Pumpkin-Powered Learning: Activities for Every Subject

Even though it’s already October, many of us are still finding our footing as the school year gets underway. Settling into a new rhythm can take time, especially when you’ve introduced new subjects or extracurricular activities. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the day-to-day schedule. When that happens, one great way to hit “reset” is by stepping away from your standard curriculum for a day or two and focusing on something seasonal.

Fall is in full swing, with the crisp air and vibrant colors of changing leaves all around us. And no autumn is complete without the humble pumpkin. Why not bring a little seasonal fun into your homeschool by incorporating pumpkins into your lessons? If you don’t have one on hand yet, plan a trip to a local farm or grocery store to pick one up. Here are some pumpkin-powered learning activities for every subject:

Art:
Instead of decorating the pumpkin, use it as a subject for art. Place the pumpkin on a table as a still life and discuss its shape, texture, and color. Then, let your kids draw or paint their own interpretation of it.

Music:
Explore songs or musical traditions related to fall and pumpkins. You can learn and sing traditional harvest songs or look for modern fall-themed music to enjoy while doing pumpkin activities.

History:
Get your children curious about where pumpkins come from. Have them research which U.S. states produce the most pumpkins and locate those states on a map. Expand the lesson by investigating other countries that grow pumpkins and pinpointing them on a globe.

Geography:
Use pumpkins to learn about climate zones. Research which climates are ideal for pumpkin growing and discuss why. You can even explore how different regions celebrate pumpkin festivals.

Language Arts:
Challenge your kids to write a poem about the pumpkin. You can first introduce elements like alliteration, metaphor, or simile, depending on their age, and then encourage them to include these in their poem. For younger children, look for pumpkin-themed storybooks from your local library for a fun reading activity.

Mathematics:
Weigh your pumpkin and then research the world record for the heaviest pumpkin. How does your pumpkin compare? Have your children calculate how many of your pumpkins it would take to match the weight of the record-holder.

Science:
Dive into the nutritional side of pumpkins. Have your kids research the vitamins and minerals found in pumpkins and compare them to other foods with similar nutrients. For younger kids, you could explore the difference between fruits and vegetables. If you’re willing to cut open your pumpkin—or if you’d rather use canned pumpkin—this is the perfect opportunity to investigate the science behind baking. Pumpkin pie, bread, muffins, and cookies are all delicious options to explore!

Cultural Studies:
Teach your kids about the history and traditions associated with pumpkins in different cultures. From pumpkin carving for Halloween to pumpkin dishes in global cuisines, pumpkins play various roles in cultural celebrations around the world.

Practical Life Skills:
Let your kids practice life skills by planning and preparing a pumpkin-based meal. They can look up recipes, create a shopping list, and help with cooking. This could be an opportunity to introduce basic budgeting by estimating the cost of ingredients.

Physical Education:
Incorporate pumpkins into your physical activities. Organize a family pumpkin rolling contest or a “pumpkin relay race.” For a fun twist, challenge your kids to carry pumpkins through an obstacle course.

Whether you use these suggestions or come up with your own, may you find time to enjoy the season and add a little pumpkin fun to your homeschool routine!