How to Organize a School-Wide Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Hosting a school-wide pumpkin decorating contest is a fantastic way to bring creativity, collaboration, and a sense of community into your school.
Not only does this event offer students an opportunity to showcase their artistic skills, but it also serves as a fun, engaging activity that families and students of all grade levels can enjoy together. From spooky designs to whimsical characters, the possibilities are endless! Let’s dive into how you can make your school’s pumpkin decorating contest a memorable experience.
Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Share the contest details with students and families. Make sure to emphasize the rules:
Participants can use real, foam, or plastic pumpkins.
NO CARVED PUMPKINS allowed, only decorated pumpkins. Carved pumpkins will not last and can make a mess.
Decorations can include paper, glue, paint, markers, and other craft items.
Encourage participants to be creative!
Participants must indicate if their pumpkin is student-made (made by the student alone) or family-made (student received help).
Simplifying Your Planning Process
Everything you need to plan a successful Pumpkin Decorating Contest is included in our Pumpkin Decorating Contest resource. The resource is available on Carly and Adam’s store. However, the best way to access this resource is through the STEM Teachers Club Membership.
The STEM Teachers Club Membership not only provides high-quality lesson plans but also offers a structured approach to implementing them. With weekly themes and suggested read-alouds, you can easily integrate STEM into your daily schedule. Through the STEM Teachers Club you are able to gain access to our full catalog of lessons with unlimited downloads and you can cancel anytime.
How to Plan a School-Wide Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Announce the Contest: Start by sharing the contest details with students, parents, and staff. Be sure to clearly state the rules: pumpkins must be decorated, not carved, to avoid messes and ensure they last longer. Participants can use a variety of materials like paint, markers, craft items, and glue to decorate their pumpkins.
Set Submission Guidelines: Provide a designated drop-off area for pumpkin submissions, ensuring it is supervised and easily accessible. Each pumpkin should have a submission form that includes the student’s name, grade level, and a designation of whether it is student-made or family-made. This ensures fair participation and recognizes the different levels of involvement.
Prepare for Display and Voting: Once the pumpkins are submitted, arrange them in a central location for all to see. Ideally, pair the contest with a larger fall event, such as a family showcase or fall festival. Create a voting system (either via paper ballots or a digital form) that allows students, staff, and families to vote on their favorite pumpkins.
Award Prizes: After the votes are tallied, announce the winners either at the fall event or during a school-wide assembly. Prepare certificates or small prizes for the winners in various categories, such as “Most Creative” or “Best Book Character.” Publicizing the winners in the school newsletter or on social media adds a special touch.
Wrap-Up: After the contest, coordinate with families for pumpkin pick-up and take the time to gather feedback from participants to make next year’s event even better!
While this resource is available on Carly and Adam’s store, the Carly and Adam STEM Teachers Club Membership offers the best value for educators. With this membership, teachers gain unlimited access to Carly and Adam's extensive library of STEM resources, including ready-to-use lesson plans, activities, and challenges including the Pumpkin Decorating Contest resource.
This activity provides a meaningful blend of STEM, literacy, and creativity. By integrating beloved storybook characters with hands-on design, students are able to connect with the challenge, enhancing their engagement.
By incorporating fun and creativity you will ensure that your school-wide pumpkin decorating contest becomes a beloved annual tradition!
*This resource can also be purchased on Carly and Adam’s store, but the STEM Teachers Club Membership is the Best Deal.
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