How Do Apples Grow?
#100 of 48 in Let's-read-and-find-out science. Stage 2 Series
What’s inside...
In this informative children’s book, Betsy Maestro and illustrator Giulio Maestro explain how an apple tree grows from seed to sapling to tree, detailing the various kinds of apples. Readers can also learn about the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly through a colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book. The book is an environmental science resource for young kids that includes web research prompts and activities to identify different butterfly types. It is part of the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out series, which introduces primary grade children to various concepts and supports Common Core and STEM standards.
Discussion points
What steps do you think an apple seed goes through to become a full-grown apple?
Why do you think apples are important for us and the environment?
How do you think the weather affects how an apple grows?
Can you imagine what it would be like to be a farmer taking care of apple trees?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to draw the life cycle of an apple from seed to fruit, discussing each stage as they draw.
While reading, pause on pages that describe the growth process and ask your child to predict what might happen next.
After reading, try an apple tasting activity. Eat different types of apples and talk about how each one tastes, looks, and smells.
Connect the story to a real-life experience by planning a visit to a local apple orchard.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Plant Life Cycles
Explanation: The book 'How Do Apples Grow?' explains the life cycle of an apple from seed to fruit, detailing each stage of growth.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by observing and understanding nature around them, planting seeds, and caring for plants, fostering a sense of responsibility and patience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Bees in Pollination
Explanation: The story highlights the role of bees in pollinating apple blossoms, which is essential for fruit production.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of bees to our ecosystem, encouraging respect and protective actions towards bees and other pollinators in their environment.
Example Lesson: Healthy Eating Habits
Explanation: By learning about where apples come from and how they grow, children are more likely to appreciate and choose healthy food options like fruits.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can lead to making healthier food choices, understanding the nutritional benefits of fruits, and promoting a balanced diet.
Example Lesson: Patience and Time
Explanation: The book shows that growing apples takes time and care, from planting a seed to seeing it bear fruit.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of patience and the rewarding results of investing time into caring for something, whether it's a plant, pet, or personal project.
Example Lesson: Science and Observation Skills
Explanation: Children are introduced to basic scientific concepts and terms related to botany and ecology.
Real-World Application: Kids can utilize these skills to observe, classify, and understand various biological processes and environmental factors, enhancing their academic skills and curiosity about the world.