"A Funny Sight in the Window"

During this time of year, I love teaching my students this traditional German folk song about a Jack-o-lantern:

Jack-o-lantern, Jack-o-lantern,

You are such a funny sight!

As you sit there in the window,

looking out at the night.

You were once a yellow flower

Hanging on a sturdy vine.

Now you are a Jack-o-lantern,

See the candle that shines!

I appreciate how the song sheds light on the life cycle of a pumpkin, which is another topic of learning these days.  To go along with the song, I put together a simple craft activity which the kids have been enjoying in the classroom.



Paper plate Jack-O-Lantern.

Here are the materials on a tray at a table with an art mat.

I demonstrated the process at circle time and set up the materials at a stationary table, rather than on a shelf.  This was simply because I ran out of shelf space and had nowhere else to put it!  I find, however, that a lesson placed at its own table generates a lot of activity in the classroom - everyone wants to do it! :)  Now, we have our own "funny sights" for our classroom windows!



Our Jack-O-Lanterns "looking out at the night."