Jayne Cox
RADFORD – An annual tradition in Radford that students have enjoyed for at least two decades continued last week as kindergarten students at McHarg Elementary School enjoyed Pumpkin Day in the school courtyard on Thursday and Friday.
“The kindergarten team worked together to bring the pumpkin patch to the kiddos this year— since we couldn’t go on our annual pumpkin patch field trip,” explained kindergarten teacher Kennedi Boyd. In small groups, the children loved visiting the school-created pumpkin patch, where they were able to measure, decorate and explore pumpkins, according to Nicole Watson.
A local pumpkin farmer provided pumpkins to all kindergarten students, including Virtual Radford students.
“We shared what we were doing with Virtual Radford students so families could replicate the experience as much as possible at home,” explained Amanda Bush, also a kindergarten teacher.
“It was so wonderful to see the children laughing, smiling, and having fun outside while they learned,” said Emily Harless.
Special education teacher Nicole Burgard agreed.
“Pumpkin day was such an inclusive event for all of our children. It gave our students the opportunity for movement and learning,” she said.
Kay Ellerman, a kindergarten teacher, said the special day provided many lessons and filled many needs for kindergarteners. “Children need, among other things, sunshine, exercise, socialization, and opportunities to learn through experimentation,” said Ellerman. “Pumpkin Day was all that and more! On this beautiful day with abundant sunshine and a gentle breeze, our children laughed and learned, and knew they were loved.”
-Jayne Cox
Reading Specialist, McHarg Elemenary School