Seeds of Curiosity: Pre-K Learns About Pumpkins and Pollinators

This week, our Pre-K students were thrilled to dive into the fascinating world of pumpkins! After their exciting field trip to Unangst Farms, where they picked their own pumpkins, the class gathered to learn even more about these autumn favorites.

First, the students engaged in a lively discussion about the different parts of a pumpkin and what is needed for a pumpkin plant to thrive. As they recalled their experiences from the farm, the students eagerly named all the parts of the pumpkin and shared their insights about the crucial role of bees in the pumpkin's life cycle. The children discovered that bees are vital pollinators, and without their hard work, pumpkins simply wouldn’t grow.

With this newfound knowledge, the class moved on to a hands-on activity. They worked together to scoop out the pumpkin seeds from the pulp, setting them aside for the next part of their exploration.

Afterward, the students were divided into groups to rotate through various stations, using ten-frame sheets to visualize their counting. This engaging method helped them grasp numbers in a tangible way, as they placed the seeds in the frames to represent different quantities. As they counted, they developed valuable skills in one-to-one correspondence and number recognition, all while enjoying the sensory experience of working with the seeds—an inspiring reflection of our community's love for curiosity and exploration.