Halloween! Inspired by Hocus Pocus- Truths & Myths of Halloween, Salem & Witches

In this Hocus Pocus-inspired class, learners will discover the truths and the myths behind the characters and setting of the movies Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2. 

At the beginning of class, the learners and teacher will have an introductory discussion about the movie. Visuals and pictures will be used in class to create discussion. Then, learners will be presented with different characters, themes, settings and other details from the story. Then, the learners will decide which parts they think are based in fact, which are a myth, and which are false. After some discussion, the teacher will present the facts and encourage further discussion. This will repeat for each topic within the class. 

Below are some topics that will be covered in the class:

**Salem, MA - This is the setting of both movies. Is this a real place? What was it like in the 1600s, and what is like now? What are some historical events that have happened there?

**Sanderson Sisters - Were they real characters? Are their characters historically accurate? Who were the real witches of Salem?

**History of Halloween - In the first movie, there’s a dispute between two characters about the origins of Halloween. Who is correct? Was it made up by the candy companies, or is it based on Hallow’s Eve? What is Hallow’s Eve?

**Puritans/Settlers of Salem, MA - Who were the first people to settle in Salem, MA, and who are the Puritans?

**Witchcraft in the 1600s and the hysteria around the Salem Witch Trials 

This class is best for any student ages 8 to 14 who has watched the Disney movies Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2. 

This class will be discussing themes, characters and settings relating to the movies Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2, which both have an official rating of PG. This class may include the Salem Witch Trials and the witches who were killed/hanged during that period. This may be a sensitive topic for some learners. Also, please note that we will NOT be watching the movie or clips of the movie during this class. 

The class materials will be presented via Google Slides and screen shared on the teacher's screen only. During class, learners will need nothing outside of the Outschool Zoom classroom.