Pumpkins: Week Two

More Pumpkin Activities
(Some Halloween Activities)

You can find Week One Pumpkin Activities here. 

We got more done this week than I ever imagined considering the fact that I was trying to get ready for her birthday bash.  However, I ran into a HUGE problem.  I guess I reached my max storage of photos through Yahoo (for my blog).  I am not sure what I am going to do now.  Any suggestions?  I don't see a delete button and then if I do find a delete photo button - will it delete the photo from my blog?? I wasn't aware that I had a limit on how many photos I could upload otherwise I would have been more selective.  They had an offer to purchase storage space, but I do not want to waste funds on that.  So I am obviously missing a ton of photos for this week's blog - CRAZY huh.  I like blogging with photos so I am not sure if I will have a post for next week unless I figure something out.  Does your blog do that?  What other FREE blogs are out there without photo storage limits???  I may have to start a new blog ... might be a good idea anyways. 

One of my absolute favorite websites (I was supposed to tell you about this website last month during our "All About Me Unit") is Shari Sloane's Kids Count 1234.  She is an amazing K teacher with LOTS of FREE printables that can be easily adjusted for different levels.  I adapt them and use them with Alyssa - she'll turn three this week.  Please check out her website and let me know if you found something you could use!   

Books Read
The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs
P is for Pumpkin: God's Harvest Alphabet by Kathy Jo Wargin
It's Pumpkin Time! by Zoe Hall
Pumpkin, Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherton
The Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden byGeorge Levenson
From Seed to Pumpkin
How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? byMargaret McNamara
How Things Grow by Nancy Buss
The Very Best Pumpkin by Mark Kimball Moulton
The Stubborn Pumpkin by Laura Geringer
Pumpkin Day, Pumpkin Night by Anne Rockwell
Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell
Pumpkin Soup! by Helen Cooper
Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell
Pumpkin Day! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
Patty's Pumpkin Patch by Teri Sloat
The Pumpkin Book by Gail Gibbons
The Three Friends and the Pumpkins by Tomie dePaola
Where is Baby's Pumpkin by Karen Katz
I like Pumpkins by Jerry Smath
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
The Pumpkin Man by Judith Moffatt
Pick a Pumpkin, Mrs. Millie! by Judy Cox
Harriet's Halloween Candy by Nancy Carlson
All About Holidays by Kathleen Kain
Picnic at Mudstock Meadow by Patricia Polacco
The Three Bears' Halloween by Kathy Duval

Language Arts

Pumpkin Make a Word

Seven letters were placed in the pocket chart.  Alyssa was asked if she could spell a word (any word) using the letters.  She spelled pumpkin as the first word.  Then, we talked about how she could spell other words with the letters in the word pumpkin.  She made the words "pump," "kin," "up," and "in."  I showed her how to make other words that weren't as obvious.

There Was An Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything
Story Sequencing Sticks (LOVE THIS IDEA!)

Making Learning Fun had a neat activity for sequencing story events.  I printed and laminated the printable.  Then, I cut them apart and added velcro to the pieces.  I added the velcro to the paint stick.  I introduced the book and new vocabulary to Alyssa.  Then, she did a picture walk and predicted the story events based on the pictures.  We read the book aloud.  The second reading she used the pieces to sequence the story as I read it aloud.  The third day she sequenced the story events while doing a retell of the story.  I hope that Making Learning Fun creates more activities like this!  It was a great hands-on way to sequence story events and my daughter enjoyed the activity.
I have a little container that holds reading supplies that we use on a daily basis during our read alouds.  One of the items are the green Nonfiction and Fiction cards as seen below.  We also have cards for the parts of a book.  They are both from Mailbox books I own.

-ump Word Family (Onset and Rime)

Donna Whyte's Smartie Zone has a beginning and end activity. I printed the mat and cut out just the -ump word family for the ending (rime).  Then, I gave Alyssa pocket chart letters that she could use to build words in that word family.  She read each word aloud after building it.

Pocket Chart -ump Word Building

I gave Alyssa several -ump word family cards and we placed them in the pocket chart.  I also gave her onsets to add to the beginning.  She created and read new words made.  We discussed the meaning of any new words (vocabulary opportunity).

  

Positional Words: Pumpkin and Wagon

I gave Alyssa a wagon full of fall leaves and a pumpkin.  She placed the pumpkin in the correct spot based on the positional terms used.  For example, I would say Alyssa place the pumpkin in front of, behind, above, under, in, out, next to the wagon and so forth.  This was a review activity for her.

Pumpkin ABC File Folder Game 

The file folder game came from Childcareland.  First, Alyssa matched the uppercase letters to the file folder game and then she matched the lowercase letters to the capital letters.  

