Create a Pumpkin Book Report Project this Fall

Whether you are looking for a way to incorporate the pumpkins you picked up at the pumpkin patch into an activity or simply want to create a seasonal project for the classroom, a pumpkin book report puts a fun spin on this classroom classic. Pumpkins are portable enough to carry, so basing the report on a favorite or important literary character makes the decorating a snap!

How to Create a Pumpkin Book Report Activity

Send information home outlining the project. This should include types of books that can be used and the rubric you’ll use for grading. Parent buy-in is a must for this project since many of the components will be completed at home.

Include not only the ideal size of the pumpkin (easy enough for the student to carry) but also some appropriate decorating guidelines for kids to follow. Things to consider when planning your project include:

• Will you allow carving, or is this a strictly surface design project?
• What genre or types of books will you allow?
• How should the pumpkin be decorated, and how many materials should be used?
• What is the written component requirement?
• How will the pumpkins be displayed or presented to the class?

Include directions for completing both the pumpkin decorating and the written report. Ask kids to choose a book from a list you’ve provided or an appropriate genre. Have them choose a character representing the book and decorate the pumpkin. Include a written component that poses a few of the following questions:

• How would you describe your character/pumpkin?
• What does this character do in the story?
• Do you like this character? Why or why not?
• My favorite part of this book was?

Modify the questions to meet your particular classroom needs. Use this project with almost any age group. Early elementary kids can decorate a pumpkin following illustrations in a favorite book, while older kids can create a visual interpretation of a character they have read about but not seen. Complete this project by displaying the finished pieces in a central location in the classroom or school to show them off.

For some character ideas, check out this awesome board on Pinterest!