THINGS FROM SCHOOL

FIRST GRADE PUMPKINS

CARVING A PUMPKIN

Carving a jack-o-lantern is a tradition or custom of many American families. Families will go to area stores that sell pumpkins and spend hours just looking for the right one. When the right pumpkin has been chosen, take it home and wash the outside of the pumpkin and dry it completely. An adult will be needed to carefully cut open the top of the pumpkin where the stem is located. Save the stemo of the pumpkin. Next you will need to remove the pulp or stringy part of the pumpkin and the seed using a large spone place all of the insides of the pumplin on the sheets of newspaper to keep your area clean. After all the seeds and pulp have been removed, you may want to wash the outside of the pumpkin again to make sure you hae a clean surface to work on. Markers can be used to draw the face you want on the outside of the pumpkin. You can make it as scary or as funny as you like. You will need the help of a parent or other adult to help cut out the face you drew on teh pumplin. This may take afew mintues to do becfause pumpkins can be very thinck and theri skin can be slick. You must practice safety rules when using a knife or pumpkin carving knife. Then place a candle inside the pumpkin andlight the candle using matches. At this time, place the top with stem back on the pumpkin. Finally, place the jack-o-lantern on your front porch and wait for the trick or treaters. Have a safe and Happy Halloween!