Halloween Pumpkin Counting: Math Time with Kids

This activity has been sponsored by Oriental Trading Company. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The kids wont get spooked by this Halloween math activity and you wont either because it’s so easy to set up and you can adapt it for different ages and abilities so anyone can count along! For this activity we skipped out on using candy because as you know, the kids can always find enough sugar this time of year. We did however use some adorable Mini Pumpkin Buckets-(link to product) from Oriental Trading Company to make this activity inviting–my kids ran to the table when they saw the batch of smiling pumpkins waiting for them.

After taking a look at the Oriental Trading Companies Halloween Headquarters Page I was inspired to start some Halloween fun with the kids–after all, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because I think dressing up is so fun. If you haven’t gotten a costume yet be sure to check out their scary, cute, and silly Halloween costumes page. I love the group costumes page where families can dress up together! Now let’s get counting :).

Halloween Pumpkin Counting

Supplies:

Mini Pumpkin Buckets-(link to product)

Dried Black beans or small counters

Paper

Toothpicks

Pen

Tape

Playdough (optional)

Directions:

Cut out paper into small labels and write numbers on it that you want the child to practice based on their ability. Little Tiger is working on higher numbers so I made her a few labels that had her count to 50+. Little Dragon is working on counting smaller numbers so I made him more labels to practice counting because each pumpkin would not take as long to fill.

Tape the label to the end of a toothpick and secure each one to a pumpkin bucket. I placed a blob of playdough inside each bucket, and stuck the toothpick into it.

Have child name the number on each label and place the correct number of beans in each bucket. You may count along with the child. The beans are small and are great for incorporating fine motor practice, however if the child is having difficulty you may switch the beans out for something larger like buttons, candy, or mini pumpkin erasers (link to product).

Option 2:

Another way of doing this activity would be for you to place the correct number of beans in each bucket and have the child count them. If they are working on number recognition they could also place the correct label in each bucket. Happy Counting and have a Happy Halloween!