Humbug Witch Tradition Continues at Infant Jesus of Prague School

Every October, for the past 25+ years, the IJP Kindergarten class gets into the Halloween spirit with the Humbug Witch project. Mrs. Swanson, the Kindergarten teacher, starts the week by reading Humbug Witch, written by Lorna Balian, to her students. “I love the characters in the story,” exclaimed one kindergartner. The students then proceed to trace their own hands to make the Humbug Witch’s hands, color the witch’s face, and color the socks in an A-B pattern in red and white. The witch’s arms, body, hat, and shoes are cut from construction paper.

At the end of the week, the Kindergarten parents come to school to help the students assemble their very own Humbug Witches in the school cafeteria. They glue it all together and add red yarn for the witch’s hair. When they’re finished, the witches measure 53” tall - taller than a Kindergartner! The witches resemble the beloved character in the story, which is once again read to the students and parents. “I loved building my witch with my mom and dad,” said many of the students. The children bring home their Humbug Witches to display at their homes year after year. If you drive through the neighborhood, you just might see one hanging in the window!