Susan Cumberland
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Susan is the owner of School is Easy - Greater Vancouver and School is Easy California. She has a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership and Counselling and has won many entrepreneurial awards including 'Entrepreneur of the Year' by the Douglas College Self Employment Program and the Better Business Bureau Marketplace Excellence and 2nd place for People’s Pick. Her company, School is Easy, provides tutors in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver, Surrey and the rest of the Lower Mainland (Greater Vancouver region). School is Easy has Math tutors, Science tutors, English tutors, French tutors and Special Education tutors.

How Taking a Break From Studying Can Create Those “Ah Ha” Moments

taking a break from studying featured image of light bulbs

Sometimes, no matter how hard your child may try, they will not be able to get past a particular problem with their homework. So, how can you encourage a breakthrough as a teacher or parent?

One way is by encouraging them to take a break. Research shows that brains build bigger creative webs when in a good mood. This means that resting and taking time to relax may help your child improve their mood and spark their creativity.

Why taking a break from studying can help improve your child’s creativity.

Have you ever thought about why some of your most profound thinking or best ideas happen in the shower? There is a scientific explanation for this. According to scientists, when you are not focused on any task, your brain is in a state of wakeful rest. A part of your brain, known as the default mode network, becomes activated. William Haynes expands on this concept in a short video on YouTube. He points out that when your default mode network is activated, you become less aware of your environment and more aware of your internal thoughts. Thus, when your child takes a break, their thought patterns also have the opportunity to change and give them more ideas on how to solve a problem.

One way to activate the default mode network.

Researchers at Stanford University recently discovered that walking can help get your creative juices flowing. So, the next time your child starts getting fidgety or is stuck on a problem, encourage them to walk the dog with you. Or, if they’ve been working on a project non-stop and seem to have run out of ideas, have them take the afternoon off and go for a hike with you.

Make sure you balance taking a break from studying with getting things done.

Of course, just because study breaks can be good for your child’s creativity, that doesn’t mean they can say they want to go on a hike whenever they want instead of doing their homework. Instead, this method should be utilized when your child is struggling to think of new ideas or is getting frustrated by not being able to figure a problem out.

Different age groups will have various levels of capacity. Some ten-year-olds might need a brain break after 15 minutes. A 16-year-old might be okay for an hour before needing to stop. It all depends on the individual learner.

Whatever the capacity of your child, try to make sure that they try taking a break from studying when they need to. That way, they get the most out of their study sessions. And if they need help in their classes that can’t be helped with a break, contact your local School is Easy.

How to Stir Up Career Passion in Your Child

Children enjoying outdoor activities, exploring nature, and having fun while discovering their interests and passions in a natural environment.

Why is ‘Loving What You Do’ Important?

In a recent TED Talk, educator Richard St. John shared why passion plays a key role in finding career success.

He explained that successful people don’t just work hard—they love what they do, which drives them to go above and beyond. To back this up, he surveyed young adults aged 18-25 and found that 80% listed “becoming rich” as one of their top life goals. However, when he spoke to millionaires, none of them started out with the goal of getting rich.

So, what’s the lesson? St. John says that if you focus on doing something you love, the rest—like working hard and staying motivated—comes naturally. As he puts it, “It’s amazing what you can do if you love what you do.”

As a parent, helping your child discover what they love can be the first step toward building a fulfilling career, but how can you guide them to explore their passions and find something they’ll love doing for years to come?

How to Help Your Child Find Their Career Passion

Some kids might know exactly what they want to be “when they grow up,” but many don’t—and that’s okay! Most adults are still discovering their true passions. If your child is unsure, here are some practical steps to guide them:

  • Ask about their favorite school subjects or activities: Take time to ask your child what they enjoy most in school, whether it’s certain subjects like math, science, or art, or activities like sports, music, or drama. This helps you gain insight into what excites them and where their natural interests lie. Kids also reveal what excites them by asking questions or showing interest in particular topics outside the classroom. For example, if they frequently ask about space or the human body, those could indicate a budding interest in science or healthcare.
  • Provide opportunities for them to explore subjects they enjoy more deeply: Once you identify areas of interest, encourage your child to explore these subjects outside of school. This might involve visiting museums, watching documentaries, or reading books on topics that spark curiosity.
  • Let them try new hobbies, classes, or experiences to uncover hidden interests: Even if your child hasn’t found their passion yet, encourage them to try a variety of activities. Whether it’s enrolling in a cooking class, joining a sports league, or trying out coding, exposure to different experiences can uncover hidden talents or interests.

