Looking for ways to make this fall season more festive and educational for your kids? Why not try some pumpkin themed hands-on activities? Pumpkins are not only a popular symbol of the season, but they also offer a wealth of learning opportunities for children. In this blog post, we will explore some fun, educational, and creative ways to explore pumpkins with your children, with the bonus of pumpkin themed printables to make these activities even more engaging and enjoyable. Your kids will have a blast while learning about math, science, language, and more!
About Pumpkins
Did you know that the pumpkin plant is actually a type of squash? It’s amazing how big those vines can get, and the flowers are so pretty too.
Pumpkins are native to North America. They have large leaves and vines that can stretch up to 20 feet long. There are dozens of varieties, ranging in color from yellow to green to white. Pumpkins are also packed with nutrients, including vitamin A and fiber. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from pumpkin pie to savory soups. Plus, carving pumpkins is a fun fall tradition that many people enjoy. Overall, the pumpkin plant is a versatile and interesting crop that has been enjoyed for centuries.
The pumpkin life cycle begins with a small seed planted in nutrient-rich soil. As the seed begins to sprout, it sends out delicate roots that will anchor the plant in the ground and absorb water and nutrients. Soon, the first leaves emerge from the soil, and the plant begins to grow rapidly.
As the pumpkin vine grows, it produces small yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. These insects help to fertilize the flowers, which eventually grow into small green pumpkins.
Over time, the pumpkins grow larger and larger, changing color from green to orange as they ripen. Once the pumpkins are fully mature, they are ready to be harvested. Farmers carefully cut the pumpkins from the vine and bring them to market, where they are sold as decoration or used for cooking. From seed to harvest, the pumpkin life cycle is a fascinating process that showcases the beauty and wonder of nature.
Pumpkin themed hands on activities for children
Pumpkin Sorting: Provide children with pumpkins of different shapes, sizes, and colors and have them sort them based on the given criteria.
Pumpkin Tasting: Introduce children to a variety of pumpkin dishes such as pumpkin pie, roasted pumpkin seeds, or pumpkin soup. This activity helps in developing their sense of taste and encourages healthy eating habits.
This recipe is easy to make in a classroom setting as it requires minimal equipment and supervision. Children can practice measuring and mixing ingredients while learning about seasonal flavors. Plus, it’s a healthy and delicious treat that can be enjoyed by everyone!
Pumpkin Pie Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 can of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp of nutmeg
- 1/4 cup of honey
- Graham crackers or apple slices for dipping
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey.
- Once combined, divide the mixture into small serving cups or bowls.
- Serve with graham crackers or apple slices for dipping.
Pumpkin Seed Counting: Provide children with pumpkin seeds and have them count the seeds and match them with the numerals written on paper or wooden sticks.
Pumpkin Painting: Give children pumpkins to paint using dot painting, or freehand painting. This activity develops their creativity and art skills.
Pumpkin Seed Sensory Bin: Fill a bin with pumpkin seeds and hide small objects like bells, buttons, or small toys within. Have children explore the bin using their senses and search for hidden objects. This activity helps in sensory development.
Materials:
- A plastic bin or tray
- Pumpkin seeds
- Small objects like bells, buttons, or small toys
Steps:
- Fill the bin with pumpkin seeds. You can adjust the amount according to the size of the bin, but make sure it’s enough to cover the bottom.
- Hide small objects within the pumpkin seeds. You can use different objects to make the activity more challenging or interesting.
- Invite the children to explore the bin using their senses. Encourage them to touch, smell, and listen to the pumpkin seeds.
- Ask the children to search for the hidden objects. This will enhance their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Once they find an object, they can take it out of the bin and show it to you.
- Keep the activity going by hiding different objects or changing the sensory bin materials.
- Clean up the pumpkin seeds and small objects once the activity is done.
Tips:
- Make sure the small objects are safe for children to handle.
- Supervise children during the activity to ensure their safety.
- You can also add scoops, spoons, and cups to the sensory bin for more exploration and play.
Pumpkin Measurement: Provide children with measuring tapes and have them measure the circumference and diameter of pumpkins. This activity helps develop their mathematical skills.
