Apples, Apples, Apples!

     Last week we did an apples theme in our classroom. The children were excited to discuss what they knew about apples. At the beginning of the week we made a KWL Chart about apples. As a group, children established everything they already knew about apples-- the shape of an apple, different types of apples (e.g. granny smith, macintosh, etc.), how they taste, what can we bake with apples, where do they grow, and so forth. This helped me to understand what they already so I could teach new and exciting lessons throughout the course of the week. As well, children were also able to gain print awareness as we discussed some of the different functions of language such as making a list.

     After starting our KWL chart we read the book The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall. Children were intrigued by the titled and curious as to how there could possibly be an apple pie tree. Before reading the book, children made predictions about why they thought the author titled the book The Apple Pie Tree. I was very impressed with the responses. Colin said, "Because apples come off the tree to make pie." Throughout the book I used dialogic reading and asked some of the following questions: “What do you see on the cover of the book? What do you think this book will be about?” “What do you think grows off the tree?”  “The branches bend down low. They are covered with big red _____ (apples).” “What ingredients do you think mom needs to make the apple pie taste sweet?” “Looking at this picture what does mom have to do to the apples before she puts them in the pie.” “Where do you think mom puts the pan to cook after she added all the ingredients?”

      I love using dialogic reading in my classroom! I've found that it helps students stay focused and interested in the book, while providing basic comprehension skills. By the end of the book children were able to recite what ingredients/steps were needed to bake an apple pie. Children also learned how seasons effect the growth of an apple tree and why apples grow in fall.