Apples are not only crunchy and yummy, but they are also a symbol of Fall! Here are some ideas to incorporate this juicy fruit into your homeschool currriculum:

1. Cook up an apple recipe with your homeschooler. Following directions, measurement and practical life skills are all addressed when cooking together. Here is an excellent and easy recipe for apple bread-

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Ingredients Needed:

3 large eggs
3/4 cup of sugar
1 cup of vegetable oil
1/2 cup of applesauce
3 cups of flour
1 tsp. of salt
1 tsp. of baking soda
1 tsp. of baking powder
3 tsp. of cinnamon
*If desired add 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans. Raisins can also be added.

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well. Pour the mixture into 2 greased 8" bread pans. Bake 1 hour, until golden brown on top. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top if desired. Enjoy!

2. Read stories all about apples. There are lots to enjoy as read alouds or independent readers. Here are some of the best apple themed books to enjoy with your homeschooler:

One Red Apple by Harriet Ziefert

Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell

One Green Apple by Eve Bunting

The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall

Ten Apples Up On Top! by Theo. LeSieg

Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington

3. Play a fun game like Apples to Apples Junior - The Game of Crazy Comparisons! by Mattel. This game will encourage communication skills, deductive reasoning and excitement! You can even play the Apples to Apples Bible Edition as well!

4. Make some words with games like Appleletters by Bananagrams or the traditional Scrabble Apple Box. Make apple varieties used as words double points to make the game more competitive with your older homeschoolers. Younger children can get double points for any apple color words (ie. red, green, yellow).

5. Take a simple apple and dissect it for a hands on science activity. Have your child use a plastic, non sharp knife for taking out the seeds and the core of the apple. Observe the insides with a magnifying glass or under a microscope and write down your observations.

Here are the Awesome Apple Resources, as mentioned above: