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Pumpkin Theme

 Every October we learn about pumpkins. Mini pumpkins are brought into the Science Center for every child and we investigate them with magnifying lenses and our senses. We also cut the top off of a large pumpkin and scoop the seeds out to investigate as well.  I allow every child who is interested, a turn scooping seeds out. I never require the students to help if they are not interested.
 In the Literacy Center, we use mini pumpkin erasers to trace around letters. Pumpkin stickers can also be used.
 We take a field trip to a local pumpkin patch where every child is allowed to pick a pumpkin to take home.
 In the Fine Motor/Sensory Center, we make pumpkin pie with orange playdough and rolling pins.
 We also count and make patterns in the Math Center with pumpkin erasers or manipulatives.
In the Pumpkin STEAM box, I include mini pumpkins, leaves, acorns, magnifying lenses and orange slices of pool noodles that the children can play and experiment with. The Dramatic Play Center can be set up as a Pumpkin Patch or a Farmer's Market. Some books I read and place in the Reading Center include:
*"Sixteen Runaway Pumpkins"
*"Five Little Pumpkins"
*"The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin"
*"Pumpkin Pumpkin"
*"Too Many Pumpkins"

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