Introduction

This lesson was developed as part of a web quest 
assignment for Appalachian State University education majors for a fall month activity. It is designed with the kindergartener and teacher in mind. 

The lesson is based on the children’s book, Pumpkin Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington. Throughout the lesson children will be asked to read the book and participate in pumpkin related activities. These activities include lessons in literature, science, art, and math. It also will enhance their early developing computer skills with some assistance from the teacher.
 

Learners

This lesson is designed for children at the kindergarten level. It can also be used with preschoolers and first grade students. 

Learners will need to have some prior computer experience and knowledge before beginning the lesson. The students should be able to use the mouse to point and click on pictures. It would also be helpful if they know how to print documents.

Curriculum Standards

The students will learn about successful pumpkin growth and harvest. 

Science Standards Addressed (task 1and 3)

• 1.01 Identify the similarities and differences in plants
• 3.02 Describe how objects look, feel, smell, taste, and sound using all the sense
• 4.03 Apply nonstandard units of measure 

Language Arts Standards Addressed (task 1,2, and 4)(the students will listen, look, and discuss a story, create their own book using the computer)

•  1.01 Develop print and book awareness
•  2.01 Demonstrate sense of story 
•  3.01 connection information and events in text to experience.
• 3.02 Discuss concepts and information in text to clarify and extend knowledge
• 3.04 Use speaking and listening skills and media to connect experiences and text
• 4.03 Use words that describe color size and location in a variety of text 
• 4.04 Maintain conversations and discussions

Mathematic Standards Addressed (task 3)(the students will sort and count pumpkin seeds, then tally their findings)

• 1.01 Model numbers in a variety of ways
• 1.02 Read, write, and count using whole numbers
• 1.03 Use 1-1 correspondents to identify how many
• 1.05 Write numerals 0-9 in meaningful contexts
• 1.09 Estimate quantities less than 20
• 1.10 Create and solve story problems within a group
• 3.01 Describe likenesses and differences between and among objects
• 3.03 Identify, copy, continue, and describe patterns

• 1.02 Use imagination as source of ideas
• 1.05 Develop symbols for visual expression
• 1.07 Explore a variety of media
• 2.01 Become familiar with a limited number of basic art media, techniques, and processes
• 2.03 Develop fine and gross motor control
• 2.05 Create a variety of lines, like thick and thin, curved or zigzagged
• 3.15 Explore a variety of materials
• 7.04 Use current technology to learn about art and create ones own art work

·1.1 Identify the computer as a machine that helps people work and play

·1.2 Identify the physical components of a computer system

·1.4 Demonstrate correct care and use of computers

·2.2 Place the cursor at a specified location

Task One:

As a class read the book Pumpkin Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington. As you read be sure to emphasize the process of how the pumpkin grows from a seed. Be sure to give the students ample time to look at each illustration. 

Look at how Jamie's little seed grows into a big pumpkin!

Click on the picture of the book with your teacher to learn more about it.
 

Task Two:

Growing pumpkins is a hard job. It takes a lot of time and care from a farmer. With your class talk about all the things pumpkins need to grow. Create a book about the steps of pumpkin growth. Click on the picture below to find a booklet worksheet. You could even visit a pumpkin patch to learn more about how pumpkins grow from a real farmer.

Be sure to refer back to the book to help students understand the growth process of the pumpkin.

Task Three:

Guess the number of seeds that are in a pumpkin. With your teacher, cut open a pumpkin. Dig out all the seeds from inside the pumpkin. Count the seeds to see if your guess was right. Click on the pumpkin below for a worksheet.

To use this worksheet you will need five pumpkins. You might want to split the class into small groups for this activity.

Task Four:

Now that you've learned all about pumpkins lets do some artwork. Click on the pictures below for fun activities.

   The lesson is organized according to subjects of study ie. art, science, math and computer literacy. This is a multidisciplinary lesson and will most likely take a few days to implement. 

A beginning teacher could easily teach this lesson if they have some prior basic computer knowledge and skills.  This activity should be used in a classroom equipped with computers so the proper tools and resources are available for each individual task.
 

Resources Needed

• The teacher will need one book; the book Pumpkin, Pumpkin, by Jeanna Titherington, that the teacher will read aloud to the class. 
• Computer, printer paper, and a printer.
• Materials needed are: five pumpkins, one knife (for teacher or parent), spoons for scooping, newspaper to put underneath the pumpkin mess, pencils, crayons or markers, paper towels.
• Be sure to download acrobat program onto your computer/computers to get worksheets.
• Parents or aides are suggested for task 3 to help with the cutting 

Websites used in this lesson:

http://www.ri.net/schools/Central_Falls/ch/heazak/pumpkin.html
http://www.thepumpkinfarm.com/jack/jackboard.html
http://apple-corps.westnet.com/cgi-bin/apple_corps.pl?pumpkin
http://www.lil-fingers.com/games/coloring/pumpkin.html
http://www.abcteach.com
http://www.everythingesl.net/downloads/pumpkin_booklet.pdf

Evaluation

The children are evaluated in four ways; unsatisfactory, satisfactory, excellent, and mastery. A score of unsatisfactory is received for unattentiveness and incomplete work. A satisfactory grade is earned by a child who completes their work, but does not fully participate in the activities. An excellent score is given to a child who participates and understands pumpkin growth. A child who has reached the mastery level has a fine grasp on the stages of growth and participates fully. Please refer to the student page for evaluation form.
 
 

Conclusion

This is a valuable lesson because it intergrates language arts, science, math, visual arts, and computer technology. Through this lesson students will get a better understanding of the stages of pumpkin growth as well as other plants. This lesson will enhance their basic competencies while they participate in fun fall activities.
 
 

Credits & References

Titherington, Jeanne.Pumpkin, Pumpkin.
www.nuttinbutkids.com
www.halloween_clipart.com
www.thepumpkinfarm.com/jack/jackboard.html
http://apple-corps.westnet.com/cgi-bin/apple~corps.pl?pumpkin
www.lil-fingers.com/games/coloring/pumpkin.html
www.everythinges1.net/downloads/pumpkin_booklet.pdf
www.abcteach.com/MonthtoMonth/October/tally.htm
  www.pumpkin-patch.com/index.html