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lenny

Apple Art Adventure

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Vicky Jaime

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Apple Art Adventure Session 1

Introduce students to apple anatomy, safe carving rules, and basic carving techniques while engaging them in a fall-themed coloring activity.

Building fine motor skills, safety awareness, and seasonal excitement helps K–3 learners develop confidence and creativity in hands-on projects.

Audience

Kindergarten–3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive demos, hands-on carving, and themed worksheets

Materials

Uncooked Apples (1 per student), Kid-Friendly Carving Tools, Protective Gloves, Cleaning Wipes, Fall-Themed Coloring Worksheet, Apple Anatomy Poster, and Safety Rules Chart

Prep

Material Setup

10 minutes

  • Wash and dry each apple thoroughly.
  • Arrange carving tools, gloves, and cleaning wipes at each workstation.
  • Display the Apple Anatomy Poster and Safety Rules Chart where all students can see.
  • Make copies of the Fall-Themed Coloring Worksheet and place one at each seat.

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and ask what they know about apples in fall.
  • Show real apples and invite volunteers to pass them around.
  • Introduce today’s goals: learn about apple parts, carving safety, and creativity.

Step 2

Apple Anatomy Exploration

7 minutes

  • Point to the Apple Anatomy Poster.
  • Label core, seeds, skin, flesh, stem, and calyx.
  • Invite students to find and touch each part on their apple.

Step 3

Safety Rules Introduction

5 minutes

  • Reveal the Safety Rules Chart.
  • Read aloud each rule (e.g., "Always carve away from yourself").
  • Model correct hand placement and tool handling.

Step 4

Basic Carving Demonstration

8 minutes

  • Teacher demonstrates a simple leaf or heart shape carving on an apple.
  • Emphasize gentle pressure and slow movements.
  • Point out how to stabilize the apple on the table.

Step 5

Coloring Activity

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Fall-Themed Coloring Worksheet.
  • Ask students to color apples and autumn leaves while waiting for drying or cleanup.
  • Encourage them to draw their own carving design ideas.
lenny

Worksheet

Fall-Themed Coloring Worksheet

Instructions:

  1. Color the apple and the leaf outlines below using your favorite fall colors.
  2. In the space provided, draw your own apple carving design—think of a fun shape or pattern you’d like to carve into an apple!

Apple to Color













Leaf to Color













Your Apple Carving Design













lenny
lenny

Reading

Apple Anatomy Poster

Apples are more than just tasty snacks—they’re made up of several important parts. Learn the names and functions of each part below!


1. Skin (Exocarp)

  • The thin, colorful outer layer you see and touch.
  • Protects the apple from dirt and bugs.
  • Comes in many shades: red, green, yellow, and mixtures!

2. Flesh (Mesocarp)

  • The juicy, sweet part you eat.
  • Provides nutrients and flavor.
  • Can be crisp or soft, depending on the variety.

3. Core (Endocarp)

  • The firm center of the apple.
  • Holds the seeds in little pockets called seed cavities.
  • Usually not eaten, but fun to examine!

4. Seeds

  • Small, dark oval shapes inside the core.
  • Each apple can have 5–10 seeds.
  • If planted and cared for, seeds can grow into new apple trees (but not always the same variety!).

5. Stem

  • The short, woody stalk at the top of the apple.
  • Connects the fruit to the apple tree branch.
  • Helps deliver water and nutrients while the apple grows.

6. Calyx

  • The tiny, flower-like part at the bottom of the apple.
  • Remnant of the blossom’s petals.
  • Often looks like a small star or cup.

Try This!
Next time you enjoy an apple, feel each part with your fingers and see if you can name it. Then point to the same part on this poster!

lenny
lenny

Reading

Safety Rules Chart

Keep everyone safe with these 5 easy-to-follow rules. Look at the picture and read the tip for each step!

