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Apple season is a wonderful time here in Kansas. My family is fortunate to live pretty close to several apple orchards and even a cider mill. The apple cider donuts are life-changing!
Even if you don’t have orchards or cider donuts near you, apples are a classic theme for September and autumn in general. I’ve searched my bookshelf to make a roundup of my all-time favorite apple read alouds, which I’ll share below. I also have some fun ideas for apple tasting with your students, PLUS a recipe for slow cooker applesauce!
Without further ado, here’s a list of apple read alouds that I think you’ll find a-peel-ing. 😉
Apple Read Alouds
Apples for Everyone by Jill Esbaum
This book uses rich, descriptive language that I really love. It also has lots of good vocabulary words!
Apple Picking Day! By Candice Ransom
This is a fun rhyming story with great illustrations! It can start conversations with your students about things they do with their families, picking apples at an orchard, and so on.
Apples Apples Apples by Elizabeth Wallace
This is a really cute story that has simple vocabulary. It also included ideas for what to do with apples.
Apple Countdown by Joan Holub
This book counts down from 20 to one, keeping your students following along and guessing how they’ll see the next number!
An Apple’s Life by Nancy Dickmann
This book has interesting, large photos. I like that it is a relatively quick read yet presents information about life cycles and pollination in an easy-to-understand way.
Apple Trees and the Seasons by Julie Lundgren
If you need a read aloud relating apple trees to the four seasons, you’ll definitely want to grab this book. It’s a simple non-fiction book that’s perfect for kindergarteners.
Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell
This read aloud ties in pumpkins and Halloween, making it a good choice for September or October.
How Do Apples Grow? by Jill McDonald
I was hesitant at first since this is a board book, but it has many interesting facts that are appealing to kindergarteners as well. The illustrations are bright and appealing, so definitely check this one out! Plus, since it’s a board book, it will hold up well in your classroom library! 😉
Applesauce Day by Lisa Amstutz
This book tells a special story about sharing the love of apple season through multiple generations. Adults and children will both love this book! Plus, it will make you want to make your own batch of applesauce!
Apple Tasting Activities
After reading about apples, why not try some apple tasting? There are many snacks and foods made from apples, which makes apple tasting a fun activity!
Disclaimer: Be aware of any food allergies and intolerances. Always follow your school’s guidelines and rules for making and sharing food with students.
One activity is to make your own slow cooker applesauce. It just takes a few ingredients, and it can be done in one school day from start to finish. I’ll share my go-to recipe a little further down!
If making applesauce isn’t your thing, that’s okay too! There are many other tasty apple treats you can let your students try: apple cider, apple butter, and even dried apples.
No matter what apple foods your students try, they will be eager to share their opinion. I made some simple tasting pages that you can download for free!
You can get my slow cooker applesauce recipe and the free pages sent to your inbox. Just add your information below and they’ll be sent immediately!
I’d love to see pictures of your classroom apple activities! Feel free to follow me on Instagram (@kroltgen) and tag me in your pictures!