Reader: Pumpkin Life Cycle Book

Alyssa sequenced the life cycle of a pumpkin and used the pictures to create a book.  The life cycle book came from Montessori Print Shop.

Reader: Five Little Pumpkins 

I gave her the pages from the book at DLTK to place in order before stapling.  She also colored the book pages from Making Learning Fun.  Then, we assembled the book together and she read it again.

     Writing

My Pumpkin is ... Predictable Chart

I gave her a small pumpkin and asked her to describe or tell me about it.  I wrote down her sentences on chart paper.  We discussed how a sentence starts with a capital letter and that a telling or describing sentence ends with a period.  She had some GREAT sentences, but I can't upload anymore pictures.  

Pumpkin Journal 

I asked Alyssa to draw and label a pumpkin in her journal.  She did a great job spelling pumpkin on her own.  I also wrote the word pumpkin on the page and she insisted on writing it again. No pic -see reason at top of blog.

Pumpkin Story Dictation

I placed several items including a pumpkin in a bag.  She pulled them out one at a time and told me a story.  At first she only retold my story, but then she started being creative. I started writing them in a journal so that I can see her progress ins storytelling.  

       Poetry

Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater

We reread last week's poem this week.  I also cut the poem up into sentences for her to sequence.

Pumpkin, Pumpkin Pocket Chart Poem

I really wanted to add orange dots underneath each word in the poem as seen at Montessori Journey.  But, I think my sentence strips are smaller than hers, because the dots were hanging of the sentence strip.  She uses the dots as tracking guides for students reading the poem.  They point to each word or dot as they read the poem.  Anyways, I wrote the poem on sentence strips and here are a few activities that we did using the poem which was found here:

1.) We were going to do the I read, we read, and then you read.  But, she beat me to the pocket chart and started reading the whole thing on her own (she has never seen or read this poem before).  She did a GREAT job reading it on her own.  She asked me to read it to her after she finished.  

2.) I gave her wooden pumpkins so that she could identify the word pumpkin, cover it with a pumpkin, and then count how many times the word was in the poem.  

3.) Then, we used the pumpkins again to cover rhyming words in the poem.

     StoryTelling

Mystery Bag Riddle

I read aloud a riddle I made last year.  She guessed what was inside the bag and pulled it out to see if she was correct.  

Music/Songs:

See last week's songs here!

The new song we used this week was from 1+1+1=1 (We All Fall Down).

"Mr. Pumpkin"
(Tune: "Where is Thumpkin")


"Pumpkins"
(Tune: "Mary Had a Little Lamb")

Math

Days of the Week Sequencing

The days of the week cards are from Childcareland.  She placed them in order while singing the days of the week song.

Pumpkin Number Cards and Pumpkin Counters

(With Even and Odd Sort)

First, Alyssa placed the pumpkin number cards in numerical order from 1-20.  Then, she put them in a pile on the table.  I placed two wagons in front of her with the words "even" and "odd" on them.  She looked at the number card and identified the number.  After identifying the number; she counted out the correct amount of pumpkins for each card (one at a time of course).  She placed them on the table in a Montessori fashion.  Then, I showed her how to use two fingers to see if the number was odd or even (had a partner).  I told her that if it had a partner then it was an even number and if it did not then it was an odd number.  She did VERY well with this activity.  I was so impressed with my baby girl! She would get excited and ask me to come see her work (I was working on birthday party stuff ... running out of time).  She would tell me if the number was odd or even.  I would then ask her how she knew that and listened to her explanation.  The file folder game was found at File Folder Fun and I added on the pumpkin counters.

Pumpkin Weight

I gave her a scale, a pumpkin, and Unifix blocks to explore.  She told me the Unifix blocks were lighter than the pumpkin (we didn't have enough).  Then, we tried the dominoes because they were heavier and we had more of them.  She was able to make the scale balance and at one time she told me her pumpkin was heavier than the dominoes.  Last of all, I brought out some actual weights for her to explore.  She really liked the weights.  She was amazed by how heavy the 1 pound weight was.  I think she expected it to be lighter because of its size.  She used the weights to estimate the weight of a tiny pumpkin.

Pumpkin Height Comparison

She used Unifix blocks to see how tall each pumpkin was and then she compared the Unifix sticks.  I had her measure to the tip of the stem for this activity.  She also put the height towers in order by size (smallest to largest and then largest to smallest).

Ordinal Number Sequence Pumpkins

Alyssa placed the pumpkin ordinal numbers in numerical order from 1-10.  I found the printable at KidSoup (membership required).  It actually had another printable attached with it showing the pumpkin life cycle, but we did not get around to using it.  

