Sorting Pumpkins Activity for Kids
- Oct 13, 2015
- 2 min read
It may sound too simple, but sorting and categorizing objects by touch is a major concept for kids who are blind! It allows them to access a deeper, more advanced comprehension of the world around them.
Use a variety of pumpkins and other squash to teach kids about different shapes, sizes, textures and colors. They're inexpensive and last for a while so you can practice again and again. You could also buy the fake ones but we like things that are real when possible! Browse your local garden center, farmers market or grocery store for lots of different ones and be sure to buy some that are (mostly) identical, too.
Here are a few ways we used mini pumpkins to practice sorting concepts:
Size: Small, Medium, Large in order from left to right (notice all are the same shape and color)
Size: Small, Medium, and Large in groups (this time we used several pumpkins)
Tips for Teaching Size to Kids Who Are Visually Impaired
The main focus for Madilyn was encouraging her to take the time to feel each and every pumpkin before deciding which ones were similar sizes. I tried to find pumpkins that were mostly the same shape so she could focus on the size only. It was her job to take the time to feel each one with both hands and examine how big it was by holding it with one hand, as well as comparing the weight with another pumpkin. The weight was a little tougher concept for her but she was able to distinguish between the smallest and largest pumpkin, for sure!
If you have a child with some vision, you can also narrow the differences by color in ensuring they are all orange or all white. If you use white, try placing them on a dark background to provide contrast. Check with the child's vision teacher to know which color combination works best for the individual.
Do you have tips for sorting activities or using other Fall items in lessons for kids with visual impairments? Share them with us!
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