Inside: You’ll find 2 gorgeous pumpkin art projects, a pumpkin tree map, pumpkin writing paper, and a pumpkin addition game.
It’s fall again and time to visit the pumpkin patch. Our yearly visit to the pumpkin farm, which includes a train ride, might just be the most exciting field trip we have all year.
If you need a few extra fun pumpkin activities to get you going this October, I have you covered.
When learning about pumpkins it’s always good to start with a great book. My all-time favourite pumpkin book is The Pumpkin Circle.
RELATED: A book review of The Pumpkin Circle
I’m curious: Have you ever wondered if the pumpkin is a fruit or vegetable?
Typically we think of pumpkins or squash as a vegetable, but depending on whether you’re a scientist or a cook, your opinion may differ! From a botanist’s viewpoint pumpkins are actually a fruit. Huh? Weird!
In any case, after you read an informative pumpkin book you’ll be ready to complete your pumpkin tree-map.
PUMPKIN TREE MAP
My first graders and I always brainstorm the words for “are”, “need”, and “have” together.
I project the coloured chart onto my smart board while the kids have their own black and white copies.
Under “are” we typically put things like roundish, orange, green, bumpy, big, small.
Under “need” we might write water, good soil, air, room to grow.
And under “have” you’d probably see seeds, leaves, vines, stems, goopy middle.
Once we’ve brainstormed our words and phrases, we’re ready to write some sentences.
PUMPKIN WRITING PAPERS
When the chart is complete it becomes a handy reference for writing a paragraph of pumpkin facts!
We often write our pumpkin facts on a pumpkin-shaped paper.
They look super cute when your kids create a title page and staple it to the top of the pumpkin writing.
Sometimes we write simple “poems” such as:
Pumpkins need rain.
Pumpkins need sunshine.
Pumpkins need fresh air.
Pumpkins need room to grow.
Pumpkins don’t need french fries.
When writing that sort of poem we always try to be as silly as we can.
PUMPKIN MATH GAME
The Pumpkin Cover and Roll game is a lot of fun for little guys. It involves an edible treat and who doesn’t like that?
When I play this game with my kids I usually give them Smarties to play with. But you could also have them bring in 11 small pieces of their own Halloween candy. That would work too!
My class LOVES this game and it’s perfect for practicing addition to 12, number recognition and subitizing.
BTW, if your school isn’t allowed to use candy, you could just play with markers. When the game is over each child could “win” a mini Halloween eraser. I think that would be popular, too!
PUMPKIN ART
My kids just made the cutest pumpkins! I got this great idea from That Artist Woman.
Directions for Tissue Jack-o-Lanterns:
- Paint the background paper purple.
- While it dries, give everyone a piece of gold coloured paper and strips of pre-cut (or pre-ripped) yellow and gold tissue paper.
- Glue the tissue strips all over the gold paper. Remind your students to glue down all the corners. White liquid glue works best for this.
- When the tissue is dry turn over the gold paper and draw a large pumpkin shape on the back. I usually do this for my first graders, but depending on skill level, some children may want to do this on their own, or you could give them pumpkin tracers.
- Cut out the pumpkin shape and glue it onto the painted purple paper.
- Glue on a green construction paper stem.
- Glue on eyes. I gave my kids a choice of googly eyes, foam shapes, or purple buttons.
- Use sharpies to draw the nose and mouth.
Aren’t they adorable!
RELATED: Lots more pumpkin activities.
This next project was done by the kindies across the hall from me. I think they’re so beautiful!
Directions for Pumpkins and Wheat
- Finger paint a long rectangular piece of paper. Use mostly blue but add in a bit of white for a textured effect.
- Glue down 3 dried wheat stalks as shown in the picture.
- Finger paint a separate sheet of paper with orange. Be sure to leave some white paper showing. When dry, cut into a pumpkin shape and glue over the bottom of the stalks.
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What a great idea! I hope I have time to use this! Thanks Christine
Just came across your pumpkin tree map. It is so cute! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you:)