September/October 2007

I Choose You: An At-Church Pumpkin Patch Idea

Here’s a fun idea using pumpkins, a wonderful fall symbol, to celebrate the season and remind 3-5-year-olds that they’re special to God.

You’ll need at least one pumpkin for each child (but have extras to allow for a real "choice"), tempera paint, and paintbrushes. Before students arrive, place pumpkins outdoors to simulate a pumpkin patch. When children arrive, let each one choose a pumpkin to being back to class.

Once you’ve gathered, read aloud Psalm 139:1-3. Tell children that just like they chose a pumpkin, God chose them because they’re special. Let kids paint their pumpkins to take home as a reminder that they’re special to God.

To extend the Bible connection, read The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs or I’d choose You by John Trent and Judy Love.

Click here to download these directions in a PDF.