Pumpkins are a big part of Autumn, and offer a hands on learning experience for all children. Starting off with a pumpkin hunt children excitedly found the hidden pumpkins and marrows. They used drills to make holes, hammer in golf tees and scoop out the flesh. The slimy pulp was used to make ‘soup’, and the seeds were used for planting. Back at the pre-school children used them in the role play area, counted, sorted, and buried them in sawdust.
Focusing on movement, coordination, and teamwork parachute play one afternoon led to bouncing lots of soft teddies in the air, making waves, and creating a tent.
‘Car land’ (as described by one child) encouraged children’s imagination and spatial awareness, and the soft play area offered a relaxing and social area for children to chill out.
Colourful leaves and natural resources were used to make a variety of autumn craft activities, and fizzy potion experiments to make concoctions in cauldrons.
