Apples Sensory & Toddler Storytime
Crunch, munch, and shake, it’s apple season! Choose two of the following apple-themed sensory storytime books and pair them with these songs, crafts, and sensory play ideas for more engagement and fun in your next Toddler or Sensory Storytime. Visit The Youth Desk’s Sensory Storytime page for additional songs and more detailed guidance.
Apples Sensory Storytime Books
These great picture books pair perfectly with apple props (such as cardstock or flannel apples, plastic apples, etc.) for attendees to hold and enjoy.
Apples Sensory Storytime Movement Songs
The Apple Tree with Giraffe Puppet & Flannel Board
The perfect song to follow “The Starry Giraffe” by Andy Bergmann. It’s even more fun with a giraffe puppet to snatch flannel apples off a board.
Way up high in the apple tree,
Five little apples smiled down at me.
Along came giraffe as quiet as can be
And snapped one apple out of the tree.
Way up high in the apple tree,
Four little apples smiled down at me….
Three little apples smiled down at me…
Two little apples smiled down at me…
One little apple smiled down at me…
Way up high in the apple tree,
No more apples left to see.
A-P-P-L-E Song
Sung to the tune of BINGO and always a hit! I recommend spelling out A-P-P-L-E on a flannel or magnet board. See the original from Falling Flannelboards and additional ideas from Storytime Katie.
I know a fruit that’s good to eat
And apple is its name-o
A-P-P-L-E, A-P-P-L-E, A-P-P-L-E
And apple is its name-o
If You Have a Red Apple
My favorite song for collecting props and manipulatives!
If you have a red apple
Red apple, red apple
If you have a red apple
Please put it in the bucket
If you have an orange apple…green apple...yellow apple…
Apple Sensory Play & Craft Activities
Ending Sensory Storytime with free play provides children and their caregivers with an excellent opportunity to explore and socialize. If you used an apple flannel board during storytime, put the pieces back out for attendees to enjoy during playtime. Here are other great apple-themed activities:
Apple Stamping Craft
Provide cardstock paper, paint, and apple halves with craft sticks stuck into the sides for handles. Children can stamp the apples into the paint and make prints! I also recommend providing each table with a pack of baby wipes.
Apple Sorting & Scooping Bin
For less mess, skip the water and fill a bin with fake apples and utensils for scooping. These Attribute Apples from Learning Resources are great for little hands.
Visit The Youth Desk’s Sensory Storytime page for more information about Sensory Storytimes, including a complete outline, additional books, songs, crafts, and play ideas.
