~ Harvest Apples *Unedited

Julian, California

The Fall Season is the time for falling leaves, cool weather, laughter, and households filled with warmth, and lots of family love.  The blended togetherness of the combined elements support the ability to bring forth loving aromas, wonderful spices, and delicious baked goods.  One in particular, the juicy red apple.  

Hopefully, before starting this unit your little one will already be familiarized with the wholesome and healthy fruit.  If not, the activities below will present nutritious exposure, lesson creativity, and a few fun activities for little hands.  

Lesson 1:  Introduction to Apples

Read~ "Apples" by Gail Gibbons

~ Inside you will find colorful pictures and

~ Informative text (Depending on the age of the child- the information will need to be modified)

Activity 1:  Grocery Shopping

Yes, Grocery Shopping!!

Believe it or not ~ the grocery store *IS an educational world for bright eyes and open-minded creative little children.  Think about it the next time you walk through the wide doors of the usually packed world of 'FOOD'.

Once in... stand in the middle of the fruit and vegetables department.  Before you select your items- look around and ask yourself... 'What do I see?', 'What colors do I see?', 'What do I smell?'  Try exploring this colorful world through the use of your senses.

Now, if you are not shy... stoop down.  Look around- NOW, what do you see?  That is your child's visual experience on this field trip.  Think to yourself... 'What can they see, smell, etc.'  With that, guide your child around this bright big area through the use of questions * Make sure to use descriptive words during the process of gathering feedback.  In other words, you are checking for understanding.

Again, use the store as an educational and prepared lesson area.  Take advantage of it.  Follow along with a discussion~ 

• The colors of the environment.
• Similarities and Differences between the various fruit and vegetables.
• Allow the child to select and touch the food. *Note:  Only touch the food you are going to buy.
• Include a Counting activity ("How many apples do we have in the bag?")  

Activity 2:  Apple Selection

Depending on the child's age this activity should be modified.

With the older children-

-  Have a discussion regarding the different types of apples such as: Granny Smith, Gala, Washington, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, etc.

-  View the actual apples, cut some into pieces, taste the different varieties, tally the favorites, and finally graph the progress regarding each type of apple. 
- Another option- taste and graph Apple Cider verses Apple Juice. 

With the younger children-

-  Discuss the different colors, textures, and tastes.  *I suggest having actual examples ready prior to starting out along with using the basic colors first before including the color blends.

Example Lesson Delivery:

- Pick up the Red Apple.

- Discuss the texture on the outside.  (Ask open/ended questions.  Help with the Use of Descriptive words such as: Smooth, Bumpy, etc.)

- Wash, cut open, discuss, and taste the apples.

- Do this with all of the selected choices.

Graph the favorites.  I found when graphing- large visuals seem to engage the students longer.  Prepare the chart and apple cut outs ahead of time. 

Activity 3:  Individual Fruit Selection

When I take my little one out on the shopping adventure- I usually allow him to select new various fruit and vegetable options he would like to try.  The routine: I follow his little body to the area, hold the plastic bag, and watch him count the items he places in the bag.  He enjoys doing this.... not-to-mention; I completely LOVE watching him... Especially, when he talks about the fruit, asks about the fruit, gets incredibly excited about eating the fruit, and most of all wants to learn more about the fruit. 

I feel by doing this gives him a sense of pride about his personal healthy choices. 
**Be sure to include positive words and/or phrases such as:  "good for our bodies", "healthy", "helps you grow big and strong", etc.

Activity 4:  Paint an Apple

Materials:

• Apple Template or free draw one
• Red, Yellow, or Green Washable Paint
• Paint Brush
• Newspaper
• Child size smock or old clean t-shirt
• 1 Cup of water

Directions:

1. Set up the painting area. (Newspaper on the table, paint out, and water prepared)
2. Help the child get into the smock or t-shirt.
3. Paint the apple then, set to dry.

When 'lesson one' is complete, I highly recommend reading another apple story such as "Apples, Apples, Apples" by: Nancy Elizabeth Wallace or rereading the "Apples" book from above.  Go back-and-forth, by means of asking questions regarding the books and projects~ compare and contrast.  Ask the child what they have learned, noticed, liked, disliked, and so-forth. 

The follow-up process will assist within future activities, on top of gathering insight towards your delivery methods.  Meaning, if the child does not understand... you will need to slow down the information or modify the activities. 

