Tis the season for pumpkins! And I have a the perfect simple DIY pumpkin patch game you can create and play with your toddler – while also working on some counting skills!
The supplies you’ll need are simple – scissors, construction paper, crayons or markers, a sharpie and some dice (I used some chunky foam dice since my tots are 2 and 3, but if you have smaller dice and your child is good with rolling them, use those!). I also used some self-adhesive laminating paper and that is optional based on how long you want to preserve the game for spooky season.
Start by sketching then cutting out about 6 orange pumpkins. Then, I drew a wagon on red construction paper (I’m not the best artist, so you could alternatively print some clip art, draw a green tractor, or use a wagon toy or tractor toy! It’s fairly open-ended, you simply need a vessel to hold the pumpkins you pick at the patch!).
I cut these items out and then got to work on decorating a fall pumpkin patch scene on white construction paper with crayons (I laminated this sheet so we can play several times and not worry about the paper tearing).
And lastly, be sure to write the numbers boldly on the pumpkins up to 6 (if you’re playing with two dice with older kids you will want at least 12 pumpkins).
Now it is time to PLAY! Ask your child to roll the dice and count the dots aloud. Then, ask your child to find to corresponding number to the dots on the pumpkin and pick that one from the patch and put it in your wagon!
This is a simple and fun way to reinforce counting skills and number recognition with littles with a fall-a-rific twist!
I hope this inspires you to have fun, play, learn, and celebrate the Halloween season with your children!
Stay Spooky,
Callie Jo
Halloween Head 