If you need an after-Halloween classroom activity that helps students talk, move, and then settle down for learning, this Halloween Find Someone Who speaking activity is a great fit. The first class after Halloween can feel extra chatty and unfocused, so instead of fighting that energy, give students a structured way to share. This editable speaking game gets learners mixing, mingling, and asking questions while still practicing meaningful language skills in an ESL, ELL, or elementary classroom.
The day after Halloween often comes with costumes stories, candy talk, late-night memories, and lots of excitement. A Find Someone Who activity turns all of that post-holiday buzz into purposeful speaking and listening practice. Students move around the room, ask classmates questions, record answers, and build confidence with real communication. Best of all, it is simple to prep and easy to adapt for different language levels.
Quick link: Get the editable version here: Halloween Find Someone Who (Editable)
Prefer TeachersPayTeachers? You can also get it here: Halloween Find Someone Who – TPT Listing.
Why This Activity Works So Well After Halloween
The first class after Halloween is usually full of stories, excitement, and students who need to talk. If you ignore that energy, you often spend the lesson redirecting behavior. A Halloween speaking activity like Find Someone Who gives students a way to share in a structured, classroom-friendly format.
- It adds movement with a purpose. Students walk around the room with a clear task, which helps re-engage tired or restless learners.
- It builds speaking and listening skills. Students ask questions, listen carefully, and respond using real language.
- It supports classroom community. Learners discover shared experiences and learn more about one another.
- It works well for ESL and ELL students. Sentence stems and predictable question patterns make it easier for all learners to participate.
- It helps your class reset. After a short mix-and-mingle, students are usually much calmer and more ready to focus.
What Is a Find Someone Who Activity?
Find Someone Who is a conversation game built around a grid of prompts. Each square asks students to find a classmate who matches a description. In a Halloween version, prompts focus on things students may have done before, during, or on Halloween night.
For example, students might look for someone who:
- wore a spooky costume
- carved a pumpkin
- watched a scary movie
- handed out candy
- went trick-or-treating with family or friends
Students move around the room asking yes/no questions until they find a match. Then they write a classmate’s name or collect a signature in that square. Depending on your class, the goal can be to complete a row, fill the whole page, or collect a set number of signatures. This Halloween Find Someone Who resource includes ready-to-use boards and an editable PowerPoint so you can customize prompts for your students.
How to Use This After-Halloween Speaking Activity
1. Print the boards
Use the printable PDF for a fast, no-prep option, or edit a few prompts to better match your class. You can print one sheet per student or reuse the boards in plastic sleeves with dry-erase markers.
2. Review the target language
Before students begin, model the question forms they will need.
- Question stems: “Did you…?”, “Were you…?”, “Have you ever…?”
- Follow-up questions: “Where did you go?”, “What was your costume?”, “Who were you with?”
- Response phrases: “Yes, I did.” “No, I didn’t.” “Me too!” “Same!”
Posting sentence frames on the board helps emerging speakers feel more confident.
3. Model one example
Choose one prompt and demonstrate how to ask the question clearly, listen to the answer, and record the name or signature correctly.
4. Let students mix and mingle
Set a timer for 6 to 10 minutes and let students circulate. Encourage them to speak to different classmates and use one person per square so they interact with more partners.
5. Debrief and transition
Bring students back together and ask a few quick share-out questions. This lets them reflect on what they learned and helps the class transition smoothly into the next activity.
Language Skills Students Practice
- Speaking: asking and answering questions about familiar past events
- Listening: understanding responses and following conversation routines
- Vocabulary: Halloween words, feelings, and past-tense verbs
- Conversation skills: turn-taking, follow-up questions, and short exchanges
- Community building: learning about classmates in a safe and positive way
How to Differentiate for ESL and ELL Students
Beginners (A1–A2)
- Provide a mini phrase bank with simple question and answer patterns.
- Allow students to point to picture supports if needed.
- Use a signature-only option so spelling is not a barrier.
Intermediate (B1)
- Require one follow-up question after each match.
- Add prompts with slightly more complex language.
- Ask students to write one complete sentence about a classmate’s response.
Advanced (B2+)
- Add prompts using Present Perfect, such as “has ever visited a haunted house.”
- Require a short explanation or extra detail.
- Follow the activity with a short written summary of class results.
