Pass the Pumpkin Game for Color Recognition & Fun

Pumpkin Color Recognition Game for Preschool & Kindergarten

Looking for an easy pumpkin-themed activity for fall? This Pumpkin Color Recognition Game is a perfect hands-on learning activity for preschool, kindergarten, and early childhood classrooms. Children practice naming colors, taking turns, and listening—all while enjoying a fun seasonal theme.

Why This Activity Works

  • Strengthens color recognition
  • Encourages cooperative play
  • Builds social-emotional skills
  • Supports language development
  • Requires very little prep

Materials You Need

  • Large plastic pumpkin (or any pumpkin-shaped container)
  • One crayon per student (mix of different colors)
  • Music or a rhythm instrument

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Fill the pumpkin with one crayon per child, making sure to include a good variety of colors.
  2. Have your class sit in a circle.
  3. Begin playing music while students pass the pumpkin around the circle.
  4. When the music stops, the child holding the pumpkin selects a crayon and names the color aloud.
  5. Continue playing until every child has had a turn.
  6. Optional challenge: Have the child name an object that matches the crayon color.

Extension Ideas

  • Sort crayons into warm vs. cool colors
  • Create a class graph of the colors pulled from the pumpkin
  • Use themed items instead of crayons (mini erasers, pompoms, Legos, etc.)

By: Paula Diekhoff

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