Spending Time Learning Through Experiences
So I'm not going to lie... When I decided on "Pumpkins" as a theme for Eli's homeschooling, it was because I REALLY wanted to take him to the pumpkin patch and tie it into his learning. I remember going to the pumpkin patch as a kid, and I love creating these memories now with my angel.
I think sometimes we get so wrapped up with whatever we're doing (grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.) that we completely forget that there are so many teachable moments to be made out of these times. Even if there isn't a local pumpkin patch for you to bring your little one to, there are still ways you can bring the pumpkin patch home and make learning fun and real!
Look how cute my angel is!
I think sometimes we get so wrapped up with whatever we're doing (grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.) that we completely forget that there are so many teachable moments to be made out of these times. Even if there isn't a local pumpkin patch for you to bring your little one to, there are still ways you can bring the pumpkin patch home and make learning fun and real!
Look how cute my angel is!
Anyway, here is how to make connections at a pumpkin patch (or at home):
Activity 1: Pumpkin Size Comparing
This pumpkin patch literally had hundreds of pumpkins across the property, so this activity was super easy to accommodate. All you have to do is find 3 - 5 different-sized pumpkins, place them next to each other, then have your little one compare them using words like smaller, bigger, or larger.
Activity 2: Counting
They had a variety of bounce houses available to wear kids out! A simple way to mix in some counting practice with fun is to have your little one count each time he bounces. If he falls, you can have him try to bounce MORE or LESS times than the previous attempt.
Activity 3: Letter Review
Our letters for the week were P & L, so I took every opportunity point out things that began with these letters. I would say things like "Oh Eli! I see a pumpkin! What letter does pumpkin start with?" or "I see a leaf! What sound do you hear at the beginning of leaf? What letter makes that sound?" Etcetera :)
Activity 4: Colors
This activity is super easy! Point out things that are different colors and have your little one tell you what color they are. A fun variation is to play I Spy and have them find the object your are talking about based on the color you give them.
There are so many fun and EASY ways to make learning connections without having to prepare materials or plan lessons! What kinds of things have you done to create learning opportunities at your local pumpkin patch?
Activity 1: Pumpkin Size Comparing
This pumpkin patch literally had hundreds of pumpkins across the property, so this activity was super easy to accommodate. All you have to do is find 3 - 5 different-sized pumpkins, place them next to each other, then have your little one compare them using words like smaller, bigger, or larger.
Activity 2: Counting
They had a variety of bounce houses available to wear kids out! A simple way to mix in some counting practice with fun is to have your little one count each time he bounces. If he falls, you can have him try to bounce MORE or LESS times than the previous attempt.
Activity 3: Letter Review
Our letters for the week were P & L, so I took every opportunity point out things that began with these letters. I would say things like "Oh Eli! I see a pumpkin! What letter does pumpkin start with?" or "I see a leaf! What sound do you hear at the beginning of leaf? What letter makes that sound?" Etcetera :)
Activity 4: Colors
This activity is super easy! Point out things that are different colors and have your little one tell you what color they are. A fun variation is to play I Spy and have them find the object your are talking about based on the color you give them.
There are so many fun and EASY ways to make learning connections without having to prepare materials or plan lessons! What kinds of things have you done to create learning opportunities at your local pumpkin patch?
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