👻 When Halloween Meets English Learning
- James Batchelor

- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Every October, something magical happens in class: students who are usually quiet suddenly have a lot to say when the topic is Halloween. Maybe it’s the candy. Maybe it’s the costumes. Or maybe it’s because learning English feels easier when there’s a little mystery involved.
Halloween is full of imagination, storytelling, and humor — three things that make language learning effective. That’s why I’ve gathered a few Halloween resources to make English practice more playful. You’ll find TV clips, cultural videos, and even creative projects — all ready to explore below. Each one includes a short introduction so you can watch, learn, and have a good laugh along the way.
HALLOWEEN ENGLISH LESSON with Modern Family (B1–C1)
Claire’s Halloween decorations don’t go as planned, and chaos follows. This scene is perfect for reviewing everyday expressions and listening to authentic American humor.
➡️ Focus: daily routines, idioms, family vocabulary
Superstore: Halloween Costume Stereotypes (B1–C1)
In this short clip, the team debates what’s “appropriate” to wear at work for Halloween. It’s a fun way to study irony, exaggeration, and modern workplace English.
➡️ Focus: social vocabulary, adjectives, expressing opinions
Five Easy Halloween Treats in 15 Minutes or Less (A2–B2)
Grammar in the kitchen! This quick video teaches sequencing words like first, then, and finally — while showing how to make five spooky snacks.
➡️ Focus: imperatives, instructions, cooking verbs
Fall & Halloween Crochet Ideas (A2–B2)
If you love crafts, this one’s for you. You’ll hear vocabulary for hobbies and materials — and discover how creative projects can build language confidence.
➡️ Focus: action verbs, object vocabulary, creativity in English
The History of Halloween in Texas (A2–C1)
This short cultural video shows how Halloween looks different across the United States — from southern accents to cowboy costumes.
➡️ Focus: American culture, accents, storytelling
Halloween Practice
Let’s see what you remember! Try the activities below. You’ll find the correct answers at the end of the article.
🎃 Vocabulary Activity: “Spooky Words”
Choose the correct answer for each sentence.
A ______ is another word for ghost. A) monster B) spirit C) witch
The word frightening means the same as ______. A) scary B) funny C) dark
A jack-o’-lantern is made from a ______. A) tomato B) pumpkin C) candle
When you wear a disguise, you are wearing a ______. A) costume B) necklace C) candy
Children usually get a lot of ______ during Halloween night. A) sweets B) decorations C) ghosts
🧙 Grammar Activity: “The Haunted Past Perfect”
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
By the time the lights went out, the children ________ (finish) their pumpkin pie.
When the door creaked open, I realized I ________ (forget) to blow out the candles.
The ghost smiled — he ________ (wait) for this moment all year.
Before she screamed, she ________ (see) something move in the mirror.
They were scared because they ________ (never / hear) that sound before.
💀 Answers
Vocabulary Activity
1️⃣ B 2️⃣ A 3️⃣ B 4️⃣ A 5️⃣ A
Grammar Activity
1️⃣ had finished 2️⃣ had forgotten 3️⃣ had been waiting 4️⃣ had seen 5️⃣ had never heard
🕯️ Final Thought
Halloween reminds us that learning English doesn’t need to be serious to be effective. When you connect grammar to creativity, or vocabulary to laughter, progress comes naturally.
So this October, enjoy the playful side of learning — and if you’re taking an English course with CPF in Vincennes, studying through E-learning, or following private tutoring in English with an English teacher in Vincennes, these Halloween activities are a perfect seasonal boost.

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