By encouraging curiosity and exploration, you can help your child discover passions that inspire their future career journey.

How to Encourage Your Kids to Follow Their Passion

Kids playing musical instruments together, fostering creativity and teamwork while exploring their love for music as a potential passion or career.

Helping your child find their passion doesn’t have to be a serious or stressful task. In fact, it can be a fun and exciting journey! You can help your child discover what they truly enjoy by exploring different creative activities together and encouraging open-mindedness. Here’s a simple guide to engaging your child in ways that spark curiosity and passion.

1. Do Creative Activities Together

One of the best ways to connect with your child while also helping them discover what excites them is through creative activities. These hands-on experiences allow them to learn, explore, and experiment in a relaxed setting. You can work together on projects or visit places related to their interests. For example:

  • If they dream of being an astronaut, take them to a science center or planetarium. You can explore exhibits on space, watch shows about the stars, or even try out interactive exhibits where they can learn more about the universe.
  • If they’re interested in animals, consider visiting a zoo, aquarium, or animal shelter where they can learn more about different species and the work that goes into caring for animals.
  • If they love art, sit down with them to create something, whether it’s painting, building sculptures with clay, or even crafting DIY projects at home.

By participating in these activities together, you show them that learning can be exciting and full of possibilities. These moments of shared discovery will strengthen your bond and open doors to interests they might not have explored before.

2. Expose Them to Different Experiences

Sometimes, children still need to learn what they love because they have yet to have the chance to try enough activities. The more they explore, the easier it will be for them to find what sparks their passion. Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Enroll them in dance classes: If they like moving around and expressing themselves, dance can help them build confidence and improve coordination.
  • Try sports like soccer or basketball: Physical activities help children build teamwork skills and improve their physical fitness. These can also help your child develop focus and discipline.
  • Creative hobbies like painting, knitting, or Lego clubs: These activities allow children to express their creativity while developing patience and problem-solving skills.
  • STEM-focused activities like space or coding clubs: If your child shows interest in how things work or solving problems, these activities will help them build critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Music lessons or language classes: If they have an interest in sounds, rhythm, or languages, you can try introducing them to music or language classes to expand their horizons.

If they lose interest in one activity, it’s perfectly okay! Let them try something else. The key is giving them the opportunity to explore a range of experiences so they can find what excites them the most.

3. Create Opportunities for Community Involvement

If you need help finding local programs related to your child’s interests, consider starting one yourself. Community involvement is a great way for children to connect with others who share similar passions. It also allows them to see the real-world application of their interests.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Start a club or gathering: If there’s no local club for something they enjoy, such as a Lego building group or a kids’ coding club, you could organize one yourself. This encourages your child’s passion and helps them meet other like-minded peers.
  • Join online groups or communities: For interests that may not have local options, online communities can be a great way for your child to interact with others who share the same passion. For example, coding forums, art communities, or sports discussion groups.

Being part of a community boosts your child’s enthusiasm and provides opportunities for them to learn from others. It also helps build friendships, which can encourage your child to keep pursuing what they love.

4. Encourage Perseverance, But Be Flexible

One of the most important things you can teach your child is that it’s okay to try things, fail, and then try again. Passion sometimes takes time, and they may need to explore several options before finding something they love.

It’s essential to teach them the value of perseverance and remind them that it’s okay to change paths if something doesn’t feel right. Here’s how to balance commitment with flexibility:

  • Teach them the importance of sticking with something: Help them understand that mastery takes time and effort and giving activities a fair try is important. Whether it’s a sport or a hobby, the key is showing up and putting in the effort.
  • Support their decision to switch paths: If they start an activity and realize it’s not the right fit, that’s perfectly okay! Encourage them to be open-minded and try something else. Help them see that sometimes changing directions can lead to discovering something even more exciting.

It is crucial to create an environment where your child feels comfortable trying new things without the pressure of sticking with something they no longer enjoy. This helps them feel empowered and confident in their choices.

No matter what path your child seems interested in, try to find a creative approach to helping them pursue their interests and promote their passion.

Inspire your child to turn curiosity into passion! Discover resources and expert tutors at School Is Easy to help unlock their potential and build a path to a fulfilling future. Contact us today for more information!

