Apples Theme Unit

I picked a few apples in my garden this afternoon. Not only did I get a delicious bite, but I got that excited feeling that goes with thematic teaching. An Apple Thematic Unit is always fun, engaging, and rewarding!

Apples this time of year, are everywhere! Kids are seeing them on trees, in stores, at farmer’s markets, on street corners, and even in their school lunch! Because of this, students immediately connect with the content, are ready to learn more, and ready to enjoy some academic learning with an apple twist.

I like to start every thematic unit with a planning tool, to guide the learning. You can easily make your own, or use the one we provide with every thematic unit.

The place to start planning is with quality books. There are tons of quality “Apple” themed books available perhaps in your own classroom, school or public library. After the books are gathered, look for some great songs and fingerplays to bring excitement to the learning. We always include several songs in each unit to get you started. Here is one that kids love to sing. It is simple, yet filled with learning. It is sung to the tune of Bobby Shafto.

This song can be adapted to include other things made from apples, and more.

This song can also be used as a warmup to an apple tasting test… “Do you like apples?”

Find out more about Apple songs on our podcast.

Our apple unit is filled with scripted — easy to use— lessons that are strategically linked to Core Standards. This makes these lessons so easy to prepare and deliver! Teachers are busy! Our goal is to help you with one less preparation! Here are a couple of examples of included lessons that are made for active learners.