These apple crafts can be done two ways, lacing it for older more dexterous children and simply using a stapler for younger kids and toddlers. Either way there is something I just love about apples made from brown craft paper or my low-cost alternative – grocery bags!
- Gather your materials. You will need a brown grocery bag or craft paper, newspaper, hole punch ( or stapler if you aren’t doing the lacing), ribbon, red, brown and green paint, scissors and paint brush.
- Start by drawing an apple on the paper.
- Cut out 2 apples ( back and front).
- Paint.
- While the paint dries crumple up your newspaper.
- When dry punch holes in the apple ( make sure you punch them in the same spot on both front and back).
- Tie your ribbon on. You can also use a button to act as a stopper.
- Start lacing.
- Stuff apple craft with your newspaper.
- Finally, finish lacing up your apple craft and then put it on display.
Back to School Books To Go With Your Apple Craft!
Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson did not live up to my expectations. It was written in 1999 but the information seems outdated, the little mouse in the story is entering kindergarten but is still unsure of his ABCs and could only count to 10. I know this seems like a minute detail but it bugs me because most kids entering kindergarten are well aware of the alphabet and can count past 10 with ease. It felt like it covered the basics about what a child can expect but it doesn’t go into any depth. I doubt it would ease any anxiety or fulfill any honest curiosity. I hate giving bad reviews but I just don’t like this book.
Miss Mingo and the First Day of School by Jamie Harper is a delightful book. Miss Mingo is a flamingo and teacher who wants to know about her students on the first day of school. She starts the exercise by sharing some fun facts about being a flamingo, like why she is pink, and before you know it the whole class of different animals are sharing. First, this book shows kids that it’s okay to share about themselves. It is also full of fun facts about animals in the fine print. I learned something I never knew about a Narwhal! It is a bit long for a toddler but each page highlights new animals and it’s easy to skip a few for those that aren’t ready for a book of this length. This is going on my buy list!
The Kissing Hand
by Audry Penn is an absolute favorite. Chester is a raccoon who like most of us doesn’t like change. In his case, it’s starting school. He wants to stay home with his mama and play with the friends he already has instead of going to school away from her and his friends. So his mama explains to him the magic of the kissing hand. The real magic is the message that sometimes we have to do things that scare us. But the love of our family is always with us to help us through. Go get this book.
shar says
I love the Kissing Hand. And First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg is a favourite too.
.-= shar´s last blog ..HELP PLEASE =-.
Maya (Memetales) says
LOVE this 3d craft!
Kate B says
I totally agree about “Look Out, Kindergarten…” I read it to my son last night and thought the same things about the alphabet and the numbers.
We will make the craft since my younger son goes to a preschool with Apple in the name! It will be a present for his new teacher, who will love his kissing up before the year even begins.
Love your website!
Julie says
Love this craft! Will be doing that with my kiddos this fall. Thank you for sharing!
Sue says
I am a retired primary teacher with 38 years teaching experience. When I taught kindergarten we would get students who only know the color red and the numbers 1, 2, 3. Unfortunately many students are not as prepared as yours. Look Out Kindergarten might be good for them.
Tina miller says
I agree. Look out kindergarten? maybe not great but..think outside the box… It’s reassuring for kids who haven’t got all their skills yet…AND for the kids that do or go beyond its a great reinforcer, right? It’s always the unknown… That causes fear. Visit the school before the first day if you can ( pre school teacher 20 years)