Apples and Oranges – AppleOrangeTallySheet
Materials needed: One AppleOrangeTallySheet.pdf (linked above) for each child, 2 buckets or baskets large enough to hold several pieces of fruit, red and orange markers, a piece of string or tape for the “starting line,” and red apples/oranges (play or real fruit can be used.)
Place all the red apples/oranges in one basket. Tape off a starting line for the children to stand on. Place the 2nd basket several feet away from the starting line. For younger children, place the basket closer to the line. Have the children pick up a designated number of fruit and try to toss into the basket from the start line. After each child has tossed the fruit, count the number of apples and/or oranges that made it into the “toss” basket. Record the numbers of each fruit on the apple/orange tally sheet.
Extension ideas: For cooperative play, the children could play in teams and toss the fruit until each child has had at least one turn. Count the number of fruit in each of the team’s baskets and have the children record for the team on the tally sheet. The children could also compare, add, or subtract the number of apples/oranges in the start basket to the number of apples/oranges in the “toss” basket.
APPLES ALPHABET and NUMBERS 1-25 – Apples Alphabet_Numbers
Materials needed: One Apples Alphabet Numbers. pdf for each child, pencils and/or Alphabet (Number stamps), stamp pads, and scissors.
For older children: Have the children write the matching LOWERCASE letters inside the apple. The children can then cut the apples apart, mix them up, and try to arrange the apples in alphabetical order. For visual learning, print one copy of each letter page and laminate for durability, if desired. Display the apples in alphabetical order so that the children can check their own progress.
For younger children: Have the children stamp the matching UPPERCASE letter in each of apples. Younger children can also locate the lower or uppercase stamp that matches each UPPERCASE letter given. Have the children stamp that letter inside each of the apples. Select 3-5 letters that they can arrange in alphabetical order. Let the children work on those letters before adding others.
Extension ideas: Have the children cut magazine pictures that begin with each letter given. Have them cut out the pictures and glue in the blank apple space. Work on letters a few at a time, in small words or phrases, or have the children cut pictures to correspond with the letter that is currently being introduced. For older children: have the children work to make 3 letter words or sight words (for ex.: lay out the letters ” AT” and have the children choose different beginning letters to form -AT words.)
The numbers 1 – 25 are also available in this file. Have the children stamp, write, or copy the numbers to the apples after they are introduced. Have the children cut apart and try to arrange in the correct order. For younger children, you may want to have the children work with just a few numbers at a time. Increase the number cards given as children become familiar with numerical order and/or as larger numbers are introduced. For older children, have the children write the corresponding number in the apple, cut the cards apart, and work to arrange the apples in order. Have the children work up to arranging all numbers 1 – 25.
For a large group activity: Print the number cards 1-25, laminate for durability, and then cut apart. Lay the cards out on the floor in numerical order. Print another set or two to give to the children. Call the numbers out in random order and have the child with that number go and place it on top of the corresponding number on the floor. The activity is over when all the children have used the cards given to them.
In 2014, we will begin offering the Apples Theme for Preschool and Kindergarten on this blog! Stay tuned for even more activities to create a playful learning environment for young children!