Bringing in Autumn, through the senses and playful imagination.

The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall is a delightful picture book that not only explains how an apple pie is made but explores the seasons using the apple tree to show the changes that happen through out the seasonal changes. In this book you can follow a group of children learn how to make an apple pie following the an apple’s journey from blossom to pie.

Apples are a staple for the autumn season. I remember all the times growing up taking trips to the apple orchards in the fall to get fresh made apple cider and doughnuts as the cooler crisp air begins to fill in and leaves begin to change color. There is something special about this shift of seasons that sows the beauty in change for our younger children.

Using “The Apple Pie Tree” book as inspiration we can create teachable moments and teachable concepts for our early readers to explore the world. Starting with a sensory bin that brings in a hands on exploration of textures to discover through play. Using rolled oats as a base, we’ve added trees with pompoms for apples to pick using those fine motor skills and pie making tools and felt crusts to create their very own apple pies prompting imagination and pretend play. For more learning during playtime use the recipe cards to count apples, scoop oats, and bake apple treats for fun. The cinnamon sticks offer a sensory experience through smell as they playfully make apple pies and treats or just explore the textures of the oats and pompoms.

As you read the book with your young reader you’ll take a journey through the seasons of an apple tree to great the juicy apples for making an apple pie. This is such a perfect science concept to step into with your early learners. Looking into how the seasons change and the differences in each season. A fun way to show the different seasons using the apple tree is to create a tree trunk and draw a four square grid over the branches. In each square get creative with a little art project creating the a piece of the tree in each season from fall leaves, blossoms, apples, and snow all part of one tree.

From discovering the parts of an apple, playing scented apple play dough or making a sweet apple treat together there is so much your child can explore. Use the apple scented play dough in two colors to make red and green apples for learning addition and apple tree play dough mats. Using a simple kid friendly recipe make apple pie in a cup for a fun snack. Making apples slices for snack? This is a great time to explore the parts of an apple. Where are the seed located? Whats the inside and outside of an apple called? Afterwards, taste test different types of apples and discuss their similarities and differences with looks and taste.

Learning is all around us for our early learners, from math and science to reading.