Fourth graders in Danielle Romano and Don Triebel’s class at Lakeview Elementary School recently combined reading and creativity in a festive fall activity, the Pumpkin Pals Project.
As part of the project, students selected one of their favorite books, completed a short book report and then decorated a pumpkin to look like the main character from their story. The goal was to bring literature to life through art, using creativity and imagination to capture each character’s personality and traits.
Once finished, the students proudly displayed their “pumpkin pals” in the classroom and presented their projects to their classmates. The colorful pumpkins showcased a wide range of beloved characters, from “Charlotte’s Web” to “Dog Man” and “Just Dance (Whatever After).”
Several students, including fourth grader EJ Salvatore, chose to design pumpkins inspired by “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling. As part of his presentation, EJ explained that Harry attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn how to be a wizard.
“One of the reasons I chose Harry Potter is because I like to read action books,” Salvatore said. “Harry does a lot of action stuff in the book.”
Romano and Triebel said the project was a fun and engaging way to connect reading comprehension with artistic expression, and to celebrate the fall season in the process.
“The students were so proud of their work, and each pumpkin was a wonderful reflection of their creativity,” Romano said. “This was a great way to make reading come alive and build excitement for books in a hands-on way.”