Rule NumberPictureSafety Tip
1. Always Carve Away🔪Point the carving tool away from your body and classmates.
2. Keep Fingers Clear🤚Hold the apple firmly with one hand, but keep your fingers out of the cutting path.
3. Use Gentle Pressure🤏Apply light, steady pressure—no pushing or forceful sawing.
4. Wear Protective Gloves🧤Put on gloves before you start carving to help prevent slips and cuts.
5. Clean Up When Done🧽Wipe tools and work area clean, then return tools safely to the teacher.

Remember: If you ever feel unsure or need help, pause carving and raise your hand. Your teacher is here to guide you!

lenny
lenny

Slide Deck

Apple Art Adventure: Session 1

Welcome to Apple Art Adventure!
• Audience: K–3
• Time: 30 minutes
• Today’s Focus: Apple anatomy, carving safety, and a creative coloring activity

Welcome students! Introduce today’s fall-themed apple carving adventure. Explain that over 4 sessions they will learn about apples, safety, carving, and creative designs. Get them excited about hands-on art.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:
• Identify the parts of an apple
• Explain five carving safety rules
• Watch a simple carving demonstration
• Start designing a carving on our coloring sheet

Read the objectives aloud. Ask the class to repeat each one. Emphasize that today is about learning, safety, and fun creativity.

Apple Anatomy

Key Parts of an Apple:

  • Skin (Outer layer that protects)
  • Flesh (Juicy, edible part)
  • Core (Center holding seeds)
  • Seeds (Potential new trees)
  • Stem (Connects to the tree)
  • Calyx (Flower remnant at bottom)

Point to each part on a real apple and on the poster. Invite volunteers to touch and name the parts.

Safety Rules

  1. Always carve away from yourself
  2. Keep fingers clear of the blade
  3. Use gentle, steady pressure
  4. Wear protective gloves
  5. Clean up tools and workspace when done

Show the Safety Rules Chart. Read each rule and demonstrate correct hand placement and tool use. Invite students to mimic your glove and carving tool handling.

Carving Demonstration

Step-by-Step:

  1. Place apple flat side down on table.
  2. Draw a simple shape (leaf or heart).
  3. Hold carving tool away from fingers.
  4. Apply light pressure and cut slowly.
  5. Inspect and practice safe cutting technique.

Perform a live demo carving of a simple heart or leaf design. Talk through each step: stabilizing the apple, gentle cuts, watching your fingers.

Coloring & Design Activity

  1. Color the apple and leaf outlines using fall colors.
  2. In the blank section, sketch your own apple carving design.
  3. Think of shapes or patterns you’d like to carve next time.

Pass out the Fall-Themed Coloring Worksheet. Encourage students to color the apple and leaf, then draw their own carving designs in the blank area.

Closing & Next Steps

• Great work today!
• Keep your design sheet safe.
• Next session: Carving practice on apples!
• Remember safety first and ask for help if needed.

Praise students for their participation. Remind them of safe tool handling. Preview that in Session 2 they will practice carving their drawn designs.

lenny

Warm Up

Warm-Up: Fall Apple Brainstorm

Objective: Activate prior knowledge about apples and autumn to get ready for our apple carving adventure.

Instructions: Read each question aloud and then take a moment to think. On your paper (or on the board), draw or write your answers in the spaces below.


  1. What do you already know about apples in the fall?







  1. What colors and shapes do apples come in during autumn?







  1. How do you like to eat apples or use them in fall activities?







  1. Imagine you could carve any shape into an apple—what design would you choose?







Share your ideas with the class when you’re ready!

lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Cool-Down: Safety Self-Check

Objective: Reinforce key apple carving safety rules before leaving class.

Instructions: Complete each prompt to show what you’ve learned about carving safely.


  1. One safety rule I will always follow when carving is:







  1. When I carve, I will keep my fingers _______ of the blade.







  1. True or False: I should carve toward my body. ______




  1. If I feel unsure or need help, I will:







  1. Draw an arrow to show the direction you should carve (away from yourself):












Great work! Remember, safety always comes first when carving apples. Have a safe and happy fall!

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Apple Art Adventure Session 2

Students will practice carving their own apple designs safely, refine cutting techniques, and share feedback to build confidence.

