October Family Project: Pumpkins That Bring Us Together

Decorated pumpkin display where every pumpkin tells a story

Every October, I love sending home a family project that sparks creativity and connection. Instead of traditional homework (which can sometimes feel stressful), this project is designed to bring families together for something fun, meaningful, and a little spooky.

This year’s theme? Pumpkin Magic! Students can:

• Decorate a real pumpkin

• Design a paper pumpkin

• Build one out of recycled or creative materials

Pumpkins That Tell a Story

Each pumpkin is more than decoration, it’s a story. Your pumpkin might reflect a family tradition, a celebration that’s meaningful to you, or even a favorite recipe. Some families choose to use cultural colors or patterns (like Diwali, Día de los Muertos, or Thanksgiving), while others get creative with food themes, nature, or fun designs. Every pumpkin becomes a voice in our classroom, and together they create a patchwork of belonging.

The Little Fork is sharing her pumpkin story with the class.

Food, Family & Feelings

Just like sharing a meal, working on a pumpkin together builds patience, teamwork, and problem-solving. When students present their pumpkins, they practice:

• Public speaking in a safe, fun way

• Reflecting on who helped them and how they worked together

• Recognizing the joy of creating something as a family

Why It Matters

Projects like this remind us that learning isn’t just about worksheets, it’s about identity, joy, and relationships. When students bring their pumpkins back to school, they’re also bringing pieces of themselves, and they are so excited to share. I usually have them bring their pumpkins on the last week of October, just in time to decorate the class for Halloween!

Little Chewz Celebrates Halloween

Want more family-friendly Halloween fun? My new book Little Chewz Celebrates Halloween is out now! It’s filled with cutlery characters, cozy recipes, and stories to spark connection at home or in the classroom. Grab your copy here!

Love the book and would like to leave a review on Amazon? Take a screen shot of your review and send it to lisa@littlechewz.ca! You will automatically get a prize of your choice as a thank you. Every review is entered to win our Aesthetic Halloween basket!