The entire unit is supposed to be educational and fun ~ Not Stressful!!

Lesson 2:  Explore the Apple

Julian, California

Directions:

1. Take out, wash, and clean an apple.
2. Describe the out layer skin on the apple.
3. Discuss the anatomy of the apple both out/inner layer and 'Star' shaped found in the apple (cut the apple straight across in order to find the star).

Activity 1:  Apple Mobile

Materials:

• 1 Sheet of Red Construction Paper.
• 1/2 Sheet of White Construction Paper.
• 1/2 Sheet of Green Construction Paper.
• 1/2 Sheet of Brown Construction Paper.
• 3 pieces of 6 inch. red string.
• Single Hole-Puncher
• Pencil
• Black Marker
• Scissors
• Crayons
• Glue Stick

Directions:

1. Prepare the apple template. 
2. Draw an apple on the red paper with a pencil.
3. Draw a zigzag line straight across the middle of the apple.
4. On the white piece of paper - Starting on The Left Corner on one sheet -make an outward parenthesis shape --> ) , On the second piece do the same starting on the Right Corner --> (  ~ It should have something like this  ) (  (This is your core) 
5. Draw an oval with a point on one end on the green piece of paper (this is your leaf). Draw a stem shape on the brown sheet. 
6. Cut out all of the pieces. (Two apple pieces, stem, core, and leaf)
7. Help the child hole punch the bottom of the top apple piece along with the top of bottom apple piece. 
8. Hole punch the top and bottom of the white core.
9. Glue the stem and leaf on the top apple portion.
10. Tie a piece of string on the bottom portion of the top part of the apple.  Tie the other end of the same piece of string to the top portion of the core. (You should now have two connecting pieces)
11. Now do the same with another piece of string to the bottom of the core connecting to the bottom of the apple. 
12. Draw 2 skinny black ovals on the white paper for your seeds.  Another fun option:  Glue a few dried out seeds from previous apple projects.
13. Hang and Enjoy!!

Activity 2:  Shiny Apple

Materials:

• 1/4 Sheet of brown construction paper.
• 1 Sheet of black construction paper. Cut in half.
• 1/4 Sheet of green construction paper.
• 1/2 Sheet of shiny red paper.
• Glue bottle
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Pencil or White Crayon
• Scissors
• Stapler (optional)

Directions:

1. Pre-cut the material if the child is not ready to cut.
2. On the black construction paper make two apple templates with the pencil or a white crayon.
3. Cut out the apples.
4. Inside the black apples- make a small apple template.  Cut out.  Set aside.
5. With the brown paper make a stem. 
6. With the green paper make a leaf.
7. With the glue stick - glue around the large apple. Stick on the red shiny paper with the glue. (You should be able to see the red through the paper.) 
8. Cut off the excess red paper.
9. Glue the stem and leaf on top of the red paper.
10. Glue and align the second large black apple on top of the first using the glue bottle.  (Remember:  "Dot Dot Not a Lot") *Note: This will be a little slippery so, you might have to staple. *Usually I like to wait until the project is completely dry before hanging... however, my son did not... reason for the staples.
11. Set aside and let dry. 

Lesson 3:  Fun with Apples

I admit it!  I am the least artististic person I know... However, that does not inhibit my wanting to get into the midst of things~ especially projects!!  Paint, glitter, glue, scissors, smiles, laughter, messy hands, dirty clothes, and lots more... I am ALL in!!  Those who have worked with me ~ definitely know this about me.  I think by having this personality feature certainly makes up for my lack of artistic ability.

Yes, I may hold the worst Artistic Ability Award--- that does not mean that I don't have any Creativity.  In my mind, there is a BIG difference!  (Great ideas in the brain... sometimes the delivery does not come out right!) That is one of the many reasons why I love most about working with young children- they could care less about perfection.  I found that as long as you are working together the outcome does not matter. 

**So take hold, explore, and use your imagination!

A few fun books to include within this part of the unit~ 'Apple Here' By: Will Hubbell, 'Apples' By:  Ken Robbins, and 'I am an Apple" By:  Jean Marzollo.

Activity 1:  Apple Prints.

This is a very simple activity.  It is also great for the fine motor skills.

Materials:

• Red, yellow, green, and orange washable paint.
• Sliced apples.
• Apple stars (Apples cut across)
• Paper plates
• Child sized smock or old clean t-shirt.
• Newspaper
• White Construction Paper.

