Pumpkin Guts

By Kristi, on October 6th, 2011

It’s pumpkin time!

We are going to explore a pumpkin inside and out.

These pumpkins were locally grown. I purchased the small ones, and the beauty in the middle was a gift from my mother. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a prettier pumpkin.

Even its stem is a work of art!

When exploring pumpkins, there are many concepts that you can discuss with your child.

Pumpkins can be large or small.

The outside can be smooth with lines…

or very bumpy!

To extend and expand vocabulary, model descriptive words such as: large, small, hard, smooth, bumpy, and etc.

We’ve explored the outside, now let’s take a look at the gross and gooey.

The guts!

Notice and describe the construction of the inside of the pumpkin. See how the seeds are lined up in a neat row.

They are all attached. Count them!

Scrape out the seeds. Use this as opportunity to smell the pumpkin and feel the texture. Get in there and get messy! This is a wonderful sensory opportunity for your child.

You can roast the pumpkin and toast the seeds for a wonderful snack. This was the first time I roasted pumpkin; and it was very good!

While your pumpkin is roasting and your seeds are toasting, take a few minutes to record your discoveries.

You need: paper, pencils, crayons or markers.

For young preschoolers, have them draw pictures of their pumpkins. They can dictate to you how their pumpkin smelled, how it felt, and you can write down their words.

Older children can draw, pictures, write descriptions and observations. They can compare the outside to the inside.

What your child is learning:

How to explore and discover
Writing and recording observations
Making comparisons
Increase in vocabulary – bumpy, smooth, stringy, smelly, slimy, slick…
Literacy – writing has a purpose
Size, color, shape, counting
Life cycle – seeds to harvest to seeds
Bonding and sharing special moments together
Learning to work together to complete a task

A favorite autumn book is Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin by Tad Hills. This link describes the book and has even more pumpkin related fun.

“Pumpkin Guts” can be extended in many ways. It also demonstrates that much learning can be gleaned from a simple, small pumpkin, a piece of paper, a pencil, and a loving adult.

Have fun exploring guts together!

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This post is linked at these wonderful sites! Go check them out!

The Mommy Club at Crystal and Co.

It’s Playtime!

The Play Academy at NurtureStore

Show and Share Saturday @ I Can Teach My Child

The Sunday Show Case @ Mom 2 Posh Lil Divas

Link and Learn at No Time for Flash Cards

Fun Sparks at Science Sparks

Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

October 6, 2011 at 1:33 AM · Reply

I did this last year w/my girls & am looking forward to doing it again this year. There is just somehting so fascinating about pumpkins – especially the insides!

Would love for you to link up on my child centered linky party – The Sunday Showcase at http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%20Showcase

Hope to see you there,
Bern

Kristi

October 8, 2011 at 2:26 AM · Reply

Thanks Bernadette, I’d love to link up. Kristi

Messy Kids

October 7, 2011 at 7:07 PM · Reply

My son loves pumpkins! He’s been waiting all year for them. My mom bought both my kids some large pumpkins at the market the other day and he can’t wait to carve it. He’s been rolling it around the house (it’s too big to pick up) so I keep finding it in unusual places, like my office, or the hallway. Guess I’ll have to get a little pumpkin so we can open it up and play with the guts! Thanks for sharing again on It’s Playtime.

Kristi

October 8, 2011 at 2:30 AM · Reply

I’m so glad your a mom that let’s him roll it around the house. What fun and great for motor skills too! Thanks so much for stopping by and to you and the It’s Playtime team for another opportunity to link-up.

Angelique Felix

October 7, 2011 at 9:02 PM · Reply

Beautiful post! Will share absolutely .
Lovely greetings, Angelique

Kristi

October 9, 2011 at 12:52 PM · Reply

Thank you Angelique!!!

Cerys

October 7, 2011 at 9:08 PM · Reply

I wish we used more pumpkins in the UK – it’s not really a food unless you grow it yourself just something to carve on Halloween and then that is it. This is a great way of teaching observational skills I’m getting all sorts of ideas to do in the next few years with my children.

Kristi

October 8, 2011 at 3:47 AM · Reply

Hi Cerys,
We can purchase small ‘pie’ pumpkins that better for cooking. But frankly, in my circle of family and friends we don’t cook ‘real’ pumpkin, we use canned. As you mentioned, they are primarily used for decoration this time of year.

Jackie @ Pocketful of Posies

October 8, 2011 at 2:24 PM · Reply

These are great ideas! I love pumpkins. Yours have great textures. We usually toast the seeds and then I will cook and puree the “guts” for use in recipes.