Unspooking Halloween

Boo is a familiar word, especially at Halloween, and besides, it's fun to say. Babies love Peek-a-Boo, then they grow to love Hide-and-Seek. Surprise is fun! So surprise your preschooler with a boo-tiful day of Halloween games and activities.

Read: Winnie the Pooh always makes reading fun, so snuggle up with your toddler and read Disney's Boo to You, Winnie the Pooh! by Bruce Talkington. Can your child name the animals in the story? Can he name the characters? What will he dress up as for Halloween?

Snack: When you get a rumbly in your tumbly, try this boo-licious snack. Cut out B shapes from a slice of toast using a B-shaped cookie cutter. Slice a banana into circles. Spread peanut butter on the toast, then lay the B-shaped toast and two banana circles to spell "Boo." Rearrange the shapes and let your toddler have a turn.

Play: Make the B sound for your child. Name some items that begin with this sound. Together, explore the house to find items that also begin with this letter. The bathroom is a great place to start. Then try a game of Hide-and-Seek out in the crisp fall air.