Begin by introducing the concept of measurement to the children. Explain to them that they will be measuring the size of a pumpkin using measuring tapes.
Show the children how to use a measuring tape. Demonstrate how to stretch the tape from one end to another to determine the length of an object.
Have the children gather around the pumpkins. Explain that they will be measuring the circumference and diameter.
Ask the children to estimate the size of the pumpkin and record their guesses.
Have the children take turns measuring the circumference of the pumpkin by wrapping the tape around the widest part of the pumpkin. Encourage them to measure carefully and record their findings.
Next, have the children measure the diameter of the pumpkin by placing the measuring tape across the widest part of the pumpkin from side to side. Again, encourage them to measure carefully and record their findings.
Once all the children have had a chance to measure the pumpkin, have them compare their measurements to their estimates. Ask them to discuss how close their estimates were to the actual measurements.
Finally, use the pumpkin as an opportunity to talk about healthy eating habits and the nutritional benefits of pumpkins. You could also carve the pumpkins together and use them as decorations for the classroom or school.
Pumpkin Sensory Bottles: Fill transparent bottles with miniature pumpkins, pumpkin seeds, and other fall-related items. This activity helps sensory development and can be a calming tool.
Materials needed:
- Transparent bottles with lids
- Miniature pumpkins
- Pumpkin seeds
- Fall-related items (such as leaves, acorns, pinecones, etc.)
- Water
- Clear glue or glycerin (optional)
Instructions:
- Clean and dry the bottles.
- Cut the miniature pumpkins to fit inside the bottles. You may need to push them in with a stick or skewer.
- Add a handful of pumpkin seeds to each bottle.
- Pick out some fall-related items and add them to the bottles. You can use different-colored leaves, small pinecones, or small acorns.
- Fill the bottles with water, leaving a little room at the top.
- (Optional) Add a few drops of clear glue or glycerin to the bottle. This will help slow down the movement of the contents and create a more calming effect. You can experiment with how much or little to add to achieve your desired effect.
- Close the lid tightly and shake the bottle to mix the contents.
Your pumpkin sensory bottle is now ready! You can play with the bottle, watch the contents swirl around, or use it as a calming tool when feeling overwhelmed.
Pumpkin printable
Autumn is here, and that means it’s pumpkin season! Pumpkins are not only great for carving jack-o-lanterns and decorating your home, but they are also an interesting subject to learn about. Delve into the pumpkin’s life cycle with these fun printables and activities that will teach kids about how pumpkins grow and change over time.
Use this resource with clear true-to-life images and photographs to create hands-on science activities for your students. Children will learn stages of the pumpkin life cycle, practice sequencing skills, and work to improve their concentration and fine motor skills. This resource will come in handy when exploring the plant life cycle and setting up activities for autumn explorations.
This Pumpkin Life Cycle printable is a perfect activity to offer students in the fall. It features clear photographs of each stage of the life cycle. In addition to using the set of 3-part cards for teaching vocabulary, you may decide to hang control cards (labeled pictures) on display. Alternatively, place them on your nature table for children to explore, build the life cycle sequence and retell the stages using new vocabulary.
Here is what’s included:
- Pumpkin life cycle poster
- Pumpkin life cycle 3 part cards
- Pumpkin life cycle coloring, cutting, and pasting worksheet (color and blackline)
- Pumpkin life cycle tracing strips
- Pumpkin life cycle information cards
- Parts of a Pumpkin poster
- Parts of a Pumpkin student activity page
- Parts of a Pumpkin labels
- Parts of a Pumpkin tracing & independent writing worksheet
- Parts of a Pumpkin student booklet (independent writing)
- Parts of a Pumpkin information cards
- Types of Pumpkin 3 part cards
- Types of Pumpkins information cards
- Pumpkin characteristics color poster
- Pumpkin characteristics black line poster
- Pumpkin characteristics mat
- Pumpkin characteristics color cards
- Pumpkin characteristics tracing & coloring student booklet
- Pumpkin Characteristics student booklet
- Pumpkin information poster
- My Book of Pumpkins
- Pumpkin anatomy diagram adjective activity
Age: Preschool ages 3 – 6 years
Subjects and uses in the classroom: Farm, Plants, Vegetables, Nature Table, Science Centers, Fine motor, Prewriting
Invite your students to make their My Book of Pumpkin Life Cycle booklet or work with the blackline worksheet included in the printable.