Ordinal Pumpkin Seed Game

I used the pumpkins from Oriental Trading and inside one I put a seed.  I sang a song, "Do You Know Where the Seed Is?" to the tune "Did You Ever See a Lassie."  The original game idea came from a website I can't find, but the song was too long so I shortened it for Alyssa.  The name of the person that came up with the game was Sarah Ebbers and the song/chant creator was Heidi Samuelson 2010.  Before Alyssa could open a pumpkin to check inside she had to tell me the ordinal name for its location (first, second, third and so forth).   

Pumpkin Circumference Match and Comparison

We tried this activity several different ways but each try didn't work.  Alyssa came back and I had a new idea.  I discussed the term circumference with her and she now knows what it means.  Then, I gave her three pieces of yarn cut to match to each pumpkin (three different sizes).  Her job was to look at the strings and guess which one would go around the circumference of the pumpkin.  She did a wonderful job and got them all right.  She explained the term to daddy when he got home and wrapped the strings around the pumpkins.  He was in shock!

Pumpkin Number Sequence Hop

Alyssa placed the pumpkin number mats in sequential order.  If she got lost she would run back to the beginning and count as she hopped to the end to figure out the next number.  I believe the mats came from Childcareland.    

Pumpkin Jack O' Lantern Counting

This activity was from Childcareland.  She placed a number card in the box (1-20) and she counted out Jack O' Lantern erasers for that number.  

Pumpkin Patch Counting 

This was found at Confessions of a Homeschooler.  This was the same idea but she used different manipulatives.  She used pumpkin ornaments instead of erasers.   

Pumpkin Addition (different one)

The addition mat was found at Math Wire (they have two and many other great pumpkin activities).  I gave her the addition mat, seeds, and number tiles.  Alyssa placed a certain amount of seeds on the first side and then a certain amount on the other side.  Then, she found the total either by recognizing amounts by sight or counting for the higher totals.  I would sometimes yell out an equation and she would figure out the answer.  We did this as I worked on her birthday party goody bags.   

Pumpkin Seed Estimation Jar

I placed a few seeds in a jar and she guessed or estimated how many were inside the jar.  At first, she guessed 5 and then she changed it to 8.  The amount was seven.  

Ghost Marshmallow Sorting

First, she grabbed two handfuls of ghost marshmallows.  She sorted the ghost marshmallows by color on a sorting mat.  Then, she counted how many she had of each color.  I had her count them into a container one at a time.  She used number tiles to tell how many of each ghost color she had and she placed those on top of each ghost.  The printable was found under the graphing activities section at Shari Sloane's KidsCount 1234 website.

Marshmallow Ghost Graphing

Alyssa sorted the ghost marshmallows on a graph.  Then, we answered the questions at the bottom of the page.  We didn't write the answers on the line.  I asked additional graph questions.  The printable was found under the graphing activities section at Shari Sloane's KidsCount 1234 website.   

Ghost Patterning

She used the ghosts above to create her own pattern.  She was really good at AB and ABC patterning.  The others were not patterns.

Candy Corn Sorting

She sorted the pumpkins from the candy corns.  Then, she noticed that the candy corns were different so she sorted them again into three piles.

Candy Corn Patterning

She used the patterning sheet from Shari Sloane's Kidscount 1234 website to pattern the candy corn.

Grab the Candy Corn Grid Game

The game was found at Math Wire.  I placed letter and number pumpkin cards in photo dice.  She rolled them and found the letter first.  Then, she counted up to the correct number.  This was a game that introduced ordered pairs or reading coordinate pairs on a grid.  

Halloween Finger Puppet Sort

Alyssa sorted the finger puppets from Oriental Trading into three sections of a sorting tray.

Science

Soaked Seed

We soaked a seed overnight and looked at the tiny plant inside.

Pumpkin Seed Ziplock

We hung a ziplock with soil on the window for her to observe the changes in growth.

Life Cycle of a Pumpkin and Pumpkin Plant Parts

She colored and sequenced the life cycle of a pumpkin again.  The cards were found at Kizclub.  

Pumpkin Size Comparison

She used real pumpkins to compare sizes.  It was funny watching her move the biggest one in the correct spot and she insisted on doing it herself (largest to smallest and vice versa).

Pumpkin Life Cycle

We used the pumpkin life cycle cards from Montessori for Everyone to do a three-part (three period) lesson.  I started off with three cards at a time.  Alyssa matched the labels to the pictures rather quickly.  She also put the cards in order showing the pumpkin life cycle.

