This week, remember what it is like to be young and excited about Halloween. This holiday brings novelty into the lives of kids of all ages – and novelty always escalates behavior, usually ushering in silliness [as evidenced by my twenty-one-year-old son who will be adorning the streets in an octopus onesie on Tuesday night]. I, for one, got frustrated when my own boys got too silly. I had an agenda, and whether it was a clean house or a lesson I was preparing, silly behaviors interfered with my job. I would usually fight it for a while and then eventually give up. Ever had students get the giggles and can’t stop? Yep. It is a losing battle.

Remember that silly behaviors are built on positive emotions, which are something we need in classrooms if retention of content is our goal. We just have to find a way to be patient and channel crazy behaviors while they last. If we don’t find a way to do this and enjoy the subtle “treats” in our work, the “tricks” will ultimately be on us. Have a safe and happy Halloween week.