Spooky season is here! My class loves it when October comes along and the theme of our literacy activities changes. Our 1st grade October literacy centers are always a big hit.

1st Grade October Literacy Centers

The October literacy centers we use are great for the Halloween season. They are engaging and a fun way to review the literacy skills we are working on in our class.

Syllable Sort

We practice syllables often in our class. Understanding syllables helps students read multisyllabic words. The syllable sort center requires students to sort the pictures to the correct number of syllables in the word. On the recording sheet, students color the number of pumpkins to match the number of syllables.

Digraph Sort

The witch’s brew digraph (ch, sh, th) sort is a way to practice hearing the digraph sound in words. Students sort the bubbles according to the digraph they hear at the beginning of each word. They match the bubbles to the correct cauldron digraph. There is a cut-and-glue worksheet for reinforcement.

Sentence Scramble

Sentence scrambles are a great way to practice word order in sentences. Students decide on the correct word order for each sentence. These sentence scramble cards do not have punctuation or the beginning word capitalized, adding a challenging element to this center. On the recording sheet, students write the sentence correctly.

Contractions

The spooky contraction match center requires students to match the two words that make up the contraction. There is a recording sheet included to write down answers.

L-blends Sort

This l-blends sort center has students sorting pictures to the correct l-blends they hear in the word. The l-blends included are bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, and sl.

Punctuation Sort

My students always need practice adding the correct punctuation at the end of sentences. At this center, students read the sentences and match the correct pumpkin punctuation; period, or question mark. There is an optional recording sheet in which students write one telling sentence and one asking sentence from their matches.

Vowel Sort

The vowel sort center has students sorting candy according to the vowel sound they hear. They must determine if the vowel is a short vowel or a long vowel. My students love the candy theme!

ABC Order

Putting words in alphabetic order is a great way to show an understanding of the alphabet.

Your students will love these Halloween-themed October literacy centers! They are great for small groups or independent work. Each activity includes a kid-friendly task card that shows how to do the activity. If you think your students will love these 1st-grade October Literacy Centers, check them out below.