Directions:

1. Set up the area.  (Child in smock, newspaper on the table, and drops of paint on the paper plate.)
2. Dip the apples slices into the paint.   (Remember: Less is more)
3. Blot the dipped apples on the paper.
4. Allow the child to have fun.  **Encourage Creativity.
5. Set to dry.
6. Discuss the shapes that were formed. 

Activity 2:  Stain Glass Apples

Materials:

• Torn or cut pieces of red construction paper.
• 1/4 Sheet of brown construction paper.
• 1/4 Sheet of green construction paper.
• 2 Sheets of Black construction paper for the Apple Cut outs. 
• Glue Stick.
• Scissors
• Plastic Wrap or Wax Paper. (Enough to cover the black apples)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Black apples (Make them out of the black construction paper, then, another apple inside the big apple.  Finally, cut out the inner portion of the apple)
2. Tear or cut the red paper. *Great for fine motor skills
3. Glue the plastic wrap or wax paper on one of the apples. (Place the black apple on the table, apply the glue (glue stick) around the apple, then, lay the wrap or wax paper on top of it.)
4. Glue the red pieces on the plastic wrap or wax paper.  Set aside to dry.
5. Cut a small stem out of the brown paper - and leaf out of the green.
6. Glue the second (non-waxed) apple onto the first one.  *Make sure they are aligned.
7. Cut off the excess wrap or wax paper off.
8. Stick on the stem and leaf on the top portion of the apple.
9. Set to completely dry.

Activity 3:  Counting.

Materials:

• Stain Glass Apple

Directions:

1. Count all of the red shapes inside the apple. 

Activity 4:  Torn Apple Mosaic

Materials:

• 1 sheet of red construction paper.
• 1/4 sheet of green construction paper.
• 1/4 Sheet of brown construction paper.
• Apple Template  
• Glue Stick

Directions:

1. Tear the red, green, and brown paper into small little pieces.  
2. Glue all of the torn pieces onto the apple in the correct spots.
3. Have fun and Hang up

Lesson 4:  Harvest Fun!!

It is important to inform young children that apples do not come from, originate in, or grow in the back of the grocery store.  (*I have witnessed people do exactly the opposite... or just not say anything at all.)  When going through this entire unit you may decide to do 'Lesson 4' first ~ up to you.  'Lesson 4' was specifically placed because I felt that little ones in particular, should become better familiarized with the fruit itself.  I have personally taught this lesson in a variety of ways. 

Hopefully, within the previous discussion explaining where apples come and grow from will already be on the minds of the little ones. 

With that, let the adventurous fun begin!

Start off by reading~ "How do Apples Grow" by: Betsy Maestro and "Up,Up, Up! It's Apple Picking Time" By:  Jody Ficks Shapiro.

Activity 1:  Field Trip

If I am not adding some sort of project, craft, or realia... you can be absolutely sure, I have planned a field trip!!

This one does not disappoint!!

I recommend visiting an apple orchard at least once in your lifetime.  In this case, my husband and I took our son to a beautiful little country town ~ Julian, California.  This town had a touch of quaint simplicity that held the down home feel very well~ all the way from the pine trees, barbecue food, western boots, to the baking apples that filled the little stores.  Not-to-mention, that it was a perfect sunny day to visit day. 

It must be noted that decent and flourished apple orchards are open during the early fall season.  (Early to mid-October would be the best month to visit.) 

While on our field trip several things were discussed~ the apple trees, the amount of people that were visiting the orchard, the mixture of people, the large number of families that were together picking the apples, and the actual apples.

Our son had such a fun time.  We walked throughout the orchard looking and picking up "baby apples" as my little three-year-old called them.  It was such a joy in order to take time out of our busy lives to share a fun and educational experience together as a family!!

Activity 2:  Apple Tree Thumbs

Materials:

• Red and Green Paint
• 1/2 Sheet of brown construction paper.
• 1 sheet of white construction paper.
• 1 child-size smock or old clean t-shirt.
• Glue stick
• Pencil
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Draw and cut out a tree trunk with branches on the brown construction paper.  Glue onto the white piece of paper. (*Does not have to be perfect.)
2. Paint green thumb prints all over the tree branches. (Leaves)
3. Once the leaves are semi-dry - paint small apples prints (the little finger works the best).
4. You can add some green or red prints on the ground.
5. Set to dry.

