Math sorting games with a fall twist – that is just what we needed!  We went on a trip to our local apple orchard and pumpkin patch yesterday.  We found some great gourds of all different shapes and sizes.  Simply perfect for Fall math sorting, comparing, and contrasting!

These Fall math sorting games were very fun!  We ended up holding a “Gourd Competition” in the backyard.  Even my Madeline had a blast.  Who knew gourds and math sorting games would make for such a great Sunday Family Activity?!

After some initial playing and inspecting the gourds,

we decided on 7 categories for our competition:

Bumpiest: For this math sorting game we used our sense of sight and touch.  There were three rather bumpy gourds, but upon careful inspection we had a clear winner.

Smoothest: Many of our gourds were quite smooth.  We used careful touch and sight to compare all the smooth gourds.  Madeline and Sam came to an agreement that one was a bit smoother then the others.

Rolliest: This math sorting game was likely the funnest – and we played it much more then needed!  We put all the gourds at the top of the slide and rolled them down one at a time.  The gourd which went the farthest was deemed “rolliest”.  Each and every single time the pumpkin shaped gourd (rolled on it’s side) won.  I was surprised!

Biggest: First of all, for this math sorting game, we had to come to a decision about what we were measuring for the biggest.  Weight, Height, Overall Size?  My wee ones decided it would be measured with a string, all the way around the gourd.  They then compared the lengths of string.

Smallest: This category was easily awarded based on sight.

Most Ridges: might as well throw in some counting to these math sorting games!  We felt all of the gourds to determine which ones we thought might be the ridgy-est.  Then, Madeline (and helper Sam) counted the ridges.

Most Orange: This was a category Sam chose.  Using his sight he determined which gourd was the most orange.  He had to use his best judgement as many seemed quite orange to me!  But, with Preschooler’s discerning eye he made his decision quite easily 🙂

And, in true nature to my Madeline’s thoughtfulness, every gourd won a prize. 

This gourd competition was tons of fun and taught us a lot!  Each category was it’s own math sorting game.  My wee ones had to compare, contrast, use their best judgement (2 were quite similar in their … um … orange-ness), and experiment.

I love when nature and the magic of seasons changing play such a big role in my wee ones learning.  I don’t think we have seen the last of these gourds!

Do you have any great gourd activities?