During the autumn months, pumpkins are everywhere! These good-looking gourds are not only a great way to introduce the joys of the season; they can also be a cheap and cheerful tool to encourage children to develop their fine motor skills. We’ve put together some pumpkin-based activities that preschoolers can enjoy, using lots of movements to help develop the small muscles in their hands and fingers.
Fine motor pumpkin activities to try at home
Pumpkins are a low-cost, natural material that’s perfect for sensory play. Here are some simple activities that you can do at home with your child, to help develop their fine motor skills.
Pumpkins and rubber bands
During September and November, you’ll often see smaller, mini-pumpkins in the supermarket, about the size of a grapefruit. These are the perfect size and shape for this activity!
What you’ll need:
- One mini-pumpkin per child
- A selection of multi-coloured rubber bands big enough to stretch around your pumpkins
What to do:
Simply set up your pumpkins and rubber bands on a tray, and encourage your child to wrap the bands around the pumpkin. The bands should fit nicely into the natural ridges of the pumpkin. This activity can be very absorbing, allowing preschoolers to explore their creativity and problem-solving abilities, as well as developing fine motor skills.
Scooping pumpkin seeds
The first step towards carving a pumpkin is to scoop out its insides! Children will enjoy exploring texture and getting messy, while their fingers get a workout.
What you’ll need:
- One pumpkin per child
- A bowl to put the seeds in
- An assortment of tools to use, such as an ice cream scoop, scissors, spoons, tweezers
What to do:
First, cut off the top of the pumpkin to make a ‘lid’ and allow access to the inside. Then ask your child to use the tools (and their hands, if they like!) to scoop out all the seeds. Once they have finished, your pumpkin will be ready for an adult to carve!
Pumpkin decorating
Carving a pumpkin isn’t the only way to make it unique. Pumpkin decorating, using pins, buttons and beads, is a fun way to customise your Jack-o-Lantern, and the small movements needed to pick up and thread the buttons are a great way to develop those fine motor skills. Note: Adult supervision is essential for this activity.
What you’ll need:
- Pumpkins of any size – one or more per child
- A selection of buttons and beads
- Ordinary fabric pins that you might find in a sewing kit
What to do:
Arrange the buttons and beads on the table. Invite your child to pick out the ones they like and pin them onto the pumpkin. Guide them to push the pins through the holes in the buttons and beads, to fix them on to the skin.
Pumpkin playdough
Pumpkin playdough is a seasonal, sensory activity that will really get your child’s fingers working. Find out how to make your own pumpkin playdough.
Contact us
At our nursery in Sutton Coldfield, we love to support children’s development through a range of fun activities. If you would like to learn more about our nursery, contact us today.