickens are thinking. Of course, once we had put up the decorations, there was only one logical next step. More decorations.
I have been urged to borrow some that I normally use to decorate my classroom and my children have promised to do extra chores so we can possibly go out on another shopping excursion.
We still have plenty of time to increase the spookiness of our barn. With our collection of inflatables, a decorated barn, and a trail with lights guiding the way, we are sure to have a memorable Halloween this year and for many years to follow.