Guided carving practice reinforces safety rules, enhances fine motor skills, and empowers K–3 learners to bring their creative designs to life.

Audience

Kindergarten–3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided hands-on practice with peer sharing

Materials

Uncooked Apples (1 per student), Kid-Friendly Carving Tools, Protective Gloves, Cleaning Wipes, Fall-Themed Coloring Worksheet, and Safety Rules Chart

Prep

Station Preparation

10 minutes

  • Wash and dry each apple and set one at each station.
  • Arrange carving tools, gloves, and cleaning wipes at every workspace.
  • Review students’ designs on the Fall-Themed Coloring Worksheet.
  • Display the Safety Rules Chart prominently.
  • Ensure additional apples and gloves are ready for newcomers.

Step 1

Safety Review

5 minutes

  • Gather students and revisit the Safety Rules Chart.
  • Ask volunteers to demonstrate proper carving posture and tool handling.
  • Emphasize carving away from the body and gentle pressure.

Step 2

Design Sharing

5 minutes

  • Have students pair up and show each other their drawing on the Fall-Themed Coloring Worksheet.
  • Encourage partners to give one positive comment and one helpful suggestion.
  • Invite a few pairs to share standout ideas with the class.

Step 3

Guided Carving Practice

10 minutes

  • Distribute apples, gloves, and carving tools.
  • Students carefully transfer their drawn design onto the apple surface with light pencil or finger tracing.
  • Under teacher supervision, students carve their designs slowly, following safety rules.
  • Teacher circulates to assist and reinforce safe technique.

Step 4

Cleanup & Inspection

5 minutes

  • Students wipe their tools and work areas with cleaning wipes.
  • Return carving tools and gloves to the designated collection spot.
  • Place finished apples on a central display table for inspection.
  • Teacher checks each carving for safety and craftsmanship.

Step 5

Group Reflection

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle around the display table.
  • Invite volunteers to explain their carving designs and share what they found challenging or fun.
  • Reinforce safety takeaways and celebrate progress.
  • Preview that in Session 3 they will decorate their carved apples with fall accents.
lenny

Slide Deck

Apple Art Adventure: Session 2

• Audience: K–3
• Time: 30 minutes
• Today’s Focus: Safe carving practice, design sharing, and feedback

Welcome back! Introduce today’s session goals: practice carving your own designs safely, share feedback, and refine your technique. Get students focused and excited.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:
• Review and follow carving safety rules
• Share their drawn designs with a partner and give feedback
• Carve their own apple designs carefully
• Reflect on challenges and successes

Read the objectives aloud and ask students to repeat. Emphasize safety, skill-building, and collaboration.

Safety Review

  1. Always carve away from yourself
  2. Keep fingers clear of the blade
  3. Use gentle, steady pressure
  4. Wear protective gloves
  5. Clean up tools and workspace when done

Display the Safety Rules Chart. Call on volunteers to demonstrate each rule. Reinforce carving away from the body and gentle pressure.

Design Sharing

  1. Show your sketch to your partner
  2. Give one positive comment
  3. Offer one helpful suggestion
  4. Invite a few pairs to share standout ideas with the class

Have students pair up and place their Fall-Themed Coloring Worksheet designs side by side. Model one positive comment and one suggestion.

Guided Carving Practice

  1. Put on gloves and position your apple flat side down
  2. Lightly trace your design onto the apple surface
  3. Carve slowly, following safety rules
  4. Teacher will check and support as you work

Distribute apples, gloves, and carving tools. Remind students to transfer their sketch gently and carve slowly. Circulate to assist and ensure safety.

Cleanup & Inspection

• Wipe tools and workspace with cleaning wipes
• Return gloves and carving tools to the collection spot
• Place finished apples on the display table
• Teacher inspects for safety and craftsmanship

Guide students through cleanup steps. Collect tools and display finished carvings on the table for inspection.

