Free Alphabet Sorting Apple Trees -

An apple tree preschool theme is a great way to kick off the school year! Apples signify fall and all things school-related, which is why I love this Free Alphabet Sorting Apple Trees sensory bin idea for preschool and beyond. Children will love sifting through an apple sensory bin while learning the alphabet in preschool. Sensory activities for young children ensure they’ll be engaged with learning.

Recommended Grade Level:

preschool

kindergarten

Early Elementary

Supