DeKalb West School takes its teaching beyond books and computers in exploring the world of learning. Fourth grade teachers blended literary standards in English Language Arts with family fun for a flavorful fall creation.  For extra credit, students were encouraged to participate in a book character pumpkins contest. Kids decorated big or small pumpkins to look like book characters like Captain Underpants, Dr. Seuss characters, and Harry Potter to name a few.

“This project allows students the opportunity to showcase some of their favorite literary characters, “explains DWS Assistant Principal and former 4th grade teacher Cindy Snow. She along with Cathleen Humphrey have collaborated on the annual contest the past 11 years. “We also encourage family involvement with this project, so it allows for families to create a project together that may be different from others they have worked on before.”

Snow says the project doesn’t tie to a certain part of the curriculum, but it does connect to ELA standards and takes learning beyond the classroom.

“For example, one of the 4th grade standards deals with identifying story elements and being able to describe characters and character traits. It gives families an opportunity to work together on a project and use their creativity to celebrate their favorite characters. It's always a fun project as a teacher to see what students and their families can come up with. You get the fan favorites of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Harry Potter, Captain Underpants, Dr. Seuss characters, etc., but there is usually something new every year that we have not seen before. I have always loved carving pumpkins, and this allows us to have some seasonal fun without having rotting pumpkins in a school,” she adds with a laugh.