Activity 2:  Store vs. The Orchard

Materials:

• 2 - 3 Store Bought Apples
• 2 - 3 Orchard Apples
• Apple Slicer 

Directions:

1. Compare the similarities and differences amongst the apples such as the looks, different tastes, and other noticeable features (i.e. The store bought will be smooth and shiny versus the harvest apples they will be dull and bumpy.)

*Fun Suggestion:  Plant an Apple Tree

Lesson 5:  Apple Extras
Activity 1: Johnny Appleseed

Read ~ "Johnny Appleseed" by Steven Kellogg  
 -  Colorful Illustrations
 -  Creative theme
 -  Informative
  * My son absolutely loved this story - due to the fact, he wanted me to read it almost daily!

Majority of the time Mr. Johhny Appleseed is discussed and often referenced when the "Apple" topic comes about as well as it should be.  Include a discussion when  

After the story and discussion ~ watch the brief and very informative YouTube video about Johnny Appleseed, Cider, and Apple Farms.  The video is appropriate for the older children.

 Activity 2:  Baked Cinnamon Apples Slices

Ingredients and Materials:

• 1 Baking Sheet
• 3 Apples (sliced)
• Cinnamon powder
• Pam Spray

Directions:

1. Wash and slice the apples
2. Spray the bottom of the baking sheet with the Pam Spray.  Set aside.
3. Place the apples on the sheet.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon all over the apples.  *You can add a little sugar.
5. Bake at 350' for approximately 20 minutes *varies with each oven
6. Be sure to not overcook. 
7. Enjoy!!  

Activity 3:  Rice Krispie Apple Treats
Ingredients and Materials:

• Two small cooking pots
• 1 bag of white marshmallows
• 1 -2 cups of rice krispies
• 1 large spoon
• 1 large cookie sheet
• Pam spray
• Red and green food coloring

Directions:

1. Melt 1 cup of marshmallows in one pot.
2. Once melted stir in 1 cup of rice krispies slowly.
3. Add 3-4 drops of red food coloring.
4. Pour on the cookie sheet.  
5. Roll two tablespoons of rice krispies together in a ball. Set aside.
6. Malt 1/2 cup of marshmallows in the other pot.
7. Melt- stir in 1/2 cup of rice krispies slowly.
8. Add 2-3 drops of the green food coloring.
9. Set on the other side of the cookie sheet.
10. Take 1 teaspoon and form in an oval shape. 
11. Set the oval on top of the red ball.
12. Enjoy your 'Apple Krispie Treat'

Activity 2:  Sight Word Apple Tree

Be creative and Have fun.  A great centerpiece for the reading area once finished! 

Materials:

• 1 large paper bag
• Tape
• 2 sheets of brown construction paper
• The number of pre-made apples the child knows.  (Write the Words on them)
• Red, green, and yellow crayon.
• You can make the apples or find a template online.

Directions: 

1. Have the child color the apple sight words.
2. Cut out the apples.
3. Cut up the brown bag- make sure to make some large skinny pieces for the 'branches'.
4. Take the brown construction paper cut to form a trunk and the base of the tree.
5. Wrinkle up the brown bag onto the wall.  Add the branches all over on top.  Be creative.
6. You are now ready to add the apples... go through one-by-one... have the child read them while he/she hands them to you.  *My son and I played a little game - I had the apples in a container...he handed them to me, read the words, I taped, and he then stuck the word onto the branch.

Activity 6:  Counting Seeds.

Materials: 

• 10 (ten)  1/4 sheets of white construction paper. 
• Glue bottle
• 55 clean and dried out apple seeds

Directions:

1. Pre-draw an apple along with a number (1-10) on each paper.  The number can be either dashed or solid.
2. Have the child say and trace the number.
3. Glue the corresponding seeds on the cards (1 = 1 seed, etc.)

Finally!!!

Follow-Up! Follow-UP!! and Yes, Follow-UP!!!
It is very important to follow-up with any and all lessons ~ doing so, will not only help you far as delivery... it will guide you towards what works when designing future lessons!  Not-to-mention, it will help the child remember what was taught. 

Lastly,
~ Read "Ten Apples up on Top" By: Dr. Seuss... a fun and creative story.


~ Remember~
I welcome feedback, ideas, and creative thoughts!!