Fall in love with the changing seasons with these ten fun pumpkin activities for the classroom. Fall offers many benefits as the weather gets colder and the leaves change color because there are endless pumpkin activities to try at school. So, from pumpkin journaling to making pumpkin pie in a cup, here are our top suggestions for kid-approved pumpkin activities to try with your students.
1. Counting Pumpkin Seeds
First, read the book “How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?” to students, and afterward, divide students into groups. Provide each group with a pumpkin, and guide students to open the pumpkin to count the number of seeds.
To cultivate social and teamwork skills, ask students to decide as a group about how they will count their seeds: by ones, fives, tens, or more. Then, ask students to complete various mathematics activities, such as the following:
- Compare the number of seeds in two or more pumpkins by utilizing tables, charts, or graphs
- Predict the number of pumpkin seeds in the fruit before counting
- Guess the weight of a pumpkin, and then weigh the pumpkin to determine if the guess was correct
After completing the pumpkin seed counting activity, bring the seeds home and roast them after a few washes. Bring the seeds back to class for the students to enjoy as a fall treat or a healthy snack.
2. Descriptive Pumpkin Writing
To enable students to improve their writing skills, ask students to write a narrative, descriptive piece, or short story about any of the following topics:
- Fall weather
- Leaves
- Halloween
- Día de las Muertos
- Pumpkins
Another fun activity is for students to write about the pumpkin’s physical features, utilizing descriptive writing skills to portray the pumpkin’s color, weight, texture, scent, and more.
3. Pumpkin Sensory Activity
Children of any age can benefit from sensory activities like this pumpkin sensory activity. Ask your students to bring to class a pumpkin that is light enough to carry, which limits the size. Then, guide students to examine the pumpkin using their five senses–taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound. Students can write down what they observe in a pumpkin journal, and afterward, they can make observations about other pumpkins in the classroom.
4. Read Pumpkin-Themed Books
As therapy staffing aficionados, we’re aware there is an endless amount of books to celebrate the season of autumn. So, here are a few of our pumpkin-themed favorites:
These teacher-recommended books can make students of all ages feel homey, content, and warm–despite the chilly weather outside.
5. Pumpkin Vocabulary
While reading pumpkin-themed books, identify vocabulary words students have learned and use in their conversations. For younger readers in elementary school, be sure to include pictures or photographs of each vocabulary word if possible.
6. Pumpkin Pie in a Cup
One of our favorite pumpkin activities is to make pumpkin pie in a cup. Easy to make with only a few ingredients, this quick, no-bake recipe can also help your students practice their sequencing skills. Ask parents and educators to work at stations to ensure that students mix all the right ingredients into their cups. Lastly, add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream to top off the dessert.
7. Pumpkin Life Cycle
To guide students to learn about the various stages of a pumpkin’s life cycle, create an interactive chart that students can attach pieces to. We suggest sticking Velcro pieces to the chart, or for even more fun, making a pumpkin life cycle necklace that students can bring home to share with their families.
8. Pumpkin Volcano
Teachers and education therapists can’t stop raving about this fun, hands-on science experiment that is a favorite among and adults alike–perfect for the fall season! Mixing baking soda with vinegar, which are inexpensive ingredients, is almost always guaranteed to create a memorable reaction. However, keep in mind that the more vinegar and baking soda you use, the bigger the mess!
9. Pumpkin Slime
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the days leading up to Halloween than to create pumpkin slime! This affordable, quick slime works as an outstanding chemistry demonstration with only four ingredients. It teaches science topics like substances, states of matter, polymers, mixtures, cross-linking, viscosity, elasticity, and more.
10. Pumpkin Geoboard
Turn a pumpkin into a three-dimensional math experience by creating a geoboard! Kids can learn various skills and STEM concepts with this activity, which requires everyday materials that you may already have: rubber bands, golf tees or pushpins, and wooden mallets. In addition to being fun, making a pumpkin geoboard helps students strengthen their fine motor skills and gross motor skills while discovering new geometric shapes and original designs.
Educational therapists and teachers, which of these pumpkin activities have you tried? Our therapy staffing experts want to know. Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Want to receive activities and apps in your inbox monthly? Visit txsource.com/newsletter.
Looking for your next educational therapy or teaching position? Check out our current roles: https://jobs.txsource.com.