Pumpkin Time!

There are so many activities you can do with a pumpkin! This is a great mini- theme. How Many Seeds?
Cut the top off. Allow the class to scrape out the seeds. Clean the seeds and let them dry on newspaper at least 2 days.
1. Cut black construction paper into 5cm. x 8 cm. rectangles - approximately 150.
2. Cut a VERY large pumpkin out of orange paper, and put on bulletin board.
1. Show the class the seeds that they removed from the pumpkin. Each child will have the opportunity to estimate how many seeds there are. Write each child's name and their estimate on the board. The person who is closest wins the pumpkin.
2. Show the children how to glue 10 seeds on each rectangle, 2 vertical rows of 5 seeds.
3. After the glue is dry, have the children come up and help you put the rectangles on the pumpkin. Try to get 10 rectangles in each row. Work together to find the final tally.

Pumpkin Seeds I cook my seeds in the microwave. I add a little butter and salt. I don't have a time limit. I just watch for them to turn a darker colour and become crispy. The kids love them. I love using the microwave. I bake my seeds. I take 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce mixed together for every 2 cups of seeds. Spread the seeds on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with salt. Bake in a 250 degree oven for about 2 hours. They are yummy! We were donated enough small pumpkins so each child could have one. The kids decorated their pumpkins with glitter glue, glue and glitter, feathers, paper, felt, materials, etc., everything we could find!