A simple craft activity to introduce or review the life cycle of a pumpkin plant from seed to flower and fruit. Ideal for a plants, growth, autumn or life cycles topic or even for Halloween.

Once the foldout is complete, the 2 halves of the pumpkin are brought together, then gently pulled apart to reveal the inside.

Benefits of this activity

• Low prep
• Children learn about the pumpkin life cycle in a fun and hands-on way, that’s a bit different from a standard science worksheet.
• Can be used to introduce the life cycle, or as a review/assessment to check understanding.
• Encourages fine motor/scissor skills, hand-eye coordination (folding), and sequencing.
• Differentiated options allow for multiple age ranges or abilities to do the same activity.
• Finished foldouts can be inserted into an interactive notebook where they can be referenced by children.

The templates

There are 3 template options to choose from:
Template 1: Color the pumpkin life cycle stages, match the words to the pictures, glue, cut, and fold. The directions for this one are on a separate page.
Template 2: Color the pumpkin life cycle stages, cut and sequence the stages, glue, and fold.
Template 3: Larger template. Color the pumpkin and life cycle stages, sequence the stages, glue, cut, assemble, and fold. Option to sequence the images with the life cycle stage names, or short descriptions.

What else is included?

• Life cycle diagram (colour).
• Life cycle photo page showing a real image of each stage.
• Life cycle sequencing cards and arrows in color and black and white. One way you could use these is to print them on cardstock and cut out each piece. Children could work in small groups to sequence the life cycle stages, using the arrows to link them together. Laminate for longevity.
• Label the pumpkin parts cut and paste activity (color and b/w options).

This resource is an 14 page PDF. It is not editable. UK and US versions of the files are included.