Create a fun and engaging exploding pumpkin craft perfect for the fall season. Students will use construction paper, paint, and colorful dots (not included) to design a whimsical pumpkin bursting with creativity. Pumpkin templates are provided to support guided creation while encouraging individual expression.

Included:

3 pumpkin templates

Eye template

mouth template

Not Included:

dot stickers

To create this masterpiece, begin by printing the pumpkin templates onto white construction paper. Have the children turn the paper over so the pumpkin outline is on the back and not visible.

On the blank side, children will paint using orange tempera paint, adding a small dot of red or white to mix in. This allows them to create either a bold or softer orange tone. Encourage students to paint the entire sheet of paper to achieve a full painted-paper effect. Set aside and allow the paper to dry completely.

Once dry, have the children turn the paper back over and cut out the pumpkin template. After cutting, they may choose where to cut the pumpkin in half to create an “open” or “exploding” effect. The two pieces are then glued onto a sheet of dark construction paper, leaving space between them.

For the stem, have students paint a small piece of paper green, creating the same painted-paper texture. Once dry, cut and glue the stem onto the pumpkin.

To create the eyes, students color a black circle inside two larger white circles. The eye template allows multiple eyes to be made using minimal paper.
The mouth is printed on black construction paper; the template allows for multiple mouths with minimal paper use. Mouths can be glued facing up or down to create happy, silly, or angry pumpkins.
Teeth are added using small cuts of white paper.