Two October unit studies. One small price.
The real history of Halloween, and the true story of the Salem witch trials. Ten days of reading, discussion, and hands-on learning, each lesson with audio.
Instant download. A one-time October offer from Indie Ed Press.
October is full of stories. These two get the history right.
Most Halloween talk is either spooky myth or a shrug. These units take the middle road: where traditions actually came from, where historians disagree, and how a young reader can ask “How do we know?”
Each is a five-day study you can do in one week, with a story-style reading, vocabulary, discussion questions, and a timeline to build as you go.
The History and Meaning of Halloween
A complete five-day learning experience that follows an ancient Celtic festival from Ireland to America and around the world, and sorts the real stories behind the symbols from the myths.
- The Ancient Origins of Halloween: from Samhain to modern times
- How Halloween Traditions Traveled Around the World
- The Real Stories Behind Halloween Symbols and Costumes
- Celebrating Differences: how families around the world honor the dead
- Halloween Safety: taking care of ourselves and others
Plus: thinking and writing prompts, a quiz with answer key, and a full activity pack.
The Salem Witch Trials: When Fear Took Over a Town
Discover the true story of what happened at Salem in 1692, told through the people who lived it. The unit asks one question again and again: how do you prove you are innocent when the accusation itself is treated as proof?
- Two Girls in a Minister’s House began to act strangely, and a whole village looked for someone to blame
- Once People Believed a Ghost Could Be Evidence, anyone could be accused
- One Terrible Summer: nineteen people hanged and one pressed under stones
- A Minister Wrote That the Devil Could Wear an Innocent Person’s Face, and the trials stopped
- It Took 329 Years to clear the last name
Plus: a timeline, discussion questions, a “Be a Historian” project, a quiz with answer key, and a sources list.
A look inside
Illustrated timelines, historical images, and cut-and-assemble activities that make the history stick.
Hands-on learning, built in
The Halloween unit includes a full activity pack so the learning goes beyond the page. Cut, fold, color, cook, and play your way through the history.
- Lapbook with a vocabulary pocket and cut-out vocabulary cards
- “Halloween Booklet,” compare and contrast, and “Where in the World?” map pages
- Timeline activity with dated cards to place
- Coloring pages and a “Find the Treats” maze
- A no-bake “Samhain Stones” recipe
- “Journey Through Halloween History” board game with question cards
Inside the lapbook and activity pack
Real pages from the Halloween unit. Print them, then cut, fold, color, and assemble.
Every lesson comes with audio
Listen in podcast form, or read along. Great for car rides, little listeners, and kids who learn best by ear.
A note for parents
These units tell real history plainly and without graphic detail. Lesson 3 of the Halloween unit briefly explains the witch trials and Lesson 4 talks about remembering loved ones who have died. The Salem unit describes real executions and the Puritan belief in the Devil historically and respectfully. Every unit opens with a parent note so you know what’s coming, and younger children may want a grown-up nearby.
Throughout, you’ll see where historians disagree or a popular “fact” turns out to be a myth. That’s on purpose.
Both units for $9.99
$24.99 Sale ends October 21
Halloween Unit Study ($14.99) + Salem Witch Trials Unit Study ($9.99)
Get the October bundleQuestions
The Halloween unit is for grades K–6. The Salem unit is written at about a fifth-grade reading level and is recommended for grades 5–8.
Each is a five-day study with one lesson a day. Spread them out if your kids want to dig deeper.
Each unit includes a single-family license for all children in your household. Co-ops, schools, and other groups should purchase one copy per participating family or contact Indie Ed Press about group licensing.
It’s an instant download. As soon as you check out, your units are ready.
October 21. After that, the units return to regular pricing.