Each year as Halloween approaches, the excitement in the classroom seems to reach incredible heights. Students are eagerly looking forward to fun activities and celebrations. Meanwhile, you are left trying to walk a fine line of providing fun learning opportunities while still making sure standards are being taught and practice. I have just what you need to combine the excitement of Halloween with a standards-aligned activity that lets students practice nonfiction reading comprehension! My Halloween Candy Comparison Scavenger Hunts for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders offer the perfect solution.
These scavenger hunt activities engage students in learning about fruity and chocolate candy while reinforcing essential nonfiction reading skills. Let’s take a look at how these scavenger hunts bring sweet fun to your classroom while helping you meet school and district learning goals.
Why Scavenger Hunts?
The Fruity vs. Chocolate Halloween Candy Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Scavenger Hunts offer more than just a fun activity — they create an interactive, self-checking learning experience. Students move around the classroom or building, searching for answers to questions about the reading passage. The hunt only continues if they answer each question correctly. This format encourages rereading and critical thinking while keeping students engaged.
While worksheets have their place, imagine giving your class an activity that excites them to work. Instead of sitting at their desks, students move around the room, locating hidden cards and applying the comprehension skills you’ve taught!
Quick Setup, No Grading Required!
One of the biggest benefits of these scavenger hunts? They require minimal prep time. Print the passage, cut the scavenger hunt cards, and hide them around your classroom. Since the activity is self-checking — students can only move to the next card if they’ve answered the previous question correctly. Which means you won’t have to spend time grading! Plus, students take ownership of their learning, and you gain extra time to provide support where it’s needed most.
Flexible for Different Learning Scenarios
These scavenger hunts aren’t just a Halloween treat, they’re adaptable for various classroom needs. Whether you want a fun activity for sub plans, a way to spice up your reading centers, or are looking for partner or independent work options, these scavenger hunts work perfectly. You can also make the hunt as easy or challenging as you’d like by adjusting where and how you hide the cards!
Why Your Students Will Love It
Your students will love combining Halloween fun with learning. They’ll enjoy moving around, hunting for the next question card, and uncovering new clues about their favorite Halloween candies. The Halloween theme makes the content relevant and fun, increasing their motivation and willingness to participate.
Options for Multiple Grade Levels
- 3rd Grade: The reading passage is written at a beginning-of-year 3rd-grade level, making it perfect for introducing younger students to nonfiction reading comprehension in a fun, engaging way.
- 4th and 5th Grades: The passages for these grades offer increased text and question complexity, helping older students practice more advanced reading skills while providing them with thematic learning experiences.
Ready to Add a Dash of Halloween Magic to Your Classroom?
With the Fruity vs. Chocolate Halloween Candy Scavenger Hunt, you can combine holiday fun with meaningful, standards-aligned practice. These activities get students out of their seats, thinking critically, and honing their nonfiction comprehension skills—all while saving you prep and grading time. If you’re looking for an exciting, low-prep way to celebrate Halloween in your classroom, these scavenger hunts are exactly what you need!
Have you tried scavenger hunts in your classroom before? Share your favorite Halloween activities in the comments below!