Classroom Management Tips for a Smooth Speaking Mingle
- Set clear rules first. Remind students to use inside voices, keep moving, and collect only one signature per classmate.
- Make space for movement. Clear walkways so students can circulate easily.
- Keep it short. A brief, timed round keeps energy high without making the class feel chaotic.
- Use a music cue. Soft background music can help pacing, and students can freeze when it stops.
- Close with a quick share. A short class discussion gives the activity a calm ending.
Extend the Learning After the Speaking Activity
Once students have had a chance to talk, you can use the information they collected for follow-up language work.
- Bar graph activity: Tally one prompt and create a simple class graph.
- Grammar mini-lesson: Review Past Simple or compare Past Simple and Present Perfect forms from the board.
- Listening recap: Students report back about one classmate using complete sentences.
- Opinion writing: Ask students to write whether Halloween should be celebrated at school and explain why.
Why the Editable Version Is So Useful
Because this resource is editable, you can tailor it to your students, your school traditions, and your language goals. You can swap out prompts, simplify the wording, add support for newcomers, or include class-specific topics. Download the editable resource here: Editable Halloween Find Someone Who speaking activity or get it on TPT here: TPT Halloween Find Someone Who.
Pair It With More October ESL Activities
If you want a full set of seasonal resources, pair this activity with the Halloween ESL Games & Activities Bundle. It includes grammar, vocabulary, and speaking practice you can use throughout October for centers, review days, sub plans, and fast finishers.
Quick Assessment Ideas
- Participation check: Observe whether students take turns, stay on task, and use the target structures.
- Exit ticket: Ask students to write two sentences about classmates they interviewed using Past Simple.
- Peer feedback: Invite students to compliment a partner’s English during the activity.
- Vocabulary check: Review and highlight Halloween words used correctly in share-out.
Can This Activity Be Used Digitally?
Yes. You can project the prompts and have students record answers on a digital document. In online or hybrid classes, students can use breakout rooms and complete a few prompts each round before returning to the main group.
Time-Saving Teacher Tips
- Print once and reuse. Store in page protectors or print on cardstock for future years.
- Use it as a sub plan. The format is simple, familiar, and easy to explain.
- Keep a conversation anchor chart. Reuse the same question stems for future mingle activities.
- Organize by season. Store it with your October materials for quick access next year.
Sample Halloween Find Someone Who Prompts
- Find someone who wore a homemade costume.
- Find someone who didn’t dress up this year.
- Find someone who visited a haunted house.
- Find someone who handed out candy.
- Find someone who sang a Halloween song.
- Find someone who watched a spooky movie.
- Find someone who carved a pumpkin.
- Find someone who went to a costume party.
- Find someone who decorated their house.
- Find someone who was too scared to watch something scary.
- Find someone who has the same favorite candy as you.
- Find someone who went trick-or-treating with family.
- Find someone who spoke to a neighbor they had never met before.
- Find someone who was born in October.
- Find someone who reused a costume from last year.
Ready to Use It in Your Classroom?
If you want an easy way to channel post-Halloween energy into meaningful communication, this editable activity is a great classroom tool. It helps students talk, connect, and reset in a way that feels fun and purposeful.
Get the Editable Find Someone Who or View it on TPT
FAQ: Troubleshooting and Variations
What if my class is shy?
Start with partner practice at their seats before asking students to move around the room. You can also set a smaller goal, such as collecting just three signatures, before extending the activity.
What if I have newcomers?
Pair them with a supportive buddy, highlight a few simple target squares, and provide picture or first-language support where possible. Celebrate participation, even if responses are brief.
How do I keep the noise level down?
Set a voice level before starting, spread students out, and keep the rounds short. Soft background music can also help keep the room from getting too loud.
Can I reuse it later in the week?
Yes. Change the goal, swap out a few prompts, or add a short writing extension at the end. Since the file is editable, it is easy to refresh and reuse.
More Halloween Teaching Ideas
- Stress-Free Classroom Halloween Party Ideas & Teacher Tips
- Engage & Inspire: 6 Halloween ESL Activities That Actually Work
P.S. Want a simpler October plan? Explore the Halloween Games and Activities Bundle for ESL/ELL for more speaking games, grammar review, and vocabulary practice you can print once and use every year.


