Ok, when I was a kid, my sisters and I did some Halloween candy experiments of our own...how many mini Tootsie rolls can you fit into your mouth? At 11 I managed 16. How long can you cook a fun-sized Snickers in the microwave before it burns? About 10 seconds and it's scrumptious atop vanilla ice cream. We also had a bartering system down pat, like two mini Twix = 1 Reeses Cup. Three chocolate kisses = 1 Mini Nestle Crunch, unless they are almond kisses then they're only worth a pack of Necco wafers. You get the idea, I'm sure.
I remember pillow cases full of candy that we gorged ourselves on for weeks. Aside from an occasional pack of pretzels or granola bar, today's Trick or Treat haul is not much healthier than what I remember from my youth. But, I have found a great site that will help you use that candy loot for some great learning fun! Check out candyexperiments.com for new ways to get rid of all that excess sugar ;)
And you can always get creative with candy math...estimating the number of M & M's in a pack, graphing the quantities of each variety of candy, measuring household items by lengths of candy bars, etc. Or, use much of the lot to decorate a gingerbread house for the holidays. Here's a how to that easy enough for little ones to enjoy.
Also, I've found lots of fun holiday printables at Family Fun Education's website. You can also explore recipes and craft ideas there to get you in the "spirit". Or, check out my Halloween craft post here. Have fun!
Oh yes, I remember the candy bartering system. Snickers were my favorites.
Thanks for sharing all of those links! I am the class mom in my sons kindergarten class this year and I am looking for some fun ideas for the kids! I also have a toddler at home and I am starting to homeschool her for preschool. Your ideas are a big help!
Mostly I just eat them straight up. lol. Actually, my favs are the ones with nuts. My kids all HATE the ones with nuts...so I'm happy.
Thanks for the link to the candy experiment site. I know what we will be doing the week after Halloween :)
I was an only child so I never got to have a candy bartering system -- but my two have already developed a system (or sorts). I think they are still teching out the details :-)
Thanks! I bookmarked the candy experiment site. Sounds like yummy fun!
The gingerbread house is something I've always wanted to tackle. Let's see if I get the guts to do it this year!
Glad you like the website! Hope you have fun with the experiments, and let me know how it goes.
I liked your ideas for math with candy. At our house we've used Skittles for counters in adding games, and you can get into math with nutrition labels (how much of this candy is just sugar?)
Good luck with the homeschooling.
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