I love sharing seasonal books in my classroom! There are so many to choose from and I always try and make a selection that has a great message, as well as lends itself to a variety of instructional strategies. This week we are spotlighting Too Many Pumpkins. This book was chosen because it makes a great read aloud and has a great message of empathy. Too Many Pumpkins is a great addition to any fall or pumpkin unit! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
The story of Too Many Pumpkins is about a woman named Rebecca Estelle. As a child, Rebecca’s family did not have a lot of money and they had to eat pumpkin all the time. As a result, Rebecca grew to hate pumpkins and never wanted to eat them again. On her farm, Rebecca grew many different vegetables but no pumpkins. One day, a truck drove by and a giant pumpkin fell into Rebecca’s yard. First, she tried to bury it but come spring, it started to grow vines. She tried to ignore the growing vines until she discovered that many pumpkins had grown in her yard. She decided to share the pumpkins with those that might be struggling. Eventually, Rebecca carved some of the pumpkins to attract her community and was able to share all the pumpkin treats she had made.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
During a read aloud, Too Many Pumpkins can be used to teach and practice a variety of reading comprehension strategies. There is so much great vocabulary throughout the book that can be used to increase students’ word knowledge. Teachers can continue to use this book in their writing and grammar instruction. You can also incorporate social emotional learning with the book by engaging in class discussions.
- Practice visualizing with students as you read the book. This is a great strategy to help students with comprehension.
- Analyze the point of view in which Too Many Pumpkins is written.
- Teach students to form an opinion on events in the story and support it with reasons.
- Practice writing a variety of poems based on the story.
- Examine how writers use ellipses to convey meaning or expression.
- Introduce and act out action verbs.
- Discuss the importance of problem solving and showing empathy to others.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
If you are looking for specific writing prompts and comprehension questions to go with the book Too Many Pumpkins, you will want to download our Starts With a Story Book Companion.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell
- The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams
- Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
- Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