It is always a good idea to have seeds and real pumpkins for children to touch and smell or even plant to observe the life cycle in the classroom.
Printable Pumpkin Life Cycle Worksheets
To kick things off, print out a set of pumpkin life cycle worksheets that include all the different stages involved in the growth and development of a pumpkin. From seed to sprout, vine to flower, and fruit to pumpkin, these worksheets will help kids understand the different parts of the life cycle.
Life cycle poster – Print on cardstock and laminate. Present all stages of the pumpkin life cycle. Invite the children to retell them or tell their own story that features all the stages.
Pumpkin life cycle 3-part cards – print on cardstock and laminate if you wish to preserve colors and card quality for future use. Place picture cards in a column and invite the children to match the picture to the picture and the word to the word. Present control cards and ask the child to lay the stages of the cycle in the correct order.
Pumpkin life cycle line art – supply scissors, glue, and coloring pencils. Invite the student to color and cut cards and glue them into the correct sequence.
Pumpkin tracing/labeling and coloring worksheets – print on cardstock and laminate. Supply an erasable pen. Invite the child to trace the words and color corresponding images. Alternatively, print pages on regular printing paper and invite the child to trace or label the stages of the life cycle.
Pumpkin Life Cycle Craft
Take your pumpkin life cycle lesson to the next level with a fun craft project that demonstrates the stages of the life cycle. Have students cut out and glue together the different parts of the pumpkin life cycle, from seed to pumpkin. Add some colorful markers or paint to make the craft come to life.
Pumpkin Exploration
After kids understand the pumpkin life cycle, it’s time to explore. Take a trip to a local pumpkin patch or farm where kids can see pumpkins in action. Have them observe the different stages of the life cycle and talk about what they see. Bring back a small pumpkin or two to dissect and learn about the different parts of the pumpkin.
Pumpkin Science Experiment
Conduct a science experiment using pumpkins to teach kids about the different properties of pumpkins. Have them measure the circumference and weight of a pumpkin and compare it to other fruits and vegetables. Cut open the pumpkin to explore what’s inside and the different uses for pumpkins, such as pumpkin pie, roasted seeds, and more.
Pumpkin Math Games
Engage kids in some fun pumpkin-themed math games by having them count the number of seeds in a pumpkin and guess how many seeds are in a pumpkin. Use the pumpkin as a weight and balance tool, and have kids predict how many pumpkins it would take to balance out different weights.
Parts of a Pumpkin – Gather books about pumpkins for children to explore. Print posters and label cards on cardstock and laminate. Cut individual label cards. Attach clear velcro to the poster without labels and label cards.
Present the poster – Name all parts and invite the students to share their thoughts on the various functions of each part and do their own research. Then read each label and invite the student to match it to the corresponding part of the pumpkin.
Pumpkin-themed activities can be a fun and educational way to engage children during the fall season. With these hands-on activities and printables, children can learn sequencing, new vocabulary, and more while also having fun. By incorporating these activities into classroom lessons or family time at home, parents and educators can help children learn and grow while enjoying the festive season.
Farm - Children's Books and Learning Resources
Farm Babies Safari Toob 3 Part Cards Editable
Three-part cards with 11 examples of farm babies for the object-to-image matching activity.
The printable provides a set of cards with photographs of 11 different types of farm baby animals included in the Safari Farm Babies Toob – pony foal, donkey foal, horse foal, kit, kid, kitten, puppy, chicks, piglet, lamb, and calf.
Farm Cards for Object to Picture Matching Activity with Safari Toob
Three-part cards with twenty images for the object to photo-matching activity. The printable features clear true-to-life images.
Farm Pack for Preschool - Montessori Nature Printables
Printable is made with hand-drawn watercolor clipart and has beautiful soft pastel tones.
These printables include 26 pages plus 2 pages with instructions.
