Fall is finally here with the leaves starting to tumble off the trees and the opportunity to wear jeans and sweaters once again. Of course in Southern Calfiornia the weather could turn to 90 degrees in a flash of an eye but we are hopeful for traditional fall weather for our pumpkin hunts in the garden at the preschool.
Each classroom will walk to the garden and every child will search for just the right pumpkin to take home. Many activities can be done around the theme of pumpkins at home and school incorporating all kinds of skills including our five senses, cognitive and social skills.
At school we have been learning how a pumpkin grows and will soon clean out a real pumpkins feeling the slimmy insides, washing the seeds and roasting them for tasting. We have been cutting, painting and gluing around the theme of pumpkins, reading books about pumpkins and acting out the song of the "Five Little Pumpkins Sitting on a Gate."
At home you might try making a pumpkin pie together. If you aren't up to making one from scratch there is a good and easy recipe on the back of the canned pumpkin found in the grocery store. Children love to help cook at home and it is a learning moment using math, science, the five senses and provides good old family fun. Enjoy!