Group Reflection & Next Steps

• Share favorite parts of your carving
• Discuss one challenge you overcame
• Celebrate safe tool use and creativity
• Next session: decorate carved apples with fall accents

Gather students around the display table. Invite several volunteers to explain their designs and share what was challenging or fun. Preview the next session’s decorating activity.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Apple Art Adventure Session 3

Students will plan and decorate their carved apples with fall-themed accents—such as leaves, cinnamon sticks, berries, and glitter—while practicing safe glue and tool use.

This session fosters creative expression, refines fine motor skills, and reinforces safety by integrating natural materials into apple art. It also builds design planning and collaborative appreciation.

Audience

Kindergarten–3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on design lab with step-by-step guidance

Materials

Carved Apples (from Session 2), Non-Toxic Craft Glue, Toothpicks or Skewers, Protective Gloves, Cleaning Wipes, Dried Fall Leaves, Cinnamon Sticks, Colorful Berries or Acorns, Optional Glitter, Safety Rules Chart, Apple Decoration Sketch Worksheet, and Fall Accent Decoration Guide

Prep

Decoration Station Setup

10 minutes

  • Wash and dry each carved apple from Session 2.
  • Arrange glue, toothpicks, gloves, wipes, leaves, cinnamon sticks, berries, and glitter at each station.
  • Display the Fall Accent Decoration Guide for reference.
  • Copy the Apple Decoration Sketch Worksheet and place one at each seat.
  • Review the Safety Rules Chart to remind students of safe handling.

Step 1

Safety & Hand Hygiene Review

5 minutes

  • Gather students and revisit the Safety Rules Chart.
  • Demonstrate safe use of glue and toothpicks: apply gently, keep hands steady, and carve away from the body.
  • Ask students to wash or sanitize hands before beginning.

Step 2

Sketch Decoration Plan

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Apple Decoration Sketch Worksheet.
  • Students draw planned placement of leaves, sticks, berries, and glitter on their apple.
  • Encourage thoughtful layout and color choices before gluing.

Step 3

Apple Decoration Activity

12 minutes

  • Give each student their carved apple and decoration supplies.
  • Use craft glue or toothpicks to attach dried leaves, cinnamon sticks, berries, and sprinkle glitter.
  • Teacher circulates to assist, ensure safe techniques, and offer creative ideas.

Step 4

Cleanup

4 minutes

  • Students wipe down tables with cleaning wipes and return all materials to stations.
  • Collect gloves and ensure toothpicks are stored safely.
  • Inspect work areas for glue residue or debris.

Step 5

Gallery Walk Reflection

4 minutes

  • Arrange decorated apples on tables for a mini-exhibition.
  • Students walk around and leave positive sticky-note comments on peers’ designs.
  • Invite volunteers to share one favorite decoration they observed.
lenny

Worksheet

Apple Decoration Sketch Worksheet

Instructions:

  1. Look at your carved apple and the Fall Accent Decoration Guide.
  2. On the outline of the apple below, sketch where you will place each decoration (leaves, cinnamon sticks, berries, glitter).
  3. Label each decoration placement with its name.

Apple Outline for Sketching
























Decoration Labels















Use this plan when you start decorating in Session 3. Have fun designing your fall-themed apple art!

lenny
lenny

Reading

Fall Accent Decoration Guide

Use these ideas to add beautiful fall-themed accents to your carved apples. Choose your materials and follow the tips below for safe, tidy attachment.


1. Dried Fall Leaves

  • Description: Real or faux leaves in red, orange, and yellow shades add an authentic autumn look.
  • Attachment Tips:
    • Apply a small dot of non-toxic craft glue on the back of the leaf.
    • Gently press the leaf onto the apple surface and hold for 10–15 seconds.
    • For extra security, anchor the leaf with a toothpick: insert it through the leaf into the apple at a shallow angle.

2. Cinnamon Sticks

  • Description: Small cinnamon sticks lend a spicy scent and natural texture.
  • Attachment Tips:
    • Brush glue along one side of the cinnamon stick.
    • Press it against the apple and hold in place until set.
    • If needed, use two toothpicks as support stakes on either end, inserting them gently into the apple.

