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Montessori Pumpkin Scrubbing for Toddlers and Preschoolers

October 6, 2016 By Deb Chitwood 2 Comments

Previous article: Top 10s and Thank You’s for September 2016
Next article: Free Fall Playdough Math Pack (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download) {Montessori Monday}

My toddler granddaughter had so much fun with her pumpkin hammering last year that I wanted to add some extra pumpkin activities this year. This year Zoey is 2¾ years old and more focused on fall activities and Halloween. Her parents already took her to a pumpkin farm, which was a wonderful start to her pumpkin activities this fall.

Montessori Pumpkin Scrubbing for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (at no cost to you).

Montessori Squeezing a Sponge Activity for Toddlers and Preschoolers – YouTube Video

Zoey shows her pumpkin scrubbing activity in this sweet 59-second video. My son-in-law, DJ Tom, now composes the music for our videos … lucky me! You can download his royalty free Creative Commons music at MegaMusicMonkey.com. This song is Music (“Stone Cold Groove”)

Music (“Stone Cold Groove”) from MegaMusicMonkey.com

Montessori Pumpkin Scrubbing for Toddlers and Preschoolers – Setup

Pumpkin Scrubbing Setup

Pumpkin Scrubbing Setup

One thing I’ve learned about Montessori education (from being familiar with a number of training programs and working with teachers from a variety of training programs) is that there isn’t one right way to do a Montessori activity. There are a number of ways to set up a Montessori pumpkin scrubbing activity, and there are a number of ways to present it. So don’t worry too much about the minor details.

Materials Used:

  • Montessori Services Easy-Fasten Apron
  • Dishpan
  • Pumpkin
  • Pitcher
  • sliver of red electrical tape to mark the water line
  • Vegetable scrub brush
  • sponge (natural or other)
  • drying cloth
  • placemat
  • All-Purpose Bucket (water recycling bucket)

Having Fun with the Montessori Pumpkin Scrubbing

Pouring Water into Pumpkin Scrubbing Tub

Pouring Water into Pumpkin Scrubbing Tub

I always use a red line to show how much water for Zoey to add to the pitcher.

Scrubbing a Pumpkin with a Vegetable Brush

Scrubbing a Pumpkin with a Vegetable Brush

I gave Zoey washable markers to draw on the pumpkin first so that her scrubbing work had a purpose. That made it more fun and meaningful for her.

Squeezing a Sponge and Scrubbing a Pumpkin

Squeezing a Sponge and Scrubbing a Pumpkin

Zoey loves Montessori squeezing a sponge activities. Using the sponge for this work gave Zoey another opportunity for squeezing a sponge as well as scrubbing.

Pouring Water into Water Recycling Bucket after Pumpkin Scrubbing

Pouring Water into Water Recycling Bucket after Pumpkin Scrubbing

Zoey loves watering any plants I have. A water recycling bucket is a good way to give young children a start in recycling.

Drying the Tub after Scrubbing a Pumpkin

Drying the Tub after Scrubbing a Pumpkin

The child could dry the pumpkin first, but I don’t think the order here is essential. This way goes from left to right, which is good also.

Drying the Pumpkin after Pumpkin Scrubbing

Drying the Pumpkin after Pumpkin Scrubbing

Zoey has gotten used to completing each step of a process. For younger toddlers, you can always shorten the process.

Proud of Her Pumpkin Scrubbing Work

Proud of Her Pumpkin Scrubbing Work

Zoey is always proud of her work when she’s finished. I love her enthusiasm! 🙂

These sorts of activities are not only fun, but activities such as squeezing a sponge and using a scrub brush strengthen hands and fingers for writing. And all practical life activities help increase order, concentration, coordination, and independence. Following a series of steps is great for the development of concentration, too.

More Montessori-Inspired Pumpkin Activities

Yummy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

We’ve already made some gluten-free muffins using canned pumpkin. In the above post, I share our pumpkin muffin recipe and food-preparation activity. As we talked about in the video, next we’ll be making pumpkin pie from scratch!

20+ Fabulous Fall Gourd Activities for Kids

You’ll find more fall scrubbing activities (along with other types of activities) in my roundup post with 20+ fabulous fall gourd activities for kids.

Montessori-Inspired Pumpkin Hammering for Toddlers

 

Be sure to check out my post and video with Montessori-inspired pumpkin hammering for toddlers.

20+ Pumpkin Hammering Activities for Preschoolers

 

For preschoolers, I have a roundup post with 20+ pumpkin hammering activities for preschoolers.

20 Pumpkin Phonics Activities

I also have a roundup post with 20 pumpkin phonics activities.

Montessori-Inspired Pumpkin Unit

You’ll find even more pumpkin activities in my Montessori-inspired pumpkin unit.

Deb - Signature

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Previous article: Top 10s and Thank You’s for September 2016
Next article: Free Fall Playdough Math Pack (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download) {Montessori Monday}

Filed Under: Activities - Practical Life, Holidays and Celebrations, Seasons Tagged With: autumn, Fall, Halloween, Montessori, Montessori Monday, Montessori pumpkin scrubbing, preschooler, preschoolers, pumpkin scrubbing, toddler, toddlers

Previous Post: « Top 10s and Thank You’s for September 2016
Next Post: Free Fall Playdough Math Pack (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download) {Montessori Monday} »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ayelet says

    October 10, 2016 at 5:12 am

    I love the process of this activity, put in the lovely context of fall and Halloween. It’s so nice to remind us as parents that the materials can change – it’s what is at the heart of the activity that matters 🙂
    Thanks for a great post!
    Ayelet from Strength In Words

    Reply
  2. Cathy says

    October 20, 2016 at 12:26 pm

    I really enjoy the idea of colouring on the pumpkin first to make the washing activity have meaning!

    Reply

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The activities shared on this blog require adult supervision at all times. You know which activities are appropriate for your children and/or the children under your care and are responsible for those children's safety.

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