Tips for Studying for Exams and Getting Through Finals

Tips for Studying for Exams

Finals: the word sends shivers down students’ spines! But fear not—your child’s finals do not need to wreak havoc on their life. With the right strategies and mindset, this stressful period can become an opportunity for growth and learning.

Today, we’re diving deeper into this topic to share practical tips you can use to help your children approach their final exams with confidence.

1. Stop Procrastinating to Build Better Study Habits Today

As mentioned in an earlier article, cramming for a test is not the best way to prepare for exams; it often leads to burnout and information overload. Instead, effective preparation involves consistent and strategic study habits that build long-term understanding.

To avoid procrastination, set aside time every day for at least one week to study for exams. If your child is studying multiple subjects, break up their studying time so that they spend a little time researching for each test every day. Going over the information every day leading up to the test allows their brain to store the information and new skills in their long-term memory.

Also, give them some breaks between studying for their exams with these tips for blowing off steam.

2. Healthy Snacks to Boost Brainpower During Study Time

As the famous philosopher Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

Certain foods, such as nuts, berries, and salmon, are known for their memory-boosting properties, supporting overall brain health. While they can provide a helpful edge, they’re no substitute for consistent studying and preparation. However, snacking smartly while studying can keep energy levels stable and the brain alert.

To maximize focus and avoid the pitfalls of sugary processed snacks, choose these healthy options:

  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in brain-friendly nutrients like omega-3s and vitamin E.
  • Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants that may support cognitive function.
  • Fish: Salmon and tuna offer omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for brain health.
  • Fruits and veggies: Apples, bananas, carrots, and celery provide natural sugars and fiber for sustained energy.
  • Dark chocolate: In moderation, it can enhance focus and boost mood due to its antioxidants and mild caffeine content.

By sticking to these healthy snacks, students can maintain steady energy levels and improve their ability to retain and recall information without the crash often associated with sugary treats.

3. The Benefits of Group Study: Learn and Succeed Together

Studying in a group can be a game-changer for some students.

Group study offers a energetic and collaborative way to tackle challenging material. One of the biggest advantages of group study is the opportunity to talk through concepts, which helps reinforce the information in your child’s memory. Explaining ideas out loud and hearing others’ perspectives can cement understanding and uncover gaps in knowledge.

Additionally, study groups are invaluable if you’ve missed a class or struggled with certain topics. Peers can help fill in the blanks, ensuring you’re caught up on key points. A productive group activity is to create and exchange practice tests. By reviewing them together, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the material and reduce the risk of overlooking important information.

4. Why Quality Sleep is Key to Exam Success

Staying up all night cramming might feel productive, but it does more harm than good.

Sleep is essential for consolidating what your child has learned while preparing their brain to retrieve that information during the test. Aim for at least 8 hours of quality sleep to ensure they wake up refreshed, focused, and ready to tackle exams. Lack of sleep impairs concentration and decision-making, making it harder to perform their best when it counts.

Establish a bedtime routine leading up to exam day to help their body adjust and ensure a full night of rest.

5. Stay Active: Simple Exercises to Sharpen Focus

Physical activity is a proven way to reduce stress and boost brain function. Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, improving memory and focus. Even something as simple as a 15-minute walk or a few stretches between study sessions can help recharge your child’s mind and body.

On exam day, consider having them perform light exercise in the morning to shake off nerves and get their energy flowing. A healthy balance of movement and study can lead to better results and a calmer state of mind.

There’s always a crucial test just around the corner, so use these tips for studying for exams to help you prepare. Try to stay calm, keep your test-taking anxiety to a minimum, and before you know it, school will be out. And remember to contact School is Easy for any extra help you need!

How to Use a Fall and Winter Bake Sale to Teach Kids Business Lessons

Child selling holiday-themed baked goods at a festive bake sale

If you think children can’t be successful entrepreneurs, think again!

An article on Addicted 2 Success lists some young people who made it big in the business world and proves that kids (yes, kids) can be entrepreneurs, too. The founder of Miss O And Friends was only 16—still in high school—when she started her online business, which is now worth millions.

Cameron Herald, the chief officer of 1-800-Got-Junk for seven years, recommended that we ‘raise kids to be entrepreneurs’ in his 2010 TED Talk. We’ve touched on work experience previously on our blog and recommend you check it out if you haven’t already.

That said, winter is almost here, so many children will be interested in holding fall and winter bake sales. Need proof? Think of the countless pastry stands at churches, community centers and schools, and you’ll get the idea.

A fall and winter bake sale is a great way to teach kids about business.

Bake Sale Lessons for Kids:

Why Customers Love Customization

A bake sale is an excellent opportunity to teach children about ‘market capture.’ In this situation, figuring out what kinds of customers your children will be selling to and what they want to eat.

For example:

  • What are the types of treats most little ones their age like to eat? Brownies? Cookies? Cupcakes?
  • Should there be a theme? For instance, if your children are involved in the local church, you could ask them what designs would be most appealing. Christmas trees, angels, and stars might be some suggestions.
  • What about diet? Encourage kids to do a little research (i.e., find out amongst their classmates) on what flavors (chocolate, vanilla, peppermint) or dietary options (gluten-free, vegan) they’d like to see at the sale.

Remember: these will change depending on the customer base. If your children are selling baked goods near a synagogue during Chanukah (also known as Hanukkah), it would be wise to teach them to adapt their products.

Teach Social Media Marketing Through a Kids’ Winter Bake Sale

In this day and age, every business needs to be Internet savvy, so show your children how to use social media to market their business.

For example, help children create a Facebook page for their company. Facebook may require that you (the adult) be the account holder; however, you can create the page and then allow kids to develop and maintain it, so long as you keep your children under close supervision.

Show them the rudiments of taking pictures of products — such as a famous cookie — and posting them. Be sure to teach your children how to post the time and date of each bake sale in advance and during business days.

The same applies to X, Instagram, blogging platforms and so forth.

Teach Kids Business and Money Management with a Fun Bake Sale

Teaching kids simple accounting throughout the bake sale would be a great idea.

If you haven’t introduced your children to spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, now would be a fantastic time to do so! Show them how to keep track of business expenses such as paper plates, baking ingredients and food packaging. Then, show them how to ‘balance the books’ by adjusting the prices of goods to cover costs and make a profit.

If you have extra time, try keeping an inventory of the best-selling goods. This will help inform which pastries you and your little ones will make more of. Tracking sales could also be used as a guide for creating new products!

Inspire Your Kids to Learn Big Business Lessons Through Small Bake Sales

Child proudly selling holiday baked goods at a community bake sale

Remember, the instructions you teach your kids through something as small as a bake sale will remain helpful if they decide to become entrepreneurs. Lessons such as managing money, market capture, and marketing are all skills applicable to any business, whether big or small.

Give your child the support they need to thrive academically. Visit School Is Easy to find expert tutors who can help your student achieve their full potential. Contact us today!

With that said, you may also find these related articles on our blog helpful:

Teaching Kids Financial Management: The Fundamentals

Teaching Kids Financial Management The Fundamentals

Teaching children the finer points about money and finances may seem daunting, and you may wonder how you should start. Yet, teaching kids about money and how it works is incredibly important – especially in the current financial climate.

As Forbes magazine points out, the US’s $845 billion in credit card debt shows that even adults need to learn more about the essentials of money.

By teaching kids about the importance of saving money while they are young, they can avoid some of their elders’ mistakes.

Why Teach Kids Financial Management?

It is important to teach kids financial management while they are young so they will have a good foundation of financial skills that can be built upon as they get older.

For example, while a teenager will need to start thinking about getting a job, saving up for college, and learning to manage expenses, younger children just need to learn about:

  • The importance of money
  • How to use money
  • How to save money

Although the concepts that a younger child should learn may seem simple, they will need them to be able to expand them later as a teenager.

What Do I Teach Kids About Financial Management?

Kids don’t need to make a life plan or get a job quite yet. Therefore, it is good to start with simple money-related concepts that will help them when they do need to make significant financial decisions later on.

The Basics of Money

    • If you have younger children, teach them what money is and why it is used as an exchange for goods and services.
    • If your kids are older, help them understand the value of money and how it applies to their everyday lives.

Spending Wisely

    • With younger children, you can easily explain the difference between wants and needs to help kids prioritize spending. For instance, start with food versus candy.
    • As your children get a little older, you can teach them the concept of value versus cost to recognize what makes a purchase worthwhile. A good example is a single can of soda versus a 6-pack of cola – once is cheaper but last for one meal while the other is more expensive but lasts much longer.

Saving for the Future

    • Although this lessen is easier for older kids, introducing the importance of saving money rather than spending it all at once is a great lesson. Use relatable examples, like saving your money for a special toy or videogame, to show the benefits of delayed gratification.

