Halloween at OrbRom Center: Inclusive Learning Through Play and Celebration

Halloween at OrbRom Center brought together children, teachers, and therapists for a day of creativity, laughter, and shared experiences. Beyond the costumes and celebrations, the event offered opportunities to practise communication, social interaction, and participation in a supportive learning environment.

At OrbRom Center, our approach to inclusive preschool education in Phnom Penh includes meaningful experiences that help children with different developmental needs participate in everyday activities. Halloween is one example of how celebrations can become opportunities for learning.

Building social skills through Halloween activities

Group celebrations provide natural opportunities for children to interact with their peers and practise important social skills.

During our Halloween activities, teachers and therapists encouraged children to participate in themed stories, movement, group games, and imaginative play.

These experiences can help children develop several skills:

• Social interaction: Joining group activities, taking turns, and sharing experiences with classmates.
• Communication: Expressing preferences, responding to questions, and interacting with teachers and peers.
• Confidence: Exploring unfamiliar activities and participating at a comfortable pace.
• Emotional development: Recognising emotions, managing excitement, and adjusting to changes in routine.
• Cooperation: Following simple instructions and participating in shared activities.

For children with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, or communication difficulties, these skills may require additional support and repeated practice.

Making Halloween inclusive for children with special needs

Halloween can be exciting, but unfamiliar costumes, loud sounds, crowded spaces, and changes in routine may be challenging for children with sensory sensitivities or difficulties adapting to new experiences.

An inclusive celebration recognises these differences and provides appropriate support.

Teachers can prepare children by explaining activities beforehand, using visual schedules, offering choices, and allowing breaks when needed.

Participation also looks different for every child. Some children enjoy joining large group activities, while others prefer observing first or participating with individual support.

At OrbRom Center, we recognise that children should have opportunities to participate without being pressured to engage in ways that cause distress.

Families and educators can learn more about creating an inclusive learning environment that accommodates different developmental and learning needs.

Learning through play in our preschool program

Celebrations such as Halloween complement the learning experiences offered through OrbRom Center’s special needs preschool program.

Our preschool supports children aged 3–7 through structured learning, play-based activities, social interaction, and individualised developmental support.

Activities are designed around children’s abilities and learning goals, with opportunities to develop communication, independence, attention, and school readiness.

For example, a simple costume-themed group game can encourage children to follow instructions, identify emotions, wait for their turn, and communicate with classmates.

These everyday learning opportunities are particularly valuable when children can practise the same skills across different activities and settings.

Celebrating our teachers, therapists, and children

Our Halloween celebration was also an opportunity to recognise the dedication and creativity of the OrbRom team. Teachers and therapists embraced the occasion, helping create an enjoyable experience for the children.

Their involvement helped make the celebration welcoming and engaging while encouraging children to explore new activities and interact with others.

At OrbRom Center, we believe inclusive preschool education should provide opportunities for children to learn, participate, and develop relationships through shared experiences.

Our Halloween celebration demonstrated how learning through play can be incorporated into meaningful school activities. Families looking for inclusive preschool education in Phnom Penh can explore how OrbRom Center supports children with different developmental and learning needs.