Pumpkin Wash House: Invitation to Play
Wash. Scrub. Pour. Roll. Carry. Discover.
Bring the magic of autumn into your early years provision with The Pumpkin Wash House, a beautifully designed, hands on play invitation that encourages children to explore, investigate and discover through simple, meaningful experiences.
Using pumpkins, water and everyday resources, this invitation transforms a familiar autumn favourite into an opportunity for sensory exploration, physical development, communication and imaginative play.
Children can wash and scrub pumpkins, experiment with pouring and filling, investigate different textures, transport materials and discover what happens when they roll pumpkins down a ramp.
The beauty of this invitation lies in its simplicity. There is no expected outcome, no perfect finished product and no need for an elaborate setup. Just open ended opportunities for children to follow their curiosity.
What's included?
A beautifully illustrated Pumpkin Wash House play invitation
Suggested resources and materials, including affordable everyday items
Simple, practical setup guidance
Key vocabulary to introduce naturally through play
Observation prompts to help practitioners identify children's interests
Ideas for extending play through rolling, transporting, pouring and exploring
Learning through play
This invitation encourages children to develop their coordination, independence, communication and early understanding of mathematical concepts such as heavy, full and empty.
Practitioners are encouraged to set less, notice more and follow the child's lead, allowing learning to emerge naturally through exploration and repetition.
Perfect for: Childminders, nurseries, preschools, EYFS settings and home learning.
An ideal addition to autumn provision, harvest activities, outdoor sensory kitchens and seasonal invitations to play.
Digital Download: Two page printable PDF resource. No physical resources are included.
The Early Years Edit | The Play Library
Little hands. Big discoveries.