Pumpkin Life Cycle Book

She made a pumpkin life cycle book from Montessori Print Shop.  I was blessed last month and won 40 dollars to spend in their shop.  I bought the entire pink series reading cards for Alyssa and several other science related items.  I am so excited.  Now I just have to get organized.  It was great timing after my encounter with Adena.  I love ALL the products I won from Montessori Print Shop.  Check them out!  

Pumpkin Life Cycle Craft

She mixed the colors red and yellow to make the color orange (color mixing) on a paper plate.  She did the same thing on a half of a paper plate.  The plate dried overnight and we added facial features to the jack o' lantern.  She colored the life cycle cards and taped them to a green string (vine).  The items were stored inside the pouch created when the two plates were stapled together.  I wanted to hole punch the plates and have Alyssa lace the orange yarn around the pumpkin, but the hole punch wouldn't go through the two plates.  I found this activity in several different places online.  But, I combined two activities.  I used the Jack O' Lantern craft from dltk and the sequence cards from here.  An example of this activity can be found at My Montessori Journey.      

Pumpkin Life Cycle Bracelet

She used pony and flower beads to sequence the life cycle of a pumpkin.  This activity can be found at Making Learning Fun.  

Pumpkin Observations: 5 Senses

Alyssa used her senses to describe her pumpkin inside and out.  My favorite quote, "What's that smell?" She said that after I took the stem off the pumpkin.  She felt the pumpkin and described it.  Tasted pumpkin seeds and other pumpkin products and describe them.  She also used descriptive words to describe the appearance of the pumpkin and what it looked like inside.  She shook it to see if she could hear anything.     

Pumpkin Gas

See Homeschool Creations for an explanation of this activity.  Daddy also explained it in simple terms (he's a fire fighter and works with kiddos too so he had some good information to share).

Pumpkin Sink or Float

We took a tiny pumpkin and I asked her if she thought it would sink to the bottom of the container full of water or if she thought it would float on top of it.  We tested and checked her predictions.  There is a reader at Making Learning Fun to use with this activity.  I ran out of ink so I couldn't use it.    

Pumpkin Decomposition

We read Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell and the Jack O' Happy poem aloud (google it).  Then, I cut up a small pumpkin and placed the pieces in a plastic see thru container.  We placed the container outside and plan to check on it at least once a week.  I will have her journal (draw the changes that take place ... what she sees ... most likely I will write her dictation).  We will use an observation sheet from Scholastic to draw her observations.   

Pumpkin Cooking, Baking and Snacks

Pumpkin Pancakes

I made pumpkin pancakes.  The recipe was from All Recipes.  I cut them into pumpkin shapes and Alyssa gobbled them up!  I made a few changes to the recipe to make it healthier.  I thought the recipe was too moist, but my husband also enjoyed eating them.  I will be working on this recipe in hope to make them "not as moist" and "more flavorful."

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds

After Alyssa sorted the pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin pulp or meal.  We seasoned and roasted the seeds for a movie night snack.  She used a little more kosher salt than we needed.  Alyssa liked them.   

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Sandwich

We used a pumpkin cookie cutter to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch.  

Pumpkin Soup

First, we read the book, Pumpkin Soup written by Helen Cooper.  Then, Alyssa and I googled pumpkin soup recipes.  We tried the recipe found here.  It was okay.  She of course helped make it!

Art

Painting Pumpkins

She used washable paint to paint a pumpkin - idea from Childcareland videos.  She also used washable markers to draw Jack O' Lantern faces on her pumpkin.

Sticker Pumpkin Faces  

We used Pumpkin Decorating Craft Kits to make faces on pumpkins.  They are from Oriental Trading.  I had other ideas for these, but we ran out of time.  On the agenda for next year.

Pumpkin and Halloween Stamp Painting

She used washable paints to create a Halloween scene.  I believe I found the stamps in Target's dollar area or at Hobby Lobby. 

Fine Motor

Pumpkin Hammering 

I found this activity at Childcareland.  Alyssa loved using her new hammer to pound orange and black golf tees in the pumpkin.  This also worked on eye hand coordination.  Then, she twisted them and pulled them out.  She was pretty good at this thanks to daddy's previous lessons on hammering.

Sort Seeds and Pulp 

First, she predicted what might be inside the pumpkin (she said goop and seeds) and how many seeds she would find (a lot).  We also used the pumpkin as as sensory bin.  I let her rub her hands all around inside and just play for a little while.  Then, I asked her if she could help me with a big job.  I had her predict how many seeds she would find inside her pumpkin (she said a lot) and Alyssa used bug tweezers to sort the seeds from the pulp.  Then, she figured it was easier to use her hands.  She doesn't usually like her hands messy, but she survived the activity.  She recorded her information on the sheet provided at Childcareland.  The roasting seed activity took place after this one.

