At Blue Leaf, we feel so lucky to be part of a school that connects so closely with nature, embracing it as an essential part of early childhood education. Our preschoolers engage in hands-on learning by observing seasonal changes, harvesting fresh apples from our trees, and exploring meaningful discussions about growth and food cycles. This direct connection to nature fosters curiosity, independence, and an appreciation for the environment while supporting cognitive and sensory development. Watching the children excitedly pick apples each fall highlights the joy of learning.
We have two apple trees in our preschool class’s outdoor learning habitat, and they have given us an abundance of apples! The children first noticed the apples were ready for picking at the beginning of September when some started falling from the trees. The rest of fall was filled with apples!
We brought out an apple picker and started harvesting them for snacks throughout the day. The children loved reaching up, up, up to the sky, trying to grab the apples. Some even thought of stacking stools to get closer to the branches!
Next, we practiced chopping the apples on wooden cutting boards, working on our fine motor skills and coordination. The sense of accomplishment was so rewarding when we successfully cut them!
After cutting, we realized—hmm, we had a lot of rotten apples left over. We separated them into a separate pile and used the fresh ones to make applesauce!
But what about the rotten apples? Instead of composting them, we took them over to Sourdough Farms next door to feed the chickens and turkeys! The children were so excited to find another purpose for these apples, learning firsthand about sustainability and the cycle of nature.
We also made fresh apple juice! The children love doing this after rest time, enjoying a little sweet treat before heading home at the end of the day.
We feel so lucky to have these trees as part of our learning environment. Through them, we’ve explored cooking, sustainability, and the farm ecosystem—learning how decomposing apples nourish the soil, feed the animals, and contribute to the natural cycle of growth.
Thank you, apple trees! 🍏🌳
