Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins

Introduction: Kindergarten classes study the lifecycle and parts of the pumpkin. The teachers feel they don't have one really great book that can introduce all of the concepts to their kids in an interactive way. Most books are also too difficult for kindergarten students to read on their own.

Task: After discussing this problem with their classes, the kids decide that they can make a "big book" for their teachers. They can enjoy the book and next year, the teachers can use the book with their new classes. They need to research information they need to know about pumpkins and what makes a good book. Then they should plan their book, observe pumpkins, create pages and find out how to put it together.

Process:

1. Read books on pumpkins. Analyze the parts of a book and what appeals to an audience. Collect information about pumpkins.
2. Participate in hands on investigations (carving pumpkins, counting seeds, measuring, comparing types, sink or float, tasting pumpkin products)
3. Discussed the difference of the terminology "different" and "same" by comparing apples and pumpkins
4. Create a pumpkin patch in the pod between classrooms
5. Illustrate the different stages of pumpkin growth on the computer and on paper
6. Create mini-books on the life cycle of the pumpkin
7. Create pumpkin foods
8. Create model of the inside of a pumpkin
9. Make a letter "p" flip book
10. Make a pumpkin quilt of what they have learned
11. Create woven pumpkins
12. Create table of contents for the big pumpkin book in the computer lab.
13. Take digital pictures for the book.

Opportunities to share:

1. Big book will be placed in the class library.
2. Students can read it to each other in class and to other classes.
3. Share big book with Buddy readers.
4. Have big book on pumpkins available for parents to see at parent conferences

Assessment: A student survey is given after the unit is finished. Anecdotal notes are used for daily assessment and ECAP assessment folder checklist is used as a guide.

To see pictures from the unit, click on the pumpkin.
To see the unit design click here.

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Unit designed by Amanda Thomas and Julie White
Page created by Brooks Widmaier March 25, 2002