Pumpkin Snack Ideas For The Preschool Classroom
Posted: Monday, October 20, 2008
by Stephany Springer
Teaching preschoolers is all about reaching all five senses. Cooking in the classroom can make this goal a lot easier.
As fall approaches, why not tap into the wonderful use of pumpkins in the classroom. There are endless suggestions for the creative teacher. If your preschoolers are to young to mix, pour etc., mix it yourself and have a fun fall picnic during class time. The kids will welcome the change in routine.
Pumpkin Painting
Kids love to finger paint. Why not let them paint with canned pumpkin? This is a simple way to combine art time and snack time. Open a can of Pumpkin Pie filling and place by spoonfuls into bowls. Then allow the kids to dip, finger paint and lick their way to artistic masterpieces.
Cupcakes/Cookies
Kids love to do icing. Bake sugar cookies or cupcakes before class. Dye a tub of icing by adding orange food coloring to the tub and mixing it up. Take a craft stick and dip in the orange icing. Give each child a craft stick with the icing, a cupcake/cookie and toppings to make pumpkin faces. You can use M&Ms, raisins, skittles, gummies, etc. Get creative.
Pumpkin Pie
Kids love baking and eating. Create your pie filling from your favorite recipe. This can be done together as a class or beforehand. Then buy the small frozen pie shells. Allow the kids to scoop filling into the shells. Make sure to write their names on the bottom. Do this activity first thing, then bake in an oven. The kitchen area will smell great. The kids can enjoy the afternoon snack before going home. Be sure to bake extra to give to staff members.
Pumpkin Pudding
What kid doesn't love pudding? Take two boxes of vanilla pudding and prepare according to directions. Add one can of pumpkin and a quarter cup of brown sugar. Don't forget to let the kids sprinkle cinnamon. Makes a sweet snack.
Rice Krispie Pumpkins.
Prepare rice krispie treats according to the box. Put a few drops of orange food coloring in with the marshmallows. Take a pumpkin cookie cutter and cut out pumpkin shapes. Use M&Ms, chocolate chips, raisins etc. to decorate.
Be sure to notify parents of ingredients in case of allergies. Don't be afraid of a mess. Allow the kids to really have fun with the process even if it means a destroyed classroom. Part of learning is also learning to clean up afterwards so keep them involved through completion.
Feel free to leave any other snack ideas in the comment section.
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