Engage your middle school students in this spooky, standards-aligned SEL activity where they become behavior detectives!
This creative resource features five fictional Halloween-themed case files—each one spotlighting a character with unique emotional and behavioral challenges. Students read the case files, examine clues, and respond to critical thinking questions that promote empathy, perspective-taking, and mental health awareness.

Perfect for upper elementary and middle school (grades 5–8), this activity is ideal for Psychology, Health, ELA, Counseling, or Advisory periods—especially during October!

✅ Students Will:

• Analyze fictional case files using observation and inference
  
• Practice empathy and recognize emotional patterns
  
• Respond to reflection questions tailored to each character
  
• Participate in a gallery walk (optional) for deeper engagement
  
• Discuss how emotions and behavior are connected
  

What’s Included:

• 5 Halloween-themed case file narratives (PDF)
  
• 5 sets of student-friendly reflection questions
  
• Teacher answer guide with simplified insights
  
• Student sample responses
  
• Gallery walk setup & classroom instructions
  
• Standards alignment (SEL, ELA, Health, Forensics)
  

Featured Characters:

• Vicky the Vampire
• Wendy the Witch
• Greg the Ghost
• Bones
• Kandy Korn
  

‍No mental health jargon. Just age-appropriate stories that open the door for meaningful conversations.

Use this engaging activity as a Halloween SEL lesson, a cross-curricular behavior project, or an entry point to discussions around emotions and support systems.

Stay Inspired,

Girasol & Sage