Watch Apple Trees Grow (Watch Plants Grow!)
Watch Plants Grow! Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
In 'Watch Apple Trees Grow,' author Kristen Rajczak takes young readers on an educational journey through the life cycle of apple trees. The book is part of the 'Watch Plants Grow!' series, which aims to introduce children to the wonders of botany and the natural world. Through engaging text and vivid illustrations, readers learn about the stages of growth from seed to sapling to mature apple tree, the process of photosynthesis, the importance of bees in pollination, and the changing seasons that affect the tree's development. The book also includes tips for planting and caring for their own apple trees, making it both informative and interactive for budding gardeners and nature enthusiasts.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What changes did you notice in the apple tree as it grew?
Why do you think apple trees need sunlight and water to grow?
How do you feel when you watch something grow?
What other plants or trees would you like to learn about and why?
If you were an apple, what part of the apple tree would you like to be, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the growth of the apple tree to their own growth experiences. Discuss the importance of care and nourishment in nurturing growth, be it a plant or a person. You can also explore the environment together, identifying and discussing other plants and how they grow. These conversations can deepen their understanding and appreciation of nature while enhancing their observation skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: The book shows the gradual process of an apple tree growing from a seed to a full-grown tree, teaching children the value of waiting and the rewards of consistent care.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply the virtues of patience and perseverance in their own tasks, such as completing a school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Life Cycles and Natural Processes
Explanation: Through the detailed depiction of an apple tree's growth, the book educates children about the stages of life cycles in nature and the factors that influence growth.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children understand and respect the natural processes around them, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Observation and Inquiry
Explanation: As children follow the growth of the apple tree, they are encouraged to observe changes and ask questions about how plants grow and what they need to thrive.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can extend to exploring and asking questions about their own environment, leading to increased engagement and learning in science and nature studies.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care
Explanation: The book highlights how regular watering, sunlight, and care are essential for the apple tree’s growth, emphasizing the importance of responsibility for living things.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of caring for their own plants or pets, understanding the commitment involved in nurturing another life.
Example Lesson: Healthy Eating Habits
Explanation: By connecting the growth of apple trees to the production of apples, children can see where their food comes from and the benefits of eating fresh fruit.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to make healthier food choices and understand the origins of their meals, promoting a balanced diet.