Apple orchards in North Carolina offer a delightful and educational experience for childcare sites looking to organize field trips. These orchards provide a hands-on opportunity for children to learn about agriculture, the growth cycle of apples, and the importance of farming.
During a visit, children can engage in apple picking, explore the orchard, and participate in activities such as hayrides, cider tastings, and nature walks. These experiences not only foster a connection with nature but also support educational goals by teaching kids about healthy eating and the origins of their food. The friendly environment and interactive elements make North Carolina's apple orchards an ideal destination for childcare sites seeking to combine fun with learning. Check out this resource to find Apple Farmers near you!
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Whip It Up!
by Marianne Lindgren & Chika Mita
NC Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
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Next month is National Farm to Early Care and Education Month. One fun way to celebrate is by visiting a local farm or farmers market to browse the fresh North Carolina produce. While you’re there, see if you can find a farmer selling locally grown apples. There are plenty of varieties to choose from including, Granny Smith, Arkansas Black, EverCrisp, and more. With so many different types of apples available, why not select a few and hold a taste test at your center to combine learning with a healthy snack!
As you look through the apples, ask the children which apples they would like to try and why. Encourage the children to ask the farmer questions about the different types of apples, how they are grown, and harvested. If at a farmers market, it may also be interesting to learn how the apples are brought to the market. Once you’ve purchased your apples, you are ready to set up the taste test!
- The first step will be to wash the apples. The children may enjoy helping with this step. Be sure they wash their hands before washing the apples.
- Next, have an adult cut the apples into slices or offer supervision if children use child-safe knives to cut the fruit.
- Have a chart ready to go that lists the different varieties of apples and an area for voting. Be creative with your chart and what you will record, such as which apple is the favorite, the sweetest, the most colorful, the crunchiest, etc.
- As you begin the taste test, give the children one type of apple at a time. Before tasting each apple, ask the children to notice the color, feel, and smell of the apple. Ask them to predict if the apple will be sweet, sour, soft, or crunchy. Of all the varieties, which apple will be the sweetest or the crunchiest and why?
- After tasting the apples, ask the children to share what they liked about each variety, and/or what they disliked. Did the apple taste like they thought it would?
- Add the votes to the taste test chart and share the results with the class. Point out which apple received the most votes for each category.
 The children may enjoy creating silly smiles with the apple slices and cheese. Have fun!
Serve ½ cup of apple slices with ½ ounce of cheddar cheese (or with any other cheese) for a creditable snack in the CACFP.
Snack serving size for 3-5-year-olds: ½ cup apple slices + ½ oz. cheddar cheese
CACFP Crediting for Snack: ½ cup fruit and ½ oz. meat/meat alternate
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This Week in the Garden
@ Preschool
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See what's happening
preschool edition! |
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The NC Farm to Preschool Network connects, educates, develops and shares resources between community and state partners, farmers, early childhood educators and families to spark the local foods movement in early childhood education environments. |
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Join the state of North Carolina in celebrating Farm to School and Early Care and Education Month by crunching into a locally grown fruit or vegetable on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at noon or any time during the month of October that works for you. This event is about uniting together to celebrate North Carolina agriculture, locally grown fruits and vegetables, and healthy eating. Visit the website to learn more about the Crunch, register your ECE site, and receive our comprehensive 2024 Crunch Guide.
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Past NC Crunch Success from Berean Jr Academy in Mecklenburg
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Ana Cultiva Manzanas / Apple Farmer Annie
by Monica Wellington
Available in English and in a Spanish bilingual format, this book is an outstanding introduction to apple production for young readers. The story follows a young apple grower from the farm to the market and ties in with math and science education. A great book for the classroom that includes simple apple recipes. Watch a read aloud on YouTube in English and Spanish.
The Apple Tree - A Modern-Day Cherokee Tale
by Sandy Tharp-Thee
Told in English with Cherokee translation.
A little boy plants an apple seed, already envisioning the big apple tree it will someday be. But when its first fall comes and goes, and apples fail to appear on its branches the little tree begins to doubt its calling. How can the little boy find the encouragement needed to convince the young tree to give the seasons and years the time to work their magic?
Watch a read aloud on YouTube.
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Offering farm-fresh foods and engaging in farm to ECE programs can enhance the reputation of your childcare site. Parents may view providers who participate in Farm to ECE programs as more committed to providing healthy, high-quality care for their children. The Farm to ECE Connections Map can help you enrich your Farm to ECE program.
Check out this resource to discover additional advantages of the map and to gain insights into its effective utilization. Moreover, don't miss the opportunity to explore the ECE Resources tab for valuable resources and curricula. Lastly, ensure you register your site on the map by clicking here.
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