Apple Song, The - Jerri's Activity

We've had some great discussions about apples in my classes since introducing "The Apple Song" (from Music K-8, Vol. 14, No. 1). Students have noticed different varieties of apples that are available in the grocery store. We decided to have a taste test of several different apples. One student whose parent works in the produce section came armed with a list of apples available at that store and told me they would have some waiting for me! I planned two 20-minute sessions to taste our apples. We had eight different kinds: Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, Jonathan, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Fuji, Gala, and Pink Lady. Use what you can find in your area. I used one of those corer slicer tools and cut each slice in half since we only wanted a taste. After tasting four different kinds, I let each student vote for their favorite. Out of the eight kinds we used, each student picked their two favorites. I published the results of our survey in our Winter Concert program.

Different apple varieties are bred for different purposes. Granny Smith apples keep the tart flavor and texture for a long time. Jonathans are sweet but get mealy rather quickly. Yellow Transparent is a variety of early season apple that bruises easily. We've grown them in the yard and enjoyed them in July, but I've never seen them in the store. The Braeburn and Fuji apples I had came from New Zealand. That's a long way from Kansas! (Geography jumped right in there.)

Language came into our lessons when we talked about how some of the apple names were combinations of other names like Spartamac and Jonagold. I like how Teresa worked "Fuji" into the song. It's a fun word to say.

My students loved this song and what we were able to do with it in music class. I think it has made them more aware of the world around them. Thanks to the Jennings' for making my job fun and getting kids excited about learning.