From the Orchard to the Classroom: All About Apples in PreK

This month, all three pre-k classes visited Bell’s Orchard for their first field trip of the year. Students picked apples straight, tasted the fruit fresh from the orchard, and enjoyed time playing together. Since then, apples have become the centerpiece of many lessons in the classroom. 

The students explored different varieties of apples, tasting and comparing their textures and flavors. They voted on their favorite type and discovered that their classmates don't always share the same preferences. Students practiced expressing opinions, listening to others, and recognizing that people can experience the same thing in different ways.

The apples also became ingredients for cooking activities. The classes made fresh apple juice, applesauce, and apple cake. They practiced real-life skills including cutting, peeling, mixing, measuring, pouring, and following a sequence of steps. Cooking also supports language development. Students learned and used the names of ingredients and utensils, described what they were doing, followed directions, and observed how the apples changed throughout the cooking process. 

The apple inquiry has also made its way into science, art, literature, and technology. Students have read stories about apples and created apple-inspired artwork. Julien, the STEAM Coordinator, brought equipment to classes to help the students make music with the apples.

Students have been encouraged to make observations and predictions, share ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another. They are also developing important fine and gross motor skills as they cook, create, experiment, and explore.

As our pre-k students settle into the routines of a new school year, their apple inquiry is helping them grow into confident, curious, and critical thinkers.