Activities included: Silhouette activity, Preposition Cards, Vocabulary Cards, 3-Part Cards, Find the other half, Number Activity, Fine Motor pin poking activity, Colour Wheel activity.
Safari TOOB and Toy-Matching 3-Part Cards | Montessori | Editable
Early Learning Bundle with 40 printable sets that contain 3-Part Cards for an object-to-picture matching activity. Sets are designed to match the classroom favorites – Safari TOOB figures. Use in any language. All sets include an editable PowerPoint file. Types labels in your own language and print.
Community Helpers 3-Part Cards - Montessori Nature Printables
The printable features real photos
The printable is suitable for children ages 3-6.
Classification nomenclature cards are great for expanding vocabulary and can be used during Social Studies and for teaching ESL students of all ages.
Vocabulary Cards With Animals - Montessori Nature Printables
Farm Animals, Big Animals, Small Animals, Baby Animals, Sea Animals, and Birds. Each set has two versions – with labels and without labels. You can use Vocabulary Animals Set Of Cards for match-up game, memory game and for learning new vocabulary with children and ESL students.
Flowers - Object to Picture Matching Activity with Safari Toob
Three-part cards with eight images for the object to photo-matching activity. The printable features clear real-life photographs.
It includes a set of flower vocabulary cards – rose, tulip, hibiscus, bird of paradise, daffodil, sunflower, lotus, orchid.
Honey Bee Life Cycle - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Two sets of Honey Bee Life Cycle activities with student worksheets and Honey Bee 3-part Cards
Parts of the Plant Printable - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Parts of the Plant 3-part card activity and handwriting sheets.
The printable features a clipart.
Parts of the Seed Printable - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Parts of the Seed – 3-part card activity and handwriting sheets.
Types of Flowers - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Three-part and description cards with eighteen different flowering plants. The printable features isolated images of commonly known flowers such as lotus, sunflower, pansy, orchid, tulip, rose, blue plumbago, calla lily, carnation, dahlia, daisy, bird of paradise, iris, lily, magnolia, narcissus, petunia, poppy.
Parts of a Honey Bee 3 Part Cards and B&W Student Booklet - Montessori Nature Printables
Montessori cards with 12 parts of a honey bee and b&w student booklet for tracing and independent writing.
Types of Spring Flowers 3 Part Cards and B&W Booklet Printable
Twelve beautiful flowers of Spring. Three-part cards feature colorful clipart images.
Please note, this product is also a part of Seasonal Hands-On Activities for Montessori 3-6 Classroom Bundle and Spring Pack Hands-on Montessori Inspired Activities. If you have purchased the money-saving bundle or the pack, you don’t need to purchase this printable as well!
Farming (New & Updated Edition)
Explore the natural world with Gail Gibbons in this introduction to farming and the work done on a farm throughout the seasons.
Farms are busy places throughout the year. Animals are born, fields are plowed and planted, and crops are harvested. The winters are quiet, but there are always chores to be done, and soon spring will come again.
This Farm Is a Family (Barn Sanctuary)
In this adorable illustrated picture book for kids written by Dan McKernan (Saved by the Barn), the rescue farm animals at Barn Sanctuary decide to help a cow who is dealing with fear and anxiety in her new home. Children will learn the importance of friendship and compassion, as well as why it’s important to support others during hard times.
World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm Animal 30-Button Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
Put on your overalls and have a stroll Around The Farm in this amazing sound book! Your little one can press 30 different sound buttons while they read to bring the amazing art stylings of Eric Carle to life!
Farm Animals! - From Cows to Chickens (Farming for Kids) - Children's Books on Farm Life
Let’s visit the farm virtually and meet the animals there! This edutaining book is a fun mix of pictures and texts. Your child would love to go through them and learn something new primarily because of the layout and the careful selection of texts. So what are you waiting for? Secure a copy of this fun picture book today!
National Geographic Kids On the Farm Sticker Activity Book: Over 1,000 Stickers! (NG Sticker Activity Books)
An exciting interactive title chock-full of adorable piglets, fuzzy baby chicks, and other barnyard fun, brings National Geographic Kids signature content to a sticker and activity book format. Packed with mazes, spelling and pattern games, drawing activities, and more, kids are sure to love these pages loaded with fun.
