Short Vowel Apple Trees

September is full of fun things: the smell of new school supplies, less heat and humidity outside, and (possibly my favorite) bright, crisp apples. I love to incorporate apples into as many content areas as possible.

In science we study parts of a tree and seasonal changes as evident in apple trees.

In social studies we discuss the contributions of Johnny Appleseed and examine maps of apple orchards.

In math we explore fractions, graph our favorite color of apples and our favorite ways to eat apples and make patterns.

In language arts we read tons of fiction and nonfiction books about apples. We also love to make our short vowel apple trees. I’ve created 3 different sets of apples to use with various skill levels to help with differentiation. Give your students whichever set you feel is most appropriate. Students color their trees and apples, then cut them out and glue them onto the tree labeled with the correct vowel sound. After they have completed sorting, students glue their trees onto a large sheet of construction paper to create an orchard. When my students finish their orchards they get the chance to earn a special apple treat: a scratch and sniff sticker, a cup of cider, dried apple slices, a bookmark, etc. In order to receive the treat they simply have to read all of the words on their trees. Some practice with peers before reading to me. You could also print these sets onto cardstock and use them as an activity in either small group settings or whole class instruction.

Do you have any fun ways to incorporate apples into your lesson plans?

Erin