Banking Basics

    • When younger kids receive birthday or holiday money, it’s a good idea to introduce them to the safety and security of a bank account. Take them to open a savings account and encourage regular deposits to build a saving habit. Most banks even have programs designed for children that have limited or no fees.
    • With older children, you can teach them how to read bank statements and track interest earnings to understand how savings grow over time.

Building Lifelong Habits

    • With children of all ages, reinforcing the idea that managing money wisely now leads to financial independence and success in adulthood.

By focusing on these steps, you provide kids with a strong foundation for managing their finances effectively throughout their lives.

How Do I Begin Teaching Kids Financial Management?

As we discussed in the previous sections, your child’s age is a good indicator of what and how you should teach them about money. In this section, we give parents and guardians great tips on how to teach them financial management.

For Younger Kids (Ages 4–9)

Introduce the Basics of Money

  • Start teaching kids about money as soon as they can count: Use a jar of coins to teach them the value of different denominations and how to count money. For example, ask, “How many quarters make a dollar?”
  • Use coins and bills to help them practice addition and subtraction: Create a pretend store at home where they can “buy” toys or snacks using play money, practicing giving the correct amount and counting change.
  • Show them how to pay for small items, like snacks, to experience handling money firsthand: Let them hand over money to a cashier at the store for a small candy bar or a drink, helping them understand real-world transactions.

Use Everyday Scenarios for Learning

  • Involve them in grocery shopping by having them estimate the total cost of items: For example, ask, “If apples cost $2.50 and bananas cost $1.20, how much will they cost together?”
  • Encourage them to think about simple transactions, like saving for a toy or a treat, to understand spending and saving: Set up a piggy bank and create a visual goal chart. For example, show that saving $1 each day means they’ll have enough for a $10 toy in ten days.

Focus on Simple Lessons

  • Highlight the difference between spending money now and saving for something bigger later: Use an example like saving up for a $20 toy instead of buying multiple small candies.
  • Keep financial concepts straightforward and relatable to their daily experiences: Use examples like saving for a birthday gift or understanding why parents budget for family outings.

For Older Kids (Ages 10 and Up)

Explore Advanced Financial Concepts

  • Introduce topics like interest, savings accounts, and percentages: Show them how $100 in a savings account with 5% annual interest grows to $105 after one year.
  • Explain where interest comes from and why different types of savings accounts exist: Compare a regular savings account to a certificate of deposit (CD), explaining that banks pay interest in exchange for holding money.

Teach Investment Basics

  • Discuss the concept of investments and how money can grow over time: Use an example like buying a $10 lemonade stand kit that generates $50 in sales. Explain how their initial investment leads to profit.
  • Explain the stock market in simple terms and relate it to everyday examples: Say, “Buying a share of a company is like owning a tiny piece of it. If the company does well, your share becomes more valuable, just like your allowance can grow if you do extra chores.”

Encourage Entrepreneurial Thinking

  • Help them explore ways to make money, such as starting a lemonade stand or offering services like lawn-mowing: Suggest simple projects like selling handmade bracelets or pet-sitting for neighbors.
  • Teach them to view money as a tool for building opportunities, not just for one-time purchases: For instance, explain how saving earnings from chores or small jobs can fund a larger goal, like buying a bike or saving for a special camp.

What Are Some Great Tools to Help Teach Kids About Money?

Who says teaching kids about finances has to be boring? With the right games and tools, learning about money can feel like an adventure! From apps and online games to classic board games, there are tons of fun ways to help kids master financial skills without them even realizing they’re learning.

For Younger Kids (Ages 4–9)

Free Games and Apps:

  • Money Magic: This game helps kids learn about budgeting and saving while managing a magician’s shows. Players balance expenses for advertising, maintenance, and other needs while saving up for a big goal.
  • Peter Pig’s Money Counter: A free online game by Visa that teaches kids how to recognize and count coins. It also introduces the concept of saving money through simple and engaging challenges.

Classic Board Games:

  • Monopoly Junior: A simplified version of Monopoly, this board game teaches kids about basic financial transactions, like buying properties and managing money. For example, they’ll learn to budget their cash to buy fun properties like an ice cream stand or a zoo.

For Older Kids (Ages 10 and Up)

Free Online Games and Apps:

  • The Great Piggy Bank Adventure: This free online game teaches kids about budgeting, saving, and achieving financial goals. For instance, they help a piggy bank save enough to reach specific objectives, like buying a dream item.
  • Financial Football: A free interactive game by Visa that combines football strategy with financial questions, teaching concepts like budgeting, saving, and managing debt.

