Pumpkins Promote Reading at Scenic Heights

You can create many things from a pumpkin– even a character out of a book to use as a reading tool.

First graders at in Minnetonka did just that on Oct. 26, and have been doing so for 11 years now, when they brought in pumpkins they had decorated as their favorite literary characters. They also brought the books in which their characters exist to encourage their friends to read the book too. Then they spend quiet time– spread out around the classroom– reading with their pumpkin characters.

“It’s a huge hit,” said first grade teacher Lisa Roddy. “The kindergartners can hardly wait, and the second graders are very sad because they don’t do it in second grade.”

Students in the upper grades are invited to visit the “pumpkin patch” and ask questions about the books the first graders are reading.

“It’s really a fun way to get everyone interested in reading books and kind of light a fire in them,” Roddy said.

The only rule they have when they go to create their characters is that they cannot cut or carve their pumpkins as they spoil too quickly. This becomes a family event as they work to personify the character in a favorite book, which is fun while also promoting literacy.

Among other characters this year, you can find Fancy Nancy, Ricky Ricotta and his giant robot and Alice in Wonderland.