Pumpkin, Pumpkin- Song + Activities

Last weekend I went to the Dallas Farmer’s Market with a good friend, and I was pleasantly surprised to see their Pumpkin Patch already out. I told my friend that I just HAD to buy a small pumpkin for a song I teach my students every year! The song is called “Pumpkin, Pumpkin.” I don’t know about you, but Fall is my favorite time of year. I love when the weather starts getting cooler and I can curl up in a blanket, drink something warm and watch the leaves change. I’m hoping that this song and lesson will give you all the fuzzy Fall vibes you’ve been hoping for!

First I ask students what season it is. Then I ask them what their favorite thing about Fall is! I tell them that one of my favorite things about Fall is PUMPKINS! We then watch this cute music video about how pumpkins grow, and I ask them to keep the steady beat while they watch.

Then we sequence the events of how to grow a pumpkin. We all pretend to plant a pumpkin seed together, water it, shine sunlight on it, and watch it grow! Afterward, we’ll watch the pumpkin time-lapse to show them how it looks in real life.

Next, we’ll talk about how some pumpkins turn into Jack-o-lanterns. I’ll ask if any students have ever made one. Then we talk about how you can create a Jack-o-lantern by carving the pumpkin, or by drawing a face on. I usually pull up a few pictures of Jack-o-lanterns on google to show them what it looks like. Or bring one from home if you have one!

Next, have them clap the rhythm of the song with syllables (ta, ti-ti, etc.), then teach them the words with the rhythm. When that’s done, teach them the melody by rote, or echo-singing.

After they’ve learned the words and melody, teach them this bordun on the xylophone.

Xylophone Circle Game

• Have students get into a circle and put the xylophone in the center.
• Then show them the pumpkin you brought, and pass the pumpkin around the circle on the steady beat while the class sings the song.
• Whoever the pumpkin lands on, when the songs ends, will play xylophone in the center of the circle.
• Continue playing until everyone has had a turn playing the xylophone.
• If you have a particularly large group, put 3 xylophones in the center of the circle and have the “chosen student” bring 2 friends to the center.

Partner Circle Game

• While they’re in the circle, have them turn to a partner next to them. Teach them these simple movements.
• “Pumpkin, Pumpkin Round and Fat”-arms out in front (ballerina style) pretending to be a large pumpkin
• “Turn into a Jack-o-lantern”-hold both hands with partner and turn to switch spots
• “Just like THAT”- jump-turn to the person behind them, who will be their new partner! They can make a scary Jack-o-lantern face as they jump-turn!

I know you’ll enjoy this fabulous fall lesson! Let me know how it works for you and your students. I’m always interested to see what accomodations or changes you make for your particular group. If you’re looking for another fun Fall/Halloween song, read my “Skin and Bones” blog post. As always, thanks for reading and supporting my blog. Also, come hang out on social media! I’d love to be your Instagram and/or Facebook friend!

Keepin’ it Simple,

Paige