The Apples of My Eyes
HOW IT WORKS
A day of character analysis and cooking is exciting and educational.
Students begin by telling what they know about apples and where
and how they grow. This is one lesson out of a week’s worth of learning
about this subject. Students discuss and brainstorm ideas that are
then written on an experience chart of “What we know and what we
want to learn.” After reading the book Johnny Appleseed Goes a
Planting by Patsy Jensen, there is a discussion about the main
character. The children answer such questions as “What did Johnny
Appleseed like?” “Why was he called ‘Johnny
Appleseed’?” “How do apples grow?” “How did Johnny Appleseed help people?” “What can
you make with apples?” The students then prepare to pretend to be
Johnny Appleseed. Ideas are elicited. They can roll up pants and
sleeves, and use toy pots and pans upside down on their heads as
hats. They also prepare to make apple pancakes. The various steps
of the recipe are discussed. Children wash their hands, help
measure ingredients, and mix.
The follow-up art activity is drawing pictures about the story or what
he students have done. The story’s sequence of events and the recipe
are reviewed, along with math methods in measurement and science
methods in changes of matter. The unit culminates with the book Rain Makes Applesauce by Julian Scheer and
Marvin Bileck. There is a discussion of the water cycle and how apples grow, and the students
dictate or write their own apple stories. Computer skills are useful for
drawing and writing the students’ stories. Field trips to a
farm or even a botanical garden immerse the students in hands-on experiences.
THE STUDENTS
This program was developed for two pre-kindergarten classes totaling
forty children of mixed readiness skills. They’ve worked in whole
group and small group activities. This program can easily be adapted
for other skill levels and grades.
THE STAFF
Michele Menkes has taught pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, third, and
fourth grade at P.S. 233, P.S. 20, and P.S. 272 for the past sixteen
years. Currently, she is a pre-kindergarten teacher at P.S. 272, and
has been teaching at the early childhood level for twelve years.
WHAT YOU NEED
A computer with a printer is needed, along with KidPix and Student
Writing Center software to draw and write stories. Picture books on
the subject area, such as how plants grow, and copies of the two books utilized in the lesson are needed.
OVERALL VALUE
The students are actively involved in all aspects of learning that evolve
from the text. They enjoy role-playing and learn about different kinds of
literature, character analysis, measurement, and growth. Acting out,
taking an active role in cooking, and reaping the rewards of their labor
motivates them. Integrating all subject areas in this lesson enables the
students to explore many aspects of learning. Utilizing computer skills
for drawing and writing ideas enhances their skills and knowledge. A
variety of New York State Standards are followed as students learn
the origin of a tale, display their knowledge and understanding in
various ways, and expand their knowledge to higher level thinking
skills in all subject areas. They listen to and comprehend material to
demonstrate that knowledge in various ways. They relate new
information to prior knowledge and experience, and carry out ideas.
Language arts, math, science, and social studies bring lots of prior
knowledge and new learning into play. The Apples of My Eyes seem
to shine even brighter! |