Classic Board Games with Financial Lessons:

  • The Game of Life: This board game simulates real-life financial decisions, from attending college to paying off loans and retiring. For example, players must choose between career paths and decide whether to buy insurance or save money.
  • Payday: A family-friendly game that teaches kids about managing monthly expenses, earning income, and paying bills. It’s a fun way to learn budgeting and the importance of saving.

Using these games, both digital and traditional, makes financial education entertaining and interactive, giving kids practical knowledge they can apply to real-life situations.

Looking for a way to help your child succeed in school and beyond? School is Easy offers personalized tutoring designed to support your child’s growth and confidence. Click here to connect with a tutor near you!

8 Fall Math Activities to do with Pumpkins

8 Fall Math Activities to do with Pumpkins

Fall math activities for carving pumpkins
Photo Credit: Craig Damlo

Pumpkins are everywhere you go this time of year, so why not use them to do fall math activities with your kids? There are plenty of pumpkin shapes and sizes to choose from, as there are piles of pumpkins stationed in front of most grocery stores just waiting for people to take them home.  You can also go on a fun outing to the pumpkin patch to select the perfect pumpkins for these fall math activities.

Fall math activities for young children:

Regardless of what you plan to do with your pumpkin, the first step for most pumpkin projects is to remove the slimy seeds. This messy sensory activity can also create some fall math activities for your family’s young children.

Activity #1- Practice Estimating:

Each family member can estimate (or guess) how many pumpkin seeds will be inside the pumpkin. If your family has chosen more than one pumpkin, you can guess which pumpkin will have more or fewer seeds.

Activity #2- Count the Pumpkin Seeds:

Once everyone has guessed how many pumpkin seeds there are, everyone can help remove them. As you clean the seeds, have the younger kids in your family count how many seeds are inside the pumpkin. If each family member has their own pumpkin, you can count your own seeds and compare whose estimates were the most accurate.

Fall math activities related to Geometry:

Activity #3- Simple Geometry and Shapes:

Pumpkins are great for teaching kids about geometric shapes. You can talk with your kids about the shape of the pumpkin. Help them understand that it is not just round but more like a ball or a sphere. If you are going to carve faces out of the pumpkin, talk about the different shapes that make up the face, like triangles for the eyes or an oval for the nose.

(The following are geometry-related fall math activities for the older children in your family)

Activity #4- Measure the Circumference of the Pumpkin:

This activity can be done simultaneously as the younger children in your family are counting their pumpkin seeds. They can use a soft measuring tape or a string to determine the circumference of their pumpkin.  Once they measure with the string, they can measure the length of the string with a ruler.

Activity #5- Find the Radius and Diameter of the Pumpkin:

Once you have the pumpkin’s circumference, you can use the formula C= 2 x pi x r to find the radius. Or divide the circumference by 2 x pi to find the radius. The diameter is just two times the radius. If you cut the pumpkin open for baking, you can also measure its radius and diameter with string or measuring tape.

Activity #6- Find the Volume of the Pumpkin:

Once your child has found the Circumference and the radius of their pumpkin, they can use those measurements to determine the approximate volume of the pumpkin by using the formula V= (4/3) x pi x radius3.

Note: These measurements will not be perfectly accurate because the pumpkin is not a perfect sphere, but it is an excellent activity to get children to grasp the concepts of these measurements more physically than just looking at drawings on a piece of paper.

Making a pumpkin pie and learning about fractions:

Baking a pumpkin pie is not only a yummy fall dessert, but it can also be one of the fall math activities that can teach your kids about fractions.

Activity #7- Make a Pumpkin Pie:

Baking is a great way for kids to use math as they measure the ingredients or adjust the recipe. For example, if you are making two pies, you can have your children double the measurements for each ingredient.

Activity #8- Pumpkin Pie Fractions:

You can ask your child to figure out how many pieces of pie you will need to cut so that each family member can have one slice. Then after serving one slice of pie you can ask them to figure out what fraction of the pie has been served and what fraction of the pie remains.

These are just a few pumpkin related fall math activities you can do with your kids. If you haven’t gone to the pumpkin patch to pick out your pumpkins there is still time! Take advantage of pumpkin season and do some pumpkin related fall math activities with your family.