Three-Dimensional Pumpkins

• Children can make pumpkins that stand on their own using only two pieces of paper. Have them cut out two matching pumpkin shapes. They must cut slits down the center of each shape. In one pumpkin, they must cut a slit from the top to the center of the pumpkin. In the other, the slit should start from the bottom of the pumpkin and stop in the middle. Hold up the first pumpkin shape. Have the child slide the second pumpkin down perpendicular over the first. The finished shape will be a four-sided pumpkin that stands up on its own.
  
  

Banner

• Children can make any room festive with an orange paper banner. They must first choose a message to write on the banner, then cut the letters out of black paper. Have them count the number of letters, then cut that many pumpkins out of orange paper and attach small paper stems out of green or black paper. Show them how to fold each pumpkin like an accordion, then stretch it back out. Have them glue one letter onto each pumpkin. They can also leave the pumpkins flat if they wish. Hang a piece of string across a doorway and attach the pumpkins with clips.
  
  

Treat Bags

• Make quick and simple treat bags so children can carry home their candy from a school party. Children can draw a large pumpkin shape onto a sheet of orange paper or use a square or triangle shape. Once they've cut out two of the shapes, help them staple the sides and bottom together to make a large paper envelope. Punch holes on either side of the envelope and tie on a handle made from yarn. Children can decorate and write their names on the treat bag with markers and crayons.
  
  

Ornaments

• Cut an oval shape with pointed ends out of cardboard. Use whatever size you wish as long as it can be traced onto a single sheet of paper. Have children use the stencil to cut seven of the shapes out of orange paper. Punch holes in both ends of the shapes, then have children stack them up. Push paper fasteners through the holes in both ends. Show children how to bend the stacked paper into a half-moon shape, then gently fan out the pieces to form a globe shape. Children can glue on eyes and mouths cut from black paper, then tie on string. Hang the pumpkins from doorways or windows.