So here we go – day 1 of our 30 day toddler play challenge. I decided on a sensory activity and wanted Adam to help carve his first pumpkin. To be honest I have never carved a pumpkin and was inspired by several photos on the web. However, this is where I discovered just how little artistic ability I have! Needless to say I won’t be displaying my attempt.
Carving the pumpkin was obviously too difficult and dangerous for Adam so instead he explored the pumpkin. Nana cut off its top and scooped out the majority of the pumpkin meat into a large bowl. Adam explored the texture of the pumpkin with spoons and his hands.
He spent time trying to pick put all of the seeds and placing them on the cutting board. Considering how many seeds there are in a pumpkin he concentrated for a long time. Although he didn’t appear to enjoy touching the pumpkin meat it didn’t stop him experimenting with it using spoons. I can tell Adam isn’t going to be a fan of getting his hands dirty. As a teacher I found it hard when children refused to get involved in messy play but it means I have a few tricks to help him get involved – such as using the spoons to touch the pumpkin meat.
Equipment:
* Pumpkin
* Knife
* Large bowl
* Spoons
Adam was 17 months old.
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