There is one thing that comforts me while I grieve that summer is finally over, and it is a Honeycrisp apple. My mouth just is all kinds of happy when I taste that juicy, sweet, crisp bite.

Have you thought about doing a little apple taste test with your children this autumn? It is such a fun way to springboard so many learning activities!

To set up the taste test, simply choose at least 3 different apples to wash and slice for your children. Place each type of apple on a plate. Label each type of apple with a letter: Apple A, Apple B, Apple C.

Have the children close their eyes while you let them taste each of the apples separately. As they taste each apple, ask them to use describing words to tell about each apple.

After they have tasted all 3 apples, have them tell which is their favorite.

You don’t have to stop there. Here are some more ideas about how to turn that taste test into more learning opportunities:

• Teach your children about adjectives and how to use a thesaurus. There are so many great describing words other than “good.”
• Create a graph to show everyone’s favorite apple. If you are a homeschooler, then ask your family and friends which type of apple is their favorite to collect your data. You can make a graph of the responses.
• Research where each type of apple is grown and why that climate is best for that type of apple.
• Write a poem using all of the wonderful adjectives your children used to describe the apples.
• Measure the circumference of each apple and compare.
• Use the apples to teach about fractions. Cut them (carefully, please) to show 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8.
• Read books about apples to learn about their growing season, life cycle, and tree care.

Now it is your turn. What is your favorite way to use apples to learn new skills? Please share your ideas in the comments section.

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Amy Michaels is a certified teacher with 11 years of elementary classroom experience who is actively homeschooling her own children. Her mission is share the best teaching methods and resources with all homeschoolers. Amy supports parents through her podcasts, webinars, and online training for homeschoolers on her website http://www.thrivehomeschooling.com.