Our Pumpkin Patch Play

We have a field trip planned to the real pumpkin patch this week so in preparation for it we set up a pretend pumpkin patch.  I decided to only use real pumpkins this year so the children could have authentic experiences with the texture and weight of each one.
  

The children have been buying and selling pumpkins to each other and to the grown ups.  Taking on the roles of seller and buyer, sometimes at the same time.

         
Their number play has included money, pricing, weighing and using the cash register.
 As well as recognizing the numerals on the cash machine.


Harvesting the pumpkins and restocking is a job that needs to be done at the
pumpkin patch before the next customers arrives.

 
Having paper and pencil available allows a child to document her own learning. 
She is drawing a picture of her pumpkin.  It has become a sign on the side of the
shelf.
             
It also helps put her learning in to practice.  She’s printing numbers and
letters after using the cash register.

     
And keeping lists, just like they see adults do.