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| Apples |
| This is always a fun unit/theme to do with children. When I use to live on the Mainland, we could go to an apple orchard. But being in Hawaii that's a little out of the question, so we need to find fun things that we can learn about apples here in a tropical climate. :) |
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| Art Ideas Stuffed Bag Apples Stuff a small paper bag with old newspapers. Twist the top closed and tie with a piece of string. Paint the stuffed portion of the 'apple' red, or yellow, or green depending on the child's preference. And paint the top part above the string, green. Finger Paint Apples Have preK children cut large apples from finger paint paper that you've traced before they arrive. Then add one spoonful of fingerpaint to the paper and let the children have fun. Depending on the type of paper that you use, you might have to dampen it first. Apple Shakers Pour red, yellow, and green paint into shallow paint dishes. Place apple halves in each dish. Children will use the apple halves to make apple prints on the bottom side of a strong paper plate. They may decorate 2 if they'd like. Once the paint is dry, put the plates together with the bottoms out (so you can see the apple prints), stapple all around leaving a small space at the top. Put a few dried beans inside and finish stapling. These apple shakers are great fun when you add active music! A Very Special Apple Tree Using a tree pattern, such as the one found at this link, have children use their pointer fingers and a stamp pad to add leaves and apples. You can offer a green, red, and yellow stamp pad for their use. |
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| Science Ideas Cute Apple Story I'm sure you've heard of the story of the Little Red House With No Windows or Doors But a Star Inside. Right? Well, you can find a flannel graph story here. Just click on the apple. Introduce 5 parts of the Apple I use a simple diagram to show the different parts of the apple that we talk about: skin, stem, core, seeds, & flesh The children will color the various parts and then glue real apple seeds on the core. Listening to Apples Have children experience apples using their hearing: -they can tap the apple with a pencil or their finger (talk about what kind of sound they hear when they gently hit the apple with different items) -ask the children what they hear when they polish an apple with a rough paper towel -what sound do they hear when they bite into a piece of apple? -and what kind of sound do they hear when they chew the apple? Cooking with Apples Applesauce For many years I have made applesauce with my prek classes. It's really very simple and smells so good! All you need to do is: peal a variety of apples cut them in chunks put the apples along with a little brown sugar into a crock pot or an electric skillet and let them simmer for a few hours You can serve the applesauce over ice cream, or by itself for a real treat! Apple Turnovers These are also a simple cooking project that you can complete in a short time. -Have children flatten out crescent roll dough (found in the dairy section of your grocery in a can) -Each child can put a spoonful of apple pie filling in the center of the triangle. -Fold the triangle in half. -Bake as directed on the can. -Cool & then enjoy! |
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| Please be patient with me as I find the time to complete this unit. Be sure to check back soon for more ideas on apples! :) |
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