Pumpkin Playdough with Real Pumpkin Puree
Autumn is a wonderful time to introduce new sensory experiences into your preschool classroom. One fun way to do this is by making pumpkin playdough using real pumpkin puree. Let me show you how to make playdough the easy way.
The real pumpkin not only adds a rich texture to the playdough but also exposes children to the natural scent and feel of pumpkins, enhancing their sensory play. You’ve got to give it a try!
Creating pumpkin playdough is not just about making a fun playdough for a pumpkin theme in preschool; it’s also a wonderful opportunity to integrate seasonal themes into your learning environment.
By using real pumpkin puree, you are introducing children to the various aspects of this iconic autumn vegetable, from its vibrant color to its earthy scent. Especially since this pumpkin playdough recipe calls for real pumpkin puree.
So, after your preschoolers have done their pumpkin measurement activities and dissected a pumpkin and done a taste test, they can use the remainder of the puree to make pumpkin playdough!
We like to pair this playdough recipe with our autumn playdough ideas and our fall STEM activities.
So gather your ingredients and prepare for an enjoyable and educational experience that centers all around pumpkin and spice and everything nice.
Why Try Pumpkin Playdough?
Pumpkin playdough will provide endless fun for kids. And yup, playdough has this ability to be added to any preschool theme, and this pumpkin playdough is perfection for your fall preschool theme.
Here’s why playdough should be a staple in your fall preschool curriculum:
- Sensory Exploration
- The unique texture and natural scent of pumpkin puree provide a rich sensory experience, stimulating children’s senses of touch and smell.
- Thematic Connection
- Aligned with your fall theme, pumpkin playdough reinforces learning about pumpkins and the autumn season.
- Cognitive Development
- As children manipulate the playdough, they develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.
- Language and Literacy
- Encourage oral language development and vocabulary expansion by discussing the color, texture, and smell of the pumpkin playdough.
- Math Exploration
- Introduce concepts like size, shape, and quantity through playdough activities.
- Use pumpkin playdough with these pumpkin counting cards.
- Science Discovery
- Explain how the ingredients combine to create the playdough’s texture, fostering a basic understanding of science.
By incorporating pumpkin playdough into your preschool curriculum, you offer children a multi-sensory and engaging learning opportunity that supports their overall development.
Pumpkin Playdough Recipe
Making your own pumpkin playdough straightforward process like all our other playdough recipes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can craft a soft, squishy dough that not only smells wonderful but also enhances sensory play.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that at no cost to you, I may earn a small sum if you click through and make a purchase.
Ingredients
- pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- all-purpose flour
- salt
- cream of tartar
- vegetable oil
- Food coloring (optional for a brighter orange)
- pumpkin spice (optional for extra scent)
Kitchen Supplies
Make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Airtight container for storage
- Measures approximately 7″D, 8.25″D, 9.75″D
- Hand wash recommended
- Holds 32 , 64 and 96 oz respectively
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How to Make Pumpkin Playdough
Follow these simple steps to create your pumpkin playdough:
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
Add Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the pumpkin puree and vegetable oil to the dry mixture. If you’re using food coloring, add a few drops at this stage. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Knead the Dough
Once the mixture starts coming together, transfer it to a clean surface and knead it with your hands until it reaches a dough-like consistency. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water.
Store Properly
Store the pumpkin playdough in an airtight container when not in use. It should last for about a week if kept properly.
- Note for teachers: Always supervise children during playdough activities to ensure they do not ingest the dough.
Invitation to Play Ideas for Pumpkin Theme
Encourage imaginative and sensory play with these fun invitations to play:
- Pumpkin Patch Play: Provide small plastic pumpkins, leaves, and mini scarecrows for a themed play setting.
- Autumn Cookie Shop: Set up cookie cutters in fall shapes (leaves, acorns, pumpkins) and rolling pins to simulate a baking activity.
- Nature Stamping: Collect leaves, acorns, and pinecones for stamping designs into the playdough.
Fall Playdough Activity Ideas
Here are some more ideas to make the most out of your pumpkin playdough this fall season:
Fall-Themed Playdough Printables
To enhance your autumn playdough activities, here are some printable templates that can inspire creativity and learning:
- Leaf Stencils: Print various leaf shapes for children to trace and cut out, perfect for incorporating with playdough for leaf impressions.
- Pumpkin Faces: Create a fun assortment of pumpkin face templates for kids to decorate with playdough, encouraging imaginative expression.
- Acorn Shapes: Provide outlines of acorns for children to fill in, helping them learn about acorn anatomy while having fun with playdough.
- Harvest Scene: Design a printable scene featuring a farm or harvest theme, where children can create and arrange playdough figures to populate the landscape.
- Thanksgiving Gratitude Cards: Offer templates for children to create cards where they can express thankfulness, using playdough for decoration.
These printables not only extend the play experience but also foster fine motor skills and creative thinking while celebrating the beauty of fall!
Making pumpkin playdough with real pumpkin puree is an enriching activity that brings the essence of fall into your classroom. It’s an excellent way to combine sensory play with learning, allowing children to explore textures, scents, and creative play.
Try it out and see how it transforms your classroom activities!
For more fall-inspired activities and tips on engaging preschoolers, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy playing and creating!
Pumpkin Playdough
Autumn is a wonderful time to introduce new sensory experiences into your preschool classroom. One fun way to do this is by making pumpkin playdough using real pumpkin puree.
Materials
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1 tbsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp pumpkin spice mix
- Food coloring, optional
Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Plastic wrap or airtight container
Instructions
- Cook water, purée, spices, and oil over medium heat until starting to boil.
- Add the dry ingredients and stir until a ball starts to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead once cool enough to touch. You may need to add additional flour to get the consistency you'd like.
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I’m Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home-mama of five! I’m the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught a range of levels, from preschool to college and a little bit of everything in between. Right now my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.