3. Colorful Berries or Acorns

  • Description: Fake berries or real acorns bring pops of color and a woodland feel.
  • Attachment Tips:
    • Place a dab of glue on the bottom of each berry or acorn.
    • Press onto the apple or onto a cinnamon stick/leaf cluster.
    • Allow to dry fully—about 1–2 minutes—before handling.

4. Optional Glitter Accents

  • Description: A light sprinkle of glitter adds sparkle and fun flair.
  • Attachment Tips:
    • First, paint small areas of the apple with glue.
    • Sprinkle glitter over the glue spots.
    • Tap off excess glitter onto a tray so your workspace stays tidy.

5. Safe Glue & Tool Use

  • Wear protective gloves to avoid sticky hands.
  • Use toothpicks or skewers for precise placement and to keep fingers clear of glue.
  • Work slowly and apply glue sparingly—less is more!
  • Have cleaning wipes ready to remove any extra glue or glitter.

Try This!
Before you decorate, plan your placement on the Apple Decoration Sketch Worksheet. Then mix and match leaves, sticks, berries, and glitter to create your own fall masterpiece!

lenny
lenny

Slide Deck

Apple Art Adventure: Session 3

• Audience: K–3
• Time: 30 minutes
• Today’s Focus: Planning and decorating carved apples with fall-themed accents

Welcome back, everyone! Today we’ll take our carved apples and add beautiful fall accents. Get ready to plan, decorate, and share your autumn apple art.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:
• Review carving and glue safety rules
• Sketch a decoration plan for their apple
• Attach leaves, sticks, berries, and glitter safely
• Reflect on peers’ designs during a gallery walk

Read each objective aloud and ask students to repeat. Emphasize safe handling, creative planning, and peer appreciation.

Safety & Hand Hygiene Review

• Revisit five carving safety rules
• Wear protective gloves when using glue or toothpicks
• Apply glue sparingly and keep fingers clear
• Wash or sanitize hands before decorating

Display the Safety Rules Chart and review safe carving, glue, and tool use. Model gentle glue application and toothpick handling.

Sketch Your Decoration Plan

  1. Use the worksheet outline to map leaves, cinnamon sticks, berries, and glitter.
  2. Label each placement on the worksheet.
  3. Think about balance of color and texture before gluing.

Hand out the Apple Decoration Sketch Worksheet. Guide students to plan where each accent will go—encourage thoughtful color placement.

Decoration Tips & Materials

• Dried Fall Leaves
• Cinnamon Sticks
• Colorful Berries or Acorns
• Optional Glitter

Refer to the Guide for safe glue and toothpick techniques.

Point to the Fall Accent Decoration Guide. Explain each accent type and demonstrate one quick example of leaf attachment.

Apple Decoration Activity

  1. Put on gloves and place your carved apple on a paper plate.
  2. Follow your sketch and attach materials with glue or toothpicks.
  3. Allow each element to set before moving on.

Distribute carved apples and decoration supplies. Circulate to support safe gluing, offer design ideas, and reinforce gentle, steady work.

Cleanup & Gallery Walk

• Wipe down tables and return materials.
• Arrange apples on display tables.
• Walk around and leave positive sticky-note comments on peers’ designs.
• Share one favorite decoration you observed.

Guide students through cleaning up materials and gloves. Then set up decorated apples for a gallery walk and explain the peer feedback process.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Apple Art Adventure Session 4

Celebrate and showcase students’ apple art, facilitate peer feedback, engage in apple printmaking and tasting, and reflect on the creative process.

This concluding session honors students’ hard work, deepens understanding through hands-on printmaking and tasting, fosters constructive peer interaction, and reinforces reflection skills.

