Apples, Apples, Apples

Posted by Meg | 0 comments

When September and October arrive, I begin to think about apples. I begin to think about lighting apple-scented candles in my home, visiting apple orchards near our home, and incorporating apple crafts and projects into our homeschooling days.

Here are some of our favorite apple projects, apple-themed books, and learning aids….plus our favorite recipe for homemade applesauce. (The jarred kind can’t hold a candle to this.) Enjoy!

Our two favorite apple-themed read-aloud books are Apples, Apples, Apples and Growing Apples and Pumpkins. The first book has adorable paper-cutting illustrations featuring cuddly bunnies who visit an apple orchard. An apple-print craft how-to is included, as well as a recipe. The latter is a real-photograph book that shows what goes on at a real apple orchard and pumpkin farm. Just reading these two books always makes us hungry!

Are your children learning about fractions? Learning Resources’ Magnetic Apple Fractions set is a precious and hands-on way for them to learn whole, half, thirds, and fourths.

A great craft for creativity as well as fine motor skills enhancement is this pretty apple tree craft.

Go ahead and start thinking about the Christmas season by making some dried apple slices to adorn packages and string together as a garland!

Let your kids taste fresh apples than try their hand at Five Senses Poetry!

Last but not least, here’s our recipe for homemade applesauce. It’s yummy warm OR chilled!

Stovetop Applesauce

8-10 Gala or Fuji apples, peeled and cut into chunks
1/4 c. packed light brown sugar
2 t. vanilla extract
1 t. cinnamon (optional)

Place all ingredients in a Dutch oven and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer and stew for 20-25 minutes. While still soft, mash apple pieces with a potato masher, a fork, or blend lightly with a mixer until you achieve desired consistency. Store in the refrigerator for 1 week….but I bet it won’t last that long!

Meg Wilson is a devoted wife to her husband, Ken, of 10 years, and mom and homeschooling teacher to her 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. When she’s not writing or creating something, Meg loves to cook for, host and entertain friends and family. She also enjoys reading, the outdoors, eclectic music, yoga, and studying history. You can read all about her adventures (and misadventures) at her blog, Muses of Megret and read her product reviews at Electric City Academy.