Gross Motor

Pumpkin Obstacle Course

Rolling Small Pumpkins 

Pumpkin Spoon Game (cones)

Pumpkin Toss

Pumpkin Running
Pumpkin Hula Hoop Hop (# cards).

Pumpkin Bowling (small pumpkin)

Sign Language and Spanish Words Taught

pumpkin

seed

plant

yellow, orange, and green

Fun

Pumpkin Tic Tac Toe

This was her first tic tac toe game.  She didn't understand what we meant by three in a row at first.  She started to catch on, but I think we will have to play it often or she'll forget.  She also played this game with daddy a few times.

 Pumpkin Riddle Bag

I placed a plush pumpkin inside a bag.  I read aloud clues (riddle form) to Alyssa describing the object.  She guessed what was inside.  I told her when her guesses were getting "hot" (close) and "cold" (not close).

Miscellaneous Activities

Dollar Tree Finds

She played with the number, alphabet and word building cards from Dollar Tree.  She matched the numbers to the quantities.  Then, she sorted them by number.

 

Five Little Ducks

She used six duck props and a rainbow prop (wooden from Hobby Lobby) to retell the Five Little Ducks song by Raffi.  She did it several times with the book and the several times without it.

For more tot school activities visit Carisa's 1+1+1=1 blog. You can find preschool plus activities at Jolanthe's blog Preschool Corner.

P.S. Please leave a comment if you are reading this blog.  I appreciate hearing from readers and fellow bloggers.

Thanks for visiting, 

Tracey

It has been a CRAZY week!  My daughter's birthday party is tomorrow.  She turns 3 on November 19th.  We have been learning more about pumpkins (fall theme) this week and doing a lot of things to prepare for her party.  We made and stuffed Clifford goody bags, made headbands with ears, worked on games, decorations, placed orders, made cakes, etc.  I usually throw a pretty big party because we want all of our close friends and family to attend and would hate to leave someone out.  This will probably change next year - we'll see who Alyssa invites.  So ... I will be posting the rest of the pumpkin unit pictures soon (Monday or Tuesday), but it won't be until after her party.  We will start our Thanksgiving unit and maybe do a mini unit on squirrels and leaves.
Thank you all, Tracey
Please stop by again

Pumpkin Unit: Week One

Pumpkins

We took a break from our All About Me Unit (it is just too easy to add on different topics and activities to this unit).  I haven't been photographing very many All About Me activities or blogging weekly about those activities, but we are still doing them.  I'll post what we did get photographed on a separate post later.

This week we also started a PUMPKIN unit ... I am sure there will be many other people doing the same theme in October.  We will do this theme for one more week because I planned too much ... so think of pumpkins as a fall unit instead of just for Halloween.  Then, we will be moving on to another theme as we continue our All About Me Unit.

Books

The books will most likely be listed in my next blog post since I am getting this posted so late.  I actually got a hold of some great pumpkin books this year.

Language Arts

ABC Order Pumpkins

Alyssa placed the pumpkin cards in alphabetical order. The cards for the next two activities were found at Hubbard's Cupboard.  Scroll down to one of the activities for Day Two.   

ABC Order Pumpkins and Sound Pictures

She looked at a picture card, said the word, sounded out the word emphasizing the beginning sound, and placed the picture card on the correct pumpkin letter card.  Use the same link and information as seen in the text above.  After she was done she told me she was missing the picture cards for the letters g, r, and x.  But, the cards were just stuck together.

CVC  Word Pumpkins

I printed out the CVC Pumpkin Spelling Cards from Hubbard's Cupboard ... scroll down almost to the bottom.  This activity is listed under literacy.  Instead of printing out the page with letters typed on seed templates ... I decided to write the letters on actual seeds so that my daughter would be more interested in the activity.  It worked!  She used the pumpkin seeds to form words that corresponded to the pictures on the pumpkins by sounding out the words as she spelled them.  She did a much better job with this activity than I thought she would ... just goes to show ... never underestimate your child.

Reader: My Pumpkin

Pumpkin Shape Reader

Alyssa read and completed each page one at a time before we stapled them together.  She traced the shapes mentioned on the page to create part of the face (a new facial feature was mentioned on each page) and then she colored them.  Last of all, I mixed up the pages and asked her to put them in the correct order based on the facial features traced and colored (how to draw a jack o' lantern).  She helped me staple them together.  The pumpkin shape reader was found at Making Learning Fun .

