Pumpkin patch dramatic play: a 30-minute business activity for K–2

1. Gather on the rug. Ask: "What do you need to run a pumpkin patch?" Help students name the parts: something to sell, a price, a place to pay and customers.
2. Assign jobs: two farmers set out the pumpkins, two sign makers write prices on sticky notes (small pumpkins 1 cent, big pumpkins 5 cents, or use 1 to 5 counters), one or two cashiers, and everyone else shops.
3. Model a sale with a student. You are the customer: "I'd like this small pumpkin, please. How much is it?" The cashier reads the sign, counts your coins and says, "Thank you, come again!"
4. Open the patch. Each customer gets 10 cents or 10 counters to spend. The cashier counts money out loud with each sale.
5. After about eight minutes, close the patch and switch jobs so most students try at least two roles.
6. Count up as a class. Ask: "How many pumpkins did we sell? Which kind sold fastest? How much money is in the cash box?"
7. Talk business: "If big pumpkins sold out first, what could the patch do next time?" Accept ideas like more big pumpkins or a higher price.

Not celebrating Halloween? Make it an apple orchard stand or a farmers market with fall squash. The jobs and money stay the same.

Differentiation: for younger students, use counters instead of coins and prices of 1, 2 and 3. For 2nd grade, use real coin values, and have cashiers give change from 10 cents. For English learners, post the phrases "How much is it?" and "Thank you" and practice them first. For students who need structure or quiet, offer a clear job card on a sticky note (farmer: set out 10 pumpkins) and a calm job like sign maker. If you use real snacks or treats, check allergies first.

Quick check: hold up a 3-cent pumpkin and ask, "You have 5 cents. Can you buy it? How much is left?"

If you try it, tell us which job your students argued over the most.