Hey elementary teachers and children's librarians in the Indiana, Ohio, Michigan region! Are you doing an Apple unit this fall or trying to think of fun fall events for your library? You might want to consider having an Applesauce Day!
When I was in first grade, my teacher Mr. Whalig decided to have each of us bring in some apples to make applesauce. Some parents also came to help and we made applesauce right there in the the classroom. This was the late 80's so hot burners and a class of rowdy first graders were totally compatible. Each child brought a different kind of apple and I swear it was the best applesauce I think I've ever had. And that's saying a-lot, if I can remember the taste now that I'm in my 30's.
Even if you don't break out the hotplates and foodmill, there are tons of fun apple activities that will inspire kiddos to learn more about apples, apple picking and making delicious things out of said apples. This could also be a great science lesson about the development of the apple from the first buds of spring, pollination, development of the fruit, the care and tending of the orchard, to picking and even storing the apples through the winter.
Applesauce Day, written by Lisa Amstutz and illustrated by yours truly would be the perfect way to cap off your Apple Adventure. I'd love to come lead a fun apple related activity or art lesson, do storytime, and answer any questions kids have about being an illustrator. Just shoot me an email via the contact form on my contact page!