Make and Break "Pumpkin"

I placed the magnetic letters on a burner cover.  I asked Alyssa if she could spell the word "pumpkin."  This activity was done after exposure to the word in several other activities.  I now have the scrambled letters on the file cabinet and she makes the word pumpkin whenever she wants.

Scarecrow Pumpkin Alphabet Match

This was a review activity for Alyssa, but she likes doing any activity involving letters.  She matched uppercase letters to lowercase letters on the Scarecrow Pumpkin Mat from Childcareland.  I actually found the link to this printable at Ideas for Preschoolers.

Nursery Rhymes, Poems, and Songs

Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater

Alyssa read the nursery rhyme one word at a time using her pointer finger.  She identified the rhyming words and recognized the word "pumpkin".  I used the rhyme poster from the October Year 1 Itty Bitty Bookworm CD.  You can find a cute poster for this rhyme at Cherry Carl's website Carl's Corner.

Five Little Pumpkin File Folder Poem

We did this activity using different types of pumpkins each time we read or sang the poem.  We used wooden, ornament, candy, foam, and felt pumpkins.  You could also laminate the paper pumpkins from Childcareland.  The file folder activity can be found at Making Learning Fun (with paper pumpkin props).  You could even make the gate and pumpkins as a craft one day and then use as props the next day.  I loved it when she acted out the third pumpkin's line.  This picture shows small painted wooden pumpkins from Hobby Lobby.  The last pic shows her rolling the pumpkins out of sight. 

I used several different resources for the pumpkin songs.  If you google pumpkin songs the popular ones will most likely show up.  I did find several songs here.  

10 Little Pumpkins
(Tune: "Ten Little Indians")

We used a variety of wooden pumpkins from Hobby Lobby to sing the song  using props.

5 Little Pumpkins Poem

We used glittery jack 'o' lanterns from Hobby Lobby to read this       poem aloud.  She did this one over and over again.

Pumpkins

(Tune: "Mary had a Little Lamb")

"I'm a Little Pumpkin"
(Tune: "I'm a Little Teapot")

We used a larger, thicker wooden painted pumpkin given to us last year.  Any pumpkin prop would work.  

"Did You Ever See a Pumpkin"

"If You See A Big, Orange Pumpkin"

"Where's the Pumpkin" 

"We Are Going to the Pumpkin Patch"

(Go to Childcareland and scroll down to Pumpkin Songs and Fingerplays for the words to the three songs mentioned above.

Math

Pumpkin Seed Counters

I placed small numbered popsicle sticks inside pumpkins (from Target's dollar area.  Then, Alyssa placed the pumpkins in numerical order.  She also counted out the correct number of seeds for each pumpkin.  First, she put the seeds inside the pumpkin and then she counted them in front of the pumpkin using the Montessori method.  She is getting better at placing the counters in a fashion that shows even numbers with a partner and odd numbers without a partner.  She did this activity three times and then asked for a new activity.  

Pumpkin Seed Addition 

Alyssa has been interested in addition lately.  I printed the counting addition mat from Childcareland ... scroll down all the way to the bottom.  Then, I found and cut out the pumpkins with seed outlines (10 per side) at Making Learning Fun.  It was actually page 2 from the Pumpkin Seed Game, which we will probably play next week.  She worked on one-to-one correspondence and addition at the same time.  She focused on the +1 through +3 equations, then she decided she wanted to try a new activity.  She used the number tiles at the top and then counted out the correct amount of seeds per pumpkin.  Most of the time she did NOT count pointing to each seed ... recognizing quantities by sight (without counting).  I would ask her what the total amount was, what is the sum, how many seeds do we have all together, or how many seeds in all.  I wanted to expose her to the different vocabulary used in addition problems.  She also used number tiles to show the total or sum.  I placed the pumpkin seeds in the lid of a jack o' lantern candy container (I bought these last year from Oriental Trading after Halloween).  I wish I had time to post what Alyssa and I did last year with these containers ... maybe after her birthday party when things slow down a bit.  Less than two weeks and she turns THREE!  I can't believe it.  

Pumpkin Number Match

This was another file folder game from Childcareland.  I think it is on the Complete Collection CD.  If you find it on her website FREE, then please let me know so that I can provide the link.   

Fine Motor

Pumpkin Tweezing

Alyssa picked up pumpkin ornaments (bought last year from Hobby Lobby) using plastic bug tweezers and placed them in an ice cube tray.  I couldn't find my pumpkin ice cube tray from Dollar Tree.  She counted them as she put them into the tray.

  

Sensory Autumn Bin

Alyssa and I put spiders, leaves, and pumpkins in a plastic dish wash tub.  I gave her bug tweezers to pull out items.  She sorted them in piles on the stairs.  Later we added in real and wooden acorns (from Hobby Lobby).

