Pumpkin Seed Math Race for Kids
Pump Up Children's Number Skills with Fall Counting Game
Oct 22, 2008
Fall is the ideal season for pumpkins and their many uses. While carving up a spooky Halloween jack-o-lantern, be sure to keep the seeds for roasting later. Then, once the family has had its fill of the savory treat, put the leftovers to good use. Set up an enjoyable and educational pumpkin seed race for the kids that will keep them busy for hours.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Seed Race
Just a few common items are all that is needed for this tantalizing counting game.
- Two tea-sized plastic or metal spoons
- Pumpkin seeds
- Two medium plastic pumpkins
- Timer or stopwatch
- Two large plastic cups
- Dice
- Two bells
Pumpkin Seed Race Set Up
Place the two pumpkins side by side on a counter top or other slightly elevated surface at one end of the race. At the other end, place the two empty plastic cups. Near each cup, leave one of the bells. Fill the pumpkins with several dried pumpkin seeds.
How to Play the Pumpkin Seed Race
For two players, each will get one spoon and start the race beside a pumpkin. One player rolls the dice. The number of the roll will be the amount of pumpkin seeds each player needs to bring to the empty cup one by one using the spoon.
If a seed is dropped along the way, the player must go back and get another seed from the pumpkin before continuing. The race ends when one player successfully places the required number of seeds in her plastic cup, counts the seeds to make sure the amount matches the roll, and rings the bell to signal that she has finished.
For younger players, use one die instead of two. Also, it may be hard for a small child to scoop up a seed with the spoon. Allow little ones to use their hands to pick up the seeds and place them onto the spoon before carrying them over to the cups.
Variations on Pumpkin Seed Race for Larger Groups
A single team relay race can be played if there are more than two players. Only one pumpkin and cup will be needed for this variation. Roll the dice to determine the number of seeds needed, and have each player take turns bringing one seed over to the cup until the correct amount is collected. For an added twist, time the event using a timer or stopwatch. This variation of the game also encourages teamwork.
For a more competitive activity, two relay teams can be formed. After the dice are rolled, each team can bring over its seeds one at a time until the correct number is collected. Make sure the players keep track of their team's progress by counting the seeds as they go.
Math can be a snap to teach when one utilizes creative and inspirational games. Pumpkin seeds are perfect for an autumn themed math lesson involving a familiar spoon race game. The activity will provide an opportunity for young children to count and add small numbers while working as a team. Kids will surely have a blast recycling bits of a favorite fall treat while pumping up their math skills.
Check out these articles for other creative and educational math activities:
Thanksgiving Math for Preschoolers
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