Painting pumpkins is a great alternative to carving pumpkins AND this activity will just keep on giving. So get the paint out and let them paint some colorful creations. Watch them mix the colors of the rainbow, create faces, drip paint, etc. Then wash it all off and start again.
Age:
All ages
What you need:
- Water based paint (washableO
- Paint brush
- Pumpkin
- Bin
- Water
- Cleaning brushes, sponges and clothes
How to:
- Choose your pumpkin and set up your space. Make sure that you give your child the room to make a mess.
- Let your child paint the pumpkin with all the colors they choose. This is a great independent activity where your child can just create and play.
- When your child seems to be done, bring out the bin of water and give then sponges, brushes and clothes.
- Now ask your child to wash the paint off the pumpkin and make it sparkly clean again.
- Make sure to dry off the pumpkin well.
- Do it all over again next time. This activity can last you the entire month of october AND when you are ready skip the washing part and keep them on display.
Objective:
- Practical life skills: the process of washing and drying the pumpkin is a great practical life activity. Just like cleaning dishes children will follow steps in order to make their pumpkin clean and dry.
- Motor skills: painting is a great fine motor skill and will help your child with their grip strength. They will also use their gross motor skills when they transfer the pumpkin from their painting station to the washing station and then onto the towel for drying.
- Creativity: painting is a great form of expression and your child will explore colors and textures.
Frequently asked questions:
Will washing my pumpkin make it rot?
Washing your pumpkin will NOT make them rot, just make sure to dry them thoroughly.
What sort of paint should I use?
Any washable paint or water-based paint