October is here, and with it comes the annual challenge for secondary ELA teachers: how do you bring seasonal fun into the classroom without derailing the curriculum map?

Your students are buzzing with Halloween energy, but you have standards to teach. You can’t afford to spend a week on a "fluff" activity, but you also don't want to be the only room in the school ignoring the holiday.

The solution? Don't stop your unit. Instead, plug in a high-interest, rigorous, seasonal activity that matches the exact skills you're already teaching. Here is a quick guide to easy, "spooky season" lessons that keep the critical thinking rolling.