Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Art · The activity desk
Pumpkin Patch Pattern
Paint a pattern of dots and stripes on a small pumpkin.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A small pumpkin, washable paint, a brush, a tray and a cloth
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Wash and dry the pumpkin. Put it on a tray with small amounts of washable paint.
Adult's role: Help hold the pumpkin steady and supervise paint use.
Let's make it happen
- Paint a line around the middle of the pumpkin.
- Add a row of dots above the line and stripes below it.
- Turn the pumpkin carefully and continue your pattern on the other side.
Make it simpler: Choose one color and add large dots together.
Clean up: Wash brushes and hands and wipe the tray. Let the pumpkin dry out of reach.
Paint is not food. Do not eat the decorated pumpkin; keep paint away from mouths and eyes.