During afternoon snack of apples and dip the toddlers noticed that we were taking the peel off the apple. As we sliced the apple up we saw the seeds and core. With this interest in apples we decided it would be a great time to learn more about apples!
During group activities the Educators at RisingOaks Early Learning | John Sweeney, have introduced apples for the children to explore. Debbie brought out paper plates and coloured paper so the children could glue "peels" and "stems" to their apples. Maria scooped out the inside of the apples and added baking soda. The children squirted vinegar into the apples and were surprised by the reaction of erupting bubbles! Vanessa cut apples in half allowing the Toddlers to stamp apple shapes using red and green paint. And finally, the Toddlers were encouraged to use our child safe utensils to peel and cut apples to make apple sauce.
During all these simple activities we increased the children’s understanding of apples by using repetitive language. Words such as peel, seeds, core, stems, red and green.
We reinforced math skills when we cut the apples- half an apple, a quarter of an apple, a whole apple. We also measured out ingredients when we made our applesauce.
Allowing the children to prepare food, enhances their connection of what they eat- to the ingredients that are put in their food. Being involved in food preparation also reinforces healthy habits as they grow (and of course we sampled the apples as we prepared them). And imagine how empowered they felt using a peeler and knife!
We know that children learn best when they are encouraged to learn through discovery and repetition. We will continue to explore apples and all of their uses. Maybe we will even bake another yummy treat!
