Apple Tree
Indicators: Receptive Language (Listening and Understanding) DL1.1(B), Expressive Language (Speaking Second Language) DL2.1(B), Receptive Language (Listening) L1.1(0), L1.1(1), L1.1(2), Expressive Language (Speaking) L2.1(0), L2.1(1), L2.1(2),
L2.2(0),
L2.2(1) (More...)
Resources: Stick Puppet: Bear,
Vocabulary Card: Apple Tree 2018You Will Need: - Apple Tree Vocabulary Card (see Resources)
- Bear Theme Puppet (see Resources)
- real apple
- knife
Caution: Supervise and discourage children from gnawing on the real apple. The knife is for teacher use only and should be kept out of children's reach at all times.
Learn about apple trees.
- Hold up Betsy Bear (see Resources) and have her tell the children that apples are one of her favorite snacks.
- Use the puppet to ask if any of the children know where apples come from.
- After they respond, show the Apple Tree Vocabulary Card (see Resources). Explain that apples grow on trees. Most apples are ready to pick in the fall.
- Show the children a real apple. Pass it around for them to examine closely. Help them notice how smooth the skin feels. Show the stem and explain that this attaches the apple to a tree.
- Cut open the apple and show the seeds. Explain that the seeds grow into apple trees! Remind the children that the seeds are not for eating.
- Lead the action rhyme "Apple Trees Grow." Encourage the children to join in as they are ready.
Apple Trees GrowA tiny little apple seed (Hold thumb and index finger close together.)
Is hiding in the ground. (Point down.)
The raindrops fall (Wiggle fingers down.)
And sun shines down. (Make circle with arms.)
A little sprout grows (Make fist; raise index finger.)
And grows so high. (Lift finger.)
It grows into a tree (Stand up and reach high.)
So tall and wide. (Spread arms wide.)
The apple tree blooms (Hold up hands and spread fingers.)
Then the petals fall down. (Wiggle fingers down.)
There are little green apples (Make small circle with thumb and index finger.)
So tiny and round. The apples get bigger (Slow spread fingers and combine hands to make a bigger circle.)
So yummy and sweet (Rub tummy.)
We then pick the apples (Reach high as if picking apples.)
So we can eat! (Pretend to eat an apple.)
Older Toddlers: Encourage the children to talk about places they have seen apples. They may have seen them at the local store, at the farmers market, in a bowl at home, or maybe at an apple farm if one is nearby.
Observe: Do the children use words to talk about where apples come from or as they explore the real apple? Do they learn any new words like seeds, stem, or smooth?
