Pumpkin Exploration!

Pumpkin / Gourd Exploration!

The children have been very busy exploring the wonders of pumpkins and gourds.

Such a humble object with so many learning possibilities! Here is a list of a few of the things the children have been doing with them...

*Discussing the textures that they feel and expanding their sensory vocabulary.

*Looking for the color variations in each one.

*Learning where food comes from and how to be respectful/resourceful.

*Discussing different recipes that call for pumpkin or squash.

*Cooking in the classroom and using measuring cups. (Discussing sanitation and hygiene while cooking).

Check out the recipe for Pumpkin squares that Marcie's class made here

*Comparing and contrasting.

*Measuring the pumpkins / gourds with a ruler.

*Measuring how tall they are and the length of objects in the room using the pumpkins and gourds as non standard units of measurement.

*Weighing the pumpkins using the classroom scale.

 

*Comparing the weight of the pumpkin to other items in the classroom. Does it weigh more or less than a pumpkin?

 

*Using links to measure the circumference of the pumpkins.

*Experimenting to see if they sink or float.

*Experimenting to see if they roll down a ramp.

*Learning about the life cycle from seed to pumpkin.

*Learning about the parts of a pumpkin.

 

*Using their senses to feel and describe the inside squishy guts of the pumpkin!

*Painting/drawing pictures of what they look like and learning to pay attention to the small details.

*Working their fine motor muscles by wrapping yarn/rubber bands around a pumpkin.

*Discussing what we know, what we want to know and what we learned about pumpkins and gourds.

*Singing and acting out various songs such as, "The 5 Little Pumpkins."

*Composting and estimating how long it takes for a pumpkin to rot after its cut open.

 

*Growing and planting a pumpkin seed.

 

*Working their motor skills by hammering golf tees into the pumpkin.

 

*Using the pumpkin like a geo board after the golf tees are hammered into it.

 

*Estimating how many seeds are inside the pumpkin.

and so many more!!!



Pumpkin Squares

Today Marcie and Jasmine's classes worked together to make...

Pumpkin Squares!

 

 

Before they started the teachers made sure they had all the ingredients together, everyone's hands were washed and explained to the children that they would need to follow the recipe.

 

 

Step 1. Mix together 1 tsp. pumpkin and 3 tbs. whipped topping.

 

Stir, stir, stir!



Step. 2 Spread the mixture onto the graham cracker.

 

Sneak a spoonful!

 

Step 3. Put the other half of the graham cracker on top to make a sandwich.

 

 

Step 4. Put the pumpkin squares into the freezer.

 

 

Step 5. Eat and enjoy the yummy pumpkin squares!

 

Such an easy recipe and so fun to make! If you have a child who is a picky eater the best way to get them to try new things is for them to help make their own food. Cooking is such a great hands on activity for children and helps them to explore new foods and practice following directions. It is a great language experience as they converse with their peers and teachers about what step comes next and what the food tastes like. It also helps foster their social skills by having them practice waiting for their turn and sharing with their peers all while using good manners and hygiene practices.