The start of October brings with it our apple activities for preschoolers with free printables.
This is definitely a unit that awakens the senses, includes many practical life activities, and aids in fine motor skill development.
Our kids absolutely LOVED it.
Apple Unit with Free Printables
A is for Apple Sand Tray
Bulldozer struggles with writing. As we've introduced the alphabet this year, it's taken two weeks to conquer writing each letter.
We're now switching gears and using a sand tray to practice writing letters. Red, yellow, and orange glitter, as well as cinnamon have been added to the tray, to make it more festive for Fall.
I can't believe how much using the sand tray has improved Bulldozer's writing abilities. He practices writing all of the letters we've learned this year each time he selects this work.
Source: The upper and lowercase alphabet cards can be found for free at Homeschool Creations.
We've been studying the Montessori Green Series and phonograms lately. Right now we're focusing on the long "U" sound. Dinomite thoroughly enjoyed sorting these cards.
Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Long Vowel U Phonogram Cards are free. For your copy be sure to click on the link at the bottom of this post.
The kiddos will write the missing letters in each of the words provided. A control is available if they need it.
Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Phonogram Writing Cards are free. For your copy, click on the link at the bottom of this post.
Source: I created these cards. The Counting Apples by 10 Printable is free. For your copy, click on the link at the bottom of this post.
Since it's been a while since we've written some of our numbers, I decided to provide a refresher.
Source: The printable for this activity can be found at Homeschool Creations.
Montessori Addition Strip Board
All three kiddos are working on their addition skills. After many other failed attempts to help them improve their skills, I've turned to the Montessori Addition Strip Board for help.
I do not have an addition strip board, nor do I have the funds to purchase one right now. Instead, I made my own. The board I have created fits on an 8 x 11 sheet of paper. It fits perfectly on one of our trays.
I printed out all of the pieces on card stock and then laminated them. The homemade material is working fabulously.
When I showed Dinomite how it works, he was SO EXCITED! Princess selected this activity off the shelf before any other activity. I am so thankful for Maria Montessori, her work, and materials. They have benefited my children so much.
Source: I created this Addition Strip Board and the Addition Problem Template. Both are Subscriber's Only Freebies. For your free copies, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.
Bulldozer loved picking the apples. It wasn't until three out of four bags were full, that he decided to start chucking them.
Dinomite has had opportunities to go apple picking, but has refused due to anxieties, sensory issues, etc. This year he finally decided to try it. We are so proud of him!
Sunshine, had an apple in her mouth at all times. When she accidentally dropped one she just picked another. She was super cute!
Princess had fun as well. Every time the wagon went over a bump she shot up about 4 inches.
Each day this week we're making a different apple treat. Tonight we made apple cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Source: I found this free printable at 2 Teaching Mommies. It appears it's no longer available.
The kiddos have enjoyed arranging cards in the order of the life cycle of an apple using the control above.
Source: I found this free printable at Montessori for Everyone.
It came as no surprise that Dinomite picked out the exact apple he prefers on the chart, without knowing it's name, because of it's distinct color. He has such a good eye for details. In case you're wondering, he will only eat Fuji Apples.
Source: I found this free printable at 2 Teaching Mommies. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be available anymore.
Cutting Apples
The kiddos use the tweezers to pick up the pom poms and place them on the trees. This activity is much harder than it looks. Princess did a great job with it today.
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Don't forget your free printables!
What awesome ideas for homeschool! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI loved these ideas with apples! I featured this article on my round-up for the Kids Co-Op today! http://sowsproutplay.com/activities/fifteen-plus-apple-activities-and-recipes/
ReplyDeleteWow! Thank you!
Deletelove how you combined fun, food and education! would you mind coming over and sharing this on our #kidsinthekitchen linky this week http://lookwhatmomfound.com/2013/10/witch-finger-cookie-fail-kidsinthekitchen.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for inviting Melinda! Will do!
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ReplyDeleteWhere did you find those cute little green and red plastic apples for your tonging activity? Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteI found them at my local craft store. :)
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