Johnny Appleseed and apple learning.

The Apple Roll Game (PDF)

Yesterday, we read The Story of Johnny Appleseed by Aliki with its lovely illustrations. Unfortunately, I got a little uncomfortable with the mythic component of the story of John Chapman's life, especially since John's relationship with organized Christianity was anything but comfortable given the radical nature of his teachings. (Straight Dope offers a more truthful account of John's life and character for those interested in such things.)

Then we read the Legend of the Apple Star from Freeflowing Ways, an inspiring blog which combines nature narratives with Waldorfian wonder. The lasses loved watching me cut an apple to reveal the little seed star within. 

"Inside every apple sleep five seed babies in their star beds, waiting for Mother Earth to give them life."

We discussed and colored the parts of an animal, and Micah explained which parts we must remove (i.e. skin, core, seeds, leaves, and stem) to make applesauce. Finally, Max helped the girls play a number-recognition game- The Apple Roll Game- which I saw somewhere online and could not quite afford to purchase (hence the cheap, Alina-generated model above).

Usually, Max will help "teach" at least one activity or book a day to the girls- I think it helps increase his confidence and ability to communicate. My thoughts on this have been greatly inspired by Grandma Vicki and the awesome Reggio Emilia.