Mock Trick-or-Treating in Clinic: Fun and Functional Halloween Prep

Halloween is an exciting time for many kids, but for some children—especially those with speech and language delays, sensory sensitivities, or other challenges—it can be overwhelming. That's where a mock trick-or-treating experience can come in!

By setting up a controlled environment where kids can practice the steps of trick-or-treating, you help them feel more comfortable and confident when the big night arrives. Here's how to organize a successful mock trick-or-treat event, with tips for addressing speech and OT goals.

Set Up

Creating a safe and engaging mock trick-or-treating experience is all about the details. Here's how to structure your clinic for success. 

Visual Supports for Lights On/Lights Off: Many kids with sensory needs can be sensitive to changes in lighting. Use visual cues, like a picture of a lightbulb, to show when lights will be on or off. This prepares them for walking up to homes with different light settings. You can also teach them that if a light is on, it’s a good house (or door) to trick-or-treat at. They can learn if the lights are off, it’s not a house (or door) to knock on.

  AAC Supports: For non-verbal or minimally verbal children, having alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices available is crucial. Make sure each child has access to the vocabulary they need to say phrases like "Trick or treat," "Thank you," and "Happy Halloween."

Candy Bowls in Each Room: Place a candy bowl (or a bowl of non-food items) in each therapy room or station. This allows kids to practice walking up, knocking, and saying the necessary phrases. If food sensitivity is a concern, offer tokens or coins that children can trade in later for a prize, adding an extra layer of excitement without the pressure of food.

WHY IT WORKS

Mock trick-or-treating serves as valuable practice for the real deal. Here's why it's a great addition to your clinic's activities:

Prepares Kids for the Real Night: Rehearsing in a familiar, controlled environment helps kids understand the steps involved in trick-or-treating. They’ll know what to expect, reducing anxiety on Halloween night.

Sets Expectations: Children will learn what is expected when they go door-to-door. They can practice knocking on doors, asking for candy, and responding when someone opens the door. This helps them feel more prepared and confident for the real event.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS

Read a Social Story About "What Is Halloween": Social stories can provide clear, simple explanations of what Halloween is and what to expect. This is especially helpful for children who may be unfamiliar with the traditions or who have anxiety about new experiences.

Read a Social Story About "How to Go Trick-or-Treating": Another social story can focus on the specific steps of trick-or-treating, like walking up to a door, knocking, saying “Trick or treat,” and responding to the person handing out candy. This prepares kids with both the language and actions they’ll need.

FIND OUR HALLOWEEN SOCIAL STORIES HERE

SUPPORTING GOALS

LANGUAGE

WH Questions About Halloween Night or Characters Ask kids WH questions about the trick-or-treating process or Halloween characters. For example, "What do you say when you knock on the door?" or "Who dresses up as a witch or a ghost?"

Inferencing: Use scenarios from Halloween night to help children practice inferencing. For example, "Why do you think the lights are off at this house?" or "What do you think will happen if you knock on the door?"

ARTICULATION

Practice Speech Sounds at Each Door: Have children practice their target sounds by saying phrases like “Trick or treat” and “Thank you” when they knock on the door.

Pair with High-Frequency Words for Halloween Time: Use words related to Halloween that naturally occur during trick-or-treating, like “costume,” “candy,” or “scary,” to give children repeated practice with their speech sounds in context.

FIND SOME OF OUR HALLOWEEN ARTICULATION PRODUCTS HERE OR HERE

Happy TRICK OR TREATING!

Mock trick-or-treating isn’t just a fun activity; it’s a meaningful way to help children develop essential communication, sensory, and social skills. By setting up a structured and supportive environment, you’re giving kids the tools they need to enjoy Halloween with confidence and joy!