Audience

Kindergarten–3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Gallery walk, hands-on printmaking, tasting, and reflection

Materials

Decorated Apples (from Session 3), Display Tables or Trays, Sticky Notes, Washable Paint, Paint Brushes, Butcher Paper, Paper Plates, Paper Towels, Wet Wipes, Tasting Spoons or Cups, and Safety Rules Chart

Prep

Exhibition Preparation

10 minutes

  • Arrange decorated apples on display tables or trays for easy viewing.
  • Place sticky notes and pens nearby for students to leave peer feedback.
  • Cover work areas with butcher paper and set out paint, brushes, and paper plates for apple printing.
  • Lay out napkins, wet wipes, and tasting spoons or cups for a safe apple tasting.
  • Review the Safety Rules Chart to remind students of safe handling and hygiene.

Step 1

Gallery Walk Exhibition

7 minutes

  • Invite students to quietly walk around the display tables and observe each other’s decorated apples.
  • Encourage them to leave a positive sticky-note comment on at least two peers’ apples, noting a favorite detail or technique.
  • Remind students to handle sticky notes and pens carefully and return any extra supplies.

Step 2

Peer Feedback & Reflection

7 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and invite volunteers to read aloud the comments they received.
  • Ask each student to share one thing they’re proud of and one challenge they overcame during the lesson series.
  • Reinforce positive language and growth mindset.

Step 3

Apple Printmaking Activity

8 minutes

  • Distribute washable paint, brushes, paper plates, and butcher paper.
  • Demonstrate dipping a halved apple into paint and pressing it onto paper to create prints.
  • Students create their own apple-print artwork, exploring color and pattern.
  • Circulate to assist with paint application and cleanup as needed.

Step 4

Apple Tasting & Discussion

5 minutes

  • Offer students small pieces of fresh apple and tasting spoons or cups of water.
  • Facilitate a brief discussion: “How did the apple look, taste, and feel? How did today’s activities change the way you think about apples?”
  • Encourage respectful tasting and cleaning up after each taste.

Step 5

Closing Reflection & Cleanup

3 minutes

  • Have students help wipe tables with wet wipes and stack used plates, paper, and brushes.
  • Invite one final reflection: share one new skill or idea they’ll remember from Apple Art Adventure.
  • Thank students for their creativity and safe participation this fall season!
lenny

Slide Deck

Apple Art Adventure: Session 4

• Audience: K–3
• Time: 30 minutes
• Today’s Focus: Gallery walk, printmaking, tasting, and reflection

Welcome back, everyone! Today we’ll celebrate and showcase your apple art. We’ll also explore printmaking, taste fresh apples, and reflect on our creative journey.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:
• Give positive feedback during the gallery walk
• Share reflections on their creative process
• Create apple prints using paint
• Taste and discuss apple textures and flavors

Read each objective and ask students to repeat. Emphasize sharing, hands-on printmaking, tasting, and reflecting on skills learned.

Gallery Walk Exhibition

  1. Walk quietly around the display tables.
  2. Observe classmates’ decorated apples.
  3. Leave a positive sticky-note comment on at least two apples.

Invite students to quietly walk around the decorated apple display. Model leaving a kind sticky-note comment and explain how to return supplies.

Peer Feedback & Reflection

  1. Read aloud one comment you received.
  2. Share one thing you’re proud of.
  3. Share one challenge you overcame.

Gather students in a circle. Ask volunteers to read comments they received. Then prompt each to share one proud moment and one challenge they overcame.

Apple Printmaking Activity

  1. Dip a halved apple into washable paint.
  2. Press onto butcher paper to make prints.
  3. Experiment with colors and patterns.

Demonstrate dipping half an apple into paint and pressing onto butcher paper. Show how to create patterns with different colors.

Apple Tasting & Discussion

  1. Taste a small piece of fresh apple.
  2. Describe how it looks, tastes, and feels.
  3. Discuss how today’s activities changed your view of apples.

Offer fresh apple slices and tasting spoons or cups of water. Ask students to describe what they see, taste, and feel.

Closing Reflection & Cleanup

  1. Wipe tables and stack used materials.
  2. Share one new skill or idea you’ll remember.
  3. Thank everyone for creativity and safe participation!

Guide students to help clean up with wet wipes and stack supplies. Invite a final reflection: one new skill or idea they’ll remember.

lenny