Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! As the fall months appear so do pumpkins – big, small, round, orange – what would autumn be without them? But as good to eat and as decorative as they are, pumpkins are also great for another thing – learning. There are so many ways a teacher or parent can incorporate pumpkin activities into a the child's learning. Here are just a few ideas to use.
Pumpkin Sorting
This is a hands-on activity that is perfect for teaching preschoolers or early learners about sizing and sorting. Gather several pumpkins and other small fall produce, such as gourds, for this activity. Make sure there are several different sizes of pumpkins.
Have the children sort the pumpkins from smallest to largest. Next have them sort them in to groups – pumpkins and things that are not pumpkins. If there are enough mini pumpkins and other items, such as fall leaves, then the kids can also play "what comes next" by creating a repeating pattern with the items.
Sensory Perception
Teachers and parents can encourage children to use their sense with this sensory perception activity. Simply cut off the top of a large pumpkin. If several children are going to do this at one time then use an extra large one or they can take turns. Scoop out a small part of pumpkin from the inside if needed.
Have the children close their eyes while putting their hands down inside the pumpkin and feel around. What do they feel? Is it soft, squishy, hard? How does it smell? After the children are done and have washed their hands, help them write down what their senses told them. Explain how they can learn more about things when they use all of their senses.
Pumpkin Art
Save the seeds from a large pumpkin and allow them to dry out. Color the seeds with food coloring or leave them plain. Have the child create a mosaic picture from pumpkins seeds. Other types of seeds or small fall nuts can be used as well.
Kids can also string the pumpkin seeds into a necklace. Large darning type needles work well for this. Add interesting beads or pasta in between the pumpkin seeds for an interesting necklace.
Pumpkin Printables
Many places on line offer a nice variety of pumpkin printables, coloring sheets and games for kids, parents and teachers to print and use. One such place is Learning Treasures. One can find pumpkin alphabet cards, word wall charts, math flashcards and coloring sheets.
Take time this year to take advantage of the availability of seasonal things, like pumpkins, gourds and nuts to sneak some fun learning activities into the normal reading, writing and arithmetic. The kids will enjoy and think they are taking a break from regular “school” but adults will know they are learning something new.
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