The month of October means crisp morning temperatures, cool nights, changing colors and falling leaves, outdoor activities, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and lots more.
At Apples4TheTeacher.com, you can find a reason to celebrate nearly every day. Some are well-known holidays like Columbus Day and Halloween; others are fun days you may not even know exist.
Halloween is one of the most beloved holidays for many kids. Some families have already begun decorating their yards with spooky creatures, pumpkins and other Halloween decor.
Halloween seasonal stores are open in many cities. Some kids love going to see all of the ghosts, ghouls and zombies and it's free to look.
October is National Apple Month. At the U.S. Apple Association website, you can learn about different varieties of apples, just in time for a visit to the apple orchard.
October is also American Cheese Month. Many kids love cheese, no matter how it's served. Learn more about the types of cheese and find some cheese recipes at the website.
National Chili Month is celebrated during October. You'll find chili on the menu at many fall festivals. It's easy to make your own chili in the slow cooker. Brown ground beef, turkey or chicken. Add two cans each of tomatoes and beans and a can of tomato sauce or paste. Season to taste with chili powder and garlic. Let your chili simmer all day. Add chopped onions and grated cheese and serve with crackers or corn bread.
Bullying prevention may be a topic in your child's school during the month of October, which is Bullying Prevention Month. It's not always easy to talk with kids about bullying.
A great book by children's author Julia Cook can help parents talk with kids of all ages about bullying. Bully B.E.A.N.S. shares the story of Bobbette, the big, bad bully. Kids can learn from the book's main character why kids bully and to talk to an adult if they are being bullied. Cook's books help kids deal with life issues of all types.
Check at your local roller skating rink for October specials during National Roller Skating Month. Many skating rinks are offering free or reduced admission to some of their sessions during the month.
Fire Prevention Week is observed the week of Oct. 6-12. More fires start in the kitchen than any other part of the home. Talk together as a family to learn more about home fires and teach everyone to use your home fire extinguisher.
Your kids may participate in Walk to School Day on Oct. 9. Many school systems provide safe walking routes to allow kids to walk to their neighborhood school. In some schools, buses will drop kids a block or two from their school and provide adults to walk with kids the rest of the way.
Celebrate chocolate during October. Oct. 18 is National Chocolate Cupcake Day and Oct. 28 is National Chocolate Day. Make a special chocolate dessert with your kids to celebrate.
Oct. 26 is Make a Difference Day, the largest national day of community service. There may already be a community project planned in your area. If not, plan an activity or event as a family and make a difference.
Families will gather together to trick-or-treat from house to house or trick-or-trunk at community celebrations on Halloween. Learn lots of fun facts about this special holiday at RandomHistory.com.
The month of October is filled with lots of activities. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and events. Enjoy the month of October with your family.