Big Red Barn
Margaret Wise Brown's simple, rhythmic text about the cycle of a day on a farm, where a family of animals peacefully plays and sleeps, has charmed generations of children.
As in her classic Goodnight Moon, Brown engages children and helps settle them down for sleep as they follow along with the animals from morning to night in the barnyard.
Teacher Created Materials - TIME For Kids Informational Text: A Visit to a Farm - Grade 2 - Guided Reading Level I
Take a trip to the place where cows and horses play and fields of crops grow in this nonfiction book that tours a farm! Early elementary readers will discover the types of farm animals, crops, and different machinery used to run a farm. With informational text, a picture glossary, a map of the farm, and bright, colorful photos, readers will want to learn all about life on a farm!
Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter
A captivating exploration of how a family gets a farm ready for the snow of winter, Sleep Tight Farm lyrically connects each growing season to the preparations at the very end of the farm year. This beautiful and informative book paints a fascinating picture of what winter means to the farm year and to the family that shares its seasons, from spring's new growth, summer's heat, and fall's bounty to winter's well-earned rest. All year long the farm has worked to shelter us, feed us, keep us warm, and now it's time to sleep.
Farm Friends Lift-a-Flap Board Book (John Deere Kids)
Nothing runs or reads like a John Deere Lift-a-Flap farm book! Introduce your little one to all the friendly animals on the farm with this adorable and sturdy board book filled with lively rural scenes and tractors designed to educate and entertain your little John Deere enthusiast.
Winter on the Farm (Little House Picture Book)
With this illustrated adaptation from the beloved Little House series, the youngest readers can share in the joy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved classics.
This My First Little House book introduces Almanzo Wilder, the young boy from Farmer Boy who would one day marry Laura Ingalls. Winter has come to the Wilder family farm in upstate New York. Almanzo goes through his afternoon barn chores, and then sits down to eat a hearty farm supper with his family.
Tractors and Farm Machinery: A STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Book for Kids (STEM Books for Kids)
For kids who love big, noisy machines — trucks, vehicles, things with big, chunky tires that go — and can’t learn enough about them!
Full of photographs and close-ups of tractors and farm machinery, this book uses fun, engaging rhymes to explain what these machines do and introduce them to the complex and fascinating work of farming, from plows, to combines, hay balers, drones, and more. Kids will learn about these incredible machines and how they help farmers grow food.
A Kid's Guide to Keeping Chickens: Best Breeds, Creating a Home, Care and Handling, Outdoor Fun, Crafts and Treats
Covering everything from feeding, housing, and collecting eggs to quirky behaviors and humane treatment, Caughey’s engaging advice helps children understand the best ways to care for their chickens. Spark enthusiasm with creative activities like chicken forts and a veggie piñata for the flock, and feed more than the imagination with egg-centric dishes like Mexican egg pizza.
Plant & Grow (John Deere Lift-A-Flap Board Book)
Nothing runs or reads like a John Deere Lift-a-Flap farming book! Introduce your little one to the wonderful world of farming with this adorable and sturdy board book filled with fun farm facts, tractors, harvesting machinery, and lively rural scenes designed to educate and entertain your little John Deere enthusiast. Simple sentences reinforce future language structure while grasping and lifting the durable flaps helps develop fine motor skills.
Saving Emma the Pig (The Biggest Little Farm)
A companion picture book to the award-winning film, "The Biggest Little Farm"!
Welcome to Apricot Lane Farm, a unique world full of true stories about heartwarming animals’ relationships and the special people who care for them.
A Year at a Farm (Time Goes By)
Horses! Ducks! Cows! Would you like to see what happens during a year at a farm? Then come spend the next twelve months at this farm. Check out eight action-packed scenes for a bird’s-eye view of spring planting, a summer festival, and an autumn harvest.
Encyclopedia Britannica - Kids Farm Animals Listen and Learn Sound Book - PI Kids
Look, listen, and learn about animals you might find on a farm! Your little one can press ten sound buttons to hear the animal's names and the sounds they make. Horses, cows, cats, dogs, we ve even included frogs; hear them all come to life.