Pumpkin Carving Activity

This special way to carve a pumpkin is perfect for Christian schools, Sunday School classes, etc.

1. Instead of cutting a hole in the top of the pumpkin, cut a heart shape in the back. Ask the students what shape you are carving. Explain that they should take Jesus into their heart and love him with their whole heart. The children may sing "Jesus Loves Me" or "Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World" while the teacher is carving the heart shape.
2. Show the children the "yucky" looking pulp inside the heart and explain that it doesn't make the heart look very nice. Explain that the pulp is like our "yucky" sins and we don't feel very nice when we sin. Clean out the pulp and the seeds from inside the heart. (Children may assist in cleaning out the pulp or you may allow them to touch and smell it as the teacher cleans it out. You may also take this opportunity to talk about the pumpkin seeds & planting a pumpkin) While cleaning out the pulp explain that this is similar to Jesus taking away or forgiving our sins and making our hearts clean again. Ask how this makes the students feel (happy).
3. Cut out a happy face on the front side of the pumpkin. You may draw shapes for the eyes and nose and ask the students to name the shapes. While the teacher is cutting out the happy face the children may sing "If You're Happy and You Know It" or "Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See".
4. Place a light inside the pumpkin and light up the happy face. Explain that Jesus is the light of the world and should light up their life. When you take Jesus into your heart it makes you feel happy, good, & pure. Sing "This Little Light of Mine".