Inside: Download these free apple themed circle time printable props for toddlers and preschoolers to hold while listening to books and singing!
We love to welcome fall with the apple theme.
I get so giddy this time of year with all the new colors outdoors and the crisp weather!
I decided to create a set of apple themed circle time printable props that we all can hold.
This way we can all can hold an apple while I read fun apple books, recite fingerplays, and sing apple songs!
Make sure to also check out: The Wheels on the Bus Printable Song Sticks
Apple Themed Circle Time Printable Props
I am constantly asked how to keep the children engaged during circle time.
In fact, if this is probably the most popular question I get every single week.
I get it. I’ve been there.
It can be downright hard to keep young children focused during this time.
This is why I use props.
Giving young children something to hold during circle time keeps them more engaged, especially when they are given different motions to use.
I make sure to have enough for each child, as well as all teachers who are involved.
What you will need:
- Popsicle sticks or Jumbo Craft Sticks
- Laminator
- Scotch tape
- Apple sticks (scroll down page to find free printable)
We suggest either printing these on heavy paper or laminating them for extra durability, unless you are the only one that will handle them.
Make enough copies so that you have one apple stick for each student.
Preparation:
Cut out the desired amount of apples and gather your popsicle or jumbo craft sticks.
Tape the apples to the top of each stick.
Using the Apple Sticks While Reading
Hand each child an apple stick to hold while you read the book.
Now and then invite the children to hold up their apple sticks when you say the word “apple” during the story.
So what are some different ways you can use these apple stick props?
Counting
Find a finger play or song about apples that involves counting.
Have that many apple sticks in your hands while starting the activity.
If counting up, keep adding an apple stick to your hand according to the words in the finger play or song.
If counting down, start with all of the apple sticks in your hand and remove them one at a time according to the words in the finger play or song.
Resources:
Put Your Apple in the Air (And other Songs)
5 Little Apples in an Apple Tree
Related: Fall Songs and Fingerplays
Colors
Have one of each colored apple in your hand. Invite the children to call out each color.
You could have the children taste test different apples and ask which one was their favorite.
Have them point to the color of that apple using the apple sticks.
Positional Words
This is a fun way to work on following directions. Tell your children to listen to you very carefully as you tell them where to put their apple sticks.
For example:
- Above their head.
- Behind their back.
- Under their shoe.
- Beside them.
- In front of them.
- Between their hands.
Parts of the Body
Once again, your children will listen very carefully as you tell them where to point their apple sticks.
For example:
- On their knee.
- On their nose.
- On their shoulder.
- On their ear.
Resources
More Circle Time Resources
Ten Little Dinosaurs Printable Props
Fall/Autumn Songs for Circle Time
Preschool Circle Time Activities
When Circle Time Doesn’t Go As Planned (Video)
My Secrets to a Successful Circle Time (Video)
