Activities with pumpkins for little kids
It’s Fall! And if you visit the pumpkin patch, or the grocery store for that matter, you might have some pumpkins at your disposition.
Or, maybe you haven’t visited yet and you would like to know what you should be getting to make the most of them.
Here are some easy, Montessori aligned, pumpkins activities for the very little ones. What makes them Montessori aligned is how developmentally appropriate they are, as well as how it allows the kiddos to participate in the traditions that are part of your family (given they are).
1 year old :
Pumpkin tray. Offer an assortment of small pumpkins to explore. Yes, it doesn’t have to be more complicated than that. Little ones love to experience real objects, which includes mouthing, and it’s very good for their developing brains. Pumpkins are really fun to explore.
Pumpkin transfer. For an older baby/toddler. Offer two baskets or containers, like shoe boxes, and they’ll enjoy transferring them back and forth.
Pumpkin rescue. We never did this with pumpkins, but we did it with pit balls. You can use a small laundry basket. Weave yarn at the top leaving some big spaces and offer to your child to get the pumpkins out. If the basket is too big for your child, you can place it on its side.
2 year old and up:
Pumpkin washing. Simply add tiny to small pumpkins to a tub with water. Include some brushes like these ones, something to pour water on top like a little pitcher and tear free soap. Have towels available. Show them how to wash them, but ultimately let them work as they want to (as long as your boundaries are met, like not pouring outside of the tub).
Pumpkin rescue. You can do this with washi tape or rubber bands. Supervision is recommended for both. Wrap the rubber bands around a tiny pumpkin or tape long pieces of washi tape around it. For both setups your kiddo is supposed to free the pumpkin by removing the wrappings around it.
Pumpkin carving. I don’t think I need to over explain this one, but maybe you are not sure what they can do at this age when it comes to pumpkin carving. So here it is:
They can wash the pumpkin in preparation, although it’s harder to avoid a mess with a bigger pumpkins. Alternatively, they can clean it/polish it with some wet rags.
They can scoop out the guts. This was the favorite step in our home at 2 years old. All about that transferring.
Roasting pumpkin seeds. This is a good activity for after pumpkin carving. Picking out the seeds from the guts and washing them. Or washing them in a colander under the sink. Scooping them out to a dry towel will probably be the favorite step. Next is to add some seasonings, oil, mix and pour into a tray. Here’s a more detailed, but still simple recipe to roast pumpkin seeds.
Happy Fall!
Notes & disclaimers:
*Some of this links to products are affiliated. This means, I get a small commission when you buy them from the link posted in this page. This is at no cost to you.
