Apple Time

It's fall which means harvest time where I live.  Our county used to be known for its many apple orchards. Now, most of those orchards have been taken over by vineyards- either way, it is still beautiful scenery.

We have started learning about the seasons and apples in general.  We have been focussing on the life cycle of an apple and the different products apples can be used for.  

My co-worker has an uncle who owns local apple orchard, so we were fortunate enough to get a few boxes of apples to use for are unit.  

Today we made apple sauce and apple paint prints.

I bought one of those apple, paler, clicker, corers and Bed Bath and Beyond.  It was $19.99- then $5.00 off with a coupon.  

I was a little skeptical, but that thing worked great.  The handle was easy for the kids to turn and they loved seeing the giant spaghetti like peel.

 The kids cut the apples up on paper plates, then added them to the crock-pot

 I added a few teaspoons of sugar and cinnamon and about 1 cup of water.  We cooked it on high for about 4 hours, then lowered it to simmer.  It is in our refrigerator for the night and we will enjoy it tomorrow.  I of course sampled some before I left today, and it is sooo good.  I think I just might make some for home, now that I know ow easy it really is.

We are learning the poems and creating the life cycle book from my All About Apples Pack.

  

 The apple prints were, fun, but MESSY!!!

I hope to share some more pictures later in the week.  I also started parent/teacher conferences today.  I love getting to meet the parents and learning more about each of my students and their families.  I learn a lot of important information at these early conferences and the parents learn all about the "NEW" kindergarten- which is really just the "OLD" first grade.

Have a great week!!!