By contributing writer Colleen
September is apple month in many parts of the United States, and we always look forward to a trip to the orchard at some point during this month. I’ve been through apple crafts, experiments, and activities with my two older kids before, and I am looking forward to revisiting some things with my little ones this fall.
First up? Searching for the “star” inside the apple.
My five year old adored this simple activity. I told her that there was a secret star hidden inside every apple that made it possible for more apples to grow. I said that, just like Jesus is hidden in our hearts, keeping us safe and strong and enabling us to grow into good adults, this star is in the apple.
I cut the apple in half across the middle and showed her the “star” that holds the seeds. She was thrilled, and immediately pulled out the seeds to count.
After drawing what she observed (the seeds, star, color of the flesh and skin, etc.) in her science journal, she conducted an apple experiment. We simply cut a lemon in half and brushed one apple half with lemon juice and left the other alone.
After two hours, my daughter checked out the two apple halves and reported her findings. She noticed that the apple with lemon juice on it looked the same as it had before, while the other had begun to turn brown.
She drew those observations in her science journal and then wanted to eat and paint. So we sliced up a fresh apple, called her sister in, and did some apple stamping. For such an easy activity, this kept both girls busy for a long, long time.
Put some red, green, and yellow paint on a paper plate and give your child a paint brush, cup of water and paper towel for rinsing colors, and a piece of paper. Have them paint color directly onto an apple half and use it like a stamp on the paper. They can go back to the picture and add leaves and stems for detail.
There are so many great apple activities around the internet. If you’re looking for more things to do with your children after a visit to the apple orchard this fall, you may enjoy these:
- Four Ways to Enjoy the Apple Orchard with Your Kids
- Apple Themed Worksheets
- Apples Word Hunt
- Ten Great Autumn Themes for Preschoolers
- Apple Activity Round Up
- Apple Sandwiches Recipe
- Apple Whip Dessert
- Apple Wraps
Do you have other great ideas for enjoying a fall autumn theme with your little ones?
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