Fun in the Pumpkin Patch

Our pumpkin patch has been VERY busy for the past couple weeks. A great BIG thank you to everyone who has supplied our baskets and bins with real produce to explore and pretend with. Something magical happens when you give young children REAL things to play with. They seem to have a greater care and pride in keeping the space well-kept. I have not had to maintain this space at all and THAT is amazing:)

 Items are sorted daily.

Tickets are sold for the hayride and corn maze

Customers shop for produce.

And... many purchases have been made!

Social manners are being practiced authentically as the children 'wait' in line for their turn.

No pushing or shoving, only happy smiles!!

Listening and speaking skills are being honed.

Math skills abound; patterning, counting, etc.

THIS has been the best part to witness!! The children set up their own little hayride. The driver allows them to board, they climb on, pass along their tickets.

The tour guide gives instructions for the pumpkin patch rules AND asks you to stay on board if you'd like to proceed to the apple orchard.  Too funny!  Background knowledge being accessed and connections being made.

Always time for silly fun!!

Whoa... hold on! This is a crazy driver!!

I hope you can see how naturally learning occurs when the environment nurtures the children and calls them to explore:)