Art: Drawing with a Purpose

Learning How to Draw a Pumpkin

I showed Alyssa step-by-step how to draw a pumpkin.  We discussed or reviewed the shapes and colors we were using as we drew them.  I showed her how to use different shapes for different facial features.  Then, she drew and colored her own pumpkin using whatever colors and shapes she wanted to use.  She wrote her name in rainbow colors at the bottom.  She said, "Mommy ... look (pointing to her picture) ... red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple in my name."

Puzzles

We made the pumpkin puzzle from Childcareland.  The puzzle was pretty easy but Alyssa liked doing it for fun.  She helped me make the puzzle except for the cutting of course.

Field Trips and Fun

Hondo Corn Maze

Alyssa had a lot of fun at the corn maze.  She jumped on the corn popper, slid down the caterpillar slide, climbed on hay bales, read and answered trivia questions about the pumpkin farm, fed goats, played on the playground, went on a hay ride, rode the barrel train, and ........ walked through the corn maze.  

Church Pumpkin Patch

We picked out pumpkins for Math, Art, and Science activities that we probably won't get to until next week since I planned too much as usual.  I wonder if I will ever STOP doing that ... I always plan too much ... it is like an addiction to me.  She did tell me which one was the largest and smallest after we brought them home.  

Church Fall Festival

We went to an amazing church fall festival.  They had barrel rides, games, bouncers, and slides.  Alyssa LOVED it!   

Canyon Lake Library Halloween Party

She was able to complete two crafts at the library.  She decorated a mask with feathers and sequins.  Then, she added google eyes and a pom pom nose to a bat.  She won the coloring contest for her age group - she won fine tip washable markers.  She loves to draw so I am sure that she will use them on a daily basis!  We ran into several friends that day so Alyssa had the opportunity to play with familiar faces.  Here is the picture she colored for the contest.  As you can see she wrote her name and the word mom at the bottom.

Trick or Treating

Well ... I am sure that there will be someone that disagrees with this, but I believe in showing my daughter how people celebrate different holidays in different ways.  I discussed the Christian viewpoint and we also participated in the trick or treating events held downtown.  I don't want to exclude her from these activities since she is surrounded by them.  All the businesses downtown give out candy to the children.  Everyone walks up and down the streets dressed in costumes while visiting with each other.  It is a huge social event.  Ace Hardware also gives out FREE hotdogs and drinks that night, so we always STOP there first so that we aren't starving.  Thank you Ace Hardware!  The middle school is also downtown and they run a Fall Festival at the same time.  I saw SEVERAL of my old students and parents.  This was the first time my husband ever dressed up for Halloween in his life.  He had a great time and everyone LOVED his Scarecrow costume that my daughter chose for him after watching the Wizard of Oz on movie night.  My husband chose my costume ... he picked Pocohantas.  I was a little nervous wearing it because I read a blog that listed it as one of the top ten costumes NOT to wear on Halloween because it was offensive to Native Americans, but it was too late ... I couldn't return it and didn't even think about it that way.  I was just thinking about the Disney character!   

Another Library Visit

We picked out a movie and books to read for the week.  I ran into an old student of mine and her family, so we sat down on the floor for several hours catching up.  Her daughters were GREAT with Alyssa.  After we left, Alyssa told me that the girls were NOT my friends, but that they were HER friends and that their mommy was MY friend.  She had us all sharing crayons and coloring the same picture with her.  It was so cute!  I loved that she used her manners even though she skipped her nap.  Although she was a bit bossy that day. 

Daddy Day

This doesn't happen very often, but Daddy had Alyssa for a whole day.  He is usually busy working two jobs, but he encouraged me to go to crop night at the Scrapbook Haus to work on her birthday supplies (since my daughter picked a discontinued theme ... Clifford the Big Red Dog).  She went to Landa Park in New Braunfels with him to feed the squirrels and ducks.  She of course played on the playground and went for a train ride while they were there.  She saw and learned about pigs that same day at the Pet Shop.  It was the first time they ever had pigs at the store. 

  

Dinner with Friends

We drove to Helotes to visit our friends for dinner.  We wanted to meet their new baby girl.  This was great because Alyssa had a play date at the same time.  She got to play with her buddy Sean all night.  

**We almost had to stay the night since our vehicle decided NOT to start that night.  My husband replaced the battery the next day!!  

WOW ... I didn't realize how much we did this week ... no wonder Alyssa has been tired lately!!!!! I didn't add any miscellaneous activities that she did this week because there were too many.  

For more tot school activities visit Carisa's 1+1+1=1 blog ... last I looked there were 51 other people that linked a post this week.  If you are looking for more advanced activities visit Jolanthe's blog Preschool Corner (preschool and up).  Last I looked she had 68 people that linked activities to do.  

Thanks for Visiting and Please Stop by Again,

Tracey 

More Pumpkin Activities to Come!!!!

There may also be a few Halloween type activities that I forgot to do this week too.  

Okay ... so we are a little behind.  

Adena Montessori: BUYER BEWARE!

     I Have To Let You Know

Here is my review for my experience so far with Adena Montessori. 

Have you ordered from them?  What was you experience like?  How long ago was that?  

     I am VERY frustrated right now.  I don't usually do this ... and I am hesitant to post this comment but I feel obligated to let other teachers and mothers know about this.  I wanted to warn others about this company before you make the same mistake that I made.  BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!! The very low prices and sale caught my attention.  DO NOT BUY FROM THIS COMPANY! YOU WILL BE HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE PRODUCTS.
     I recently made a purchase (after months of saving up the money) with Adena Montessori on September 24th. They didn't ship out the package until October 9th or 10th after I finally contacted them.  They were very quick to respond to product questions via e-mail to make a sale.  But, when it came to my questions about order status and concerns about my order; their response time took forever or didn't exist.  They were very generic and unsympathetic about my concerns.  One time they said that they just hired new workers.  The next time I spoke with someone they said they did not expect the number of orders that they received and that they were behind in shipping.
     Then, I received the wrong order in the mail on October 15th. I
have sent many e-mails and tried calling several times. They do
not answer their phones very often nor do they respond promptly to messages left or e-mails (usually the mailbox is full ... probably from others complaining about their purchase).  When you finally talk to someone they quickly dismiss your concerns and request that you send a detailed e-mail listing of all the materials you received in your packages instead of taking care of the order right there and then.  They get off the phone with you as quick as they possibly can and NEVER address your concerns thoroughly.  Joe said he would take care of the order on Monday after receiving my list.  Today (Thursday Oct. 21st), I received another message from them requesting that I must photograph the items and weigh the boxes they sent me.  I already listed the items for them and said that I would mail EVERYTHING back to them once/if they mailed me the correct order.  Several items that I did order that were included in the packages were either damaged or incomplete. The number cards on the Seguin boards boards did not fit the slots and the hundred board was scratched due to how they packaged the materials. I also ordered 81 unit beads and received only 50. I did receive 6 items that were NOT on my order. They are procrastinating for some reason.  I am hoping to get this mess straightened out soon.  Today October 21st, I requested a FULL REFUND INCLUDING SHIPPING.  I also asked for shipping labels for the order they sent me since it was their mistake and NOT my order.  But after reading reviews on other websites; I am expecting the worst. I still hope to get a refund!  I have so much going on here at the house and this situation has caused so much stress.  I just want to be done with them.  I want my money back and they get their products.  How hard is that.
     What a waste of precious time that could be spent with my daughter! I know how expensive lawyers can be ... probably more than the actual order.  We need to get this company shut down!  The reviews I read were almost exact to my review.  It seems as if they do the same things over and over to their customers.  Any review I have read that was not on their own website was NOT good.  Please help spread the word so that other mothers and teachers do not get scammed.  If you know anyone that uses Montessori materials at home or in the classroom; they should be aware of this company.  Thank you for your help!  There are better, more expensive companies to purchase from should you decide to use Montessori materials.    

Thanks and sorry I vented my frustrations to you all, Tracey

The Montessori Print Shop Giveaway

     Hi everyone!  We are keeping BUSY here, but before I do anything else today I must tell you about a giveaway that I just recently heard about.  There is an absolutely wonderful, positively perfect, very gracious giveaway at the Montessori Print Shop.  

     The giveway is for a Deluxe CD ROM (2 Disc Collection) that includes ALL PDF files ... that's right ALL PDF files listed in the store at that time.  There are other materials included on the CD Rom - go see what else is included in this giveaway.  The value for this giveaway is $589.32! WOW!!!!

     They sell products for a variety of subjects and topics.  So what are you waiting for ... take a break ... head over to the link provided above and check out all of the amazing materials available ... ones that YOU could possibly win.  Go check it out soon because Friday, October 22nd is the last day to submit a comment.  I already submitted mine ... Have you??? 

     What did you say ... you don't teach using the Montessori method ... that's okay ... go check out the products.  I am sure that even if you don't currently use Montessori materials you will be able to put some of the materials to good use in your classroom or at home with your children.  You may even know the perfect person that could use a giveaway like this (besides me of course - LOL).  God Bless You All and GOOD LUCK!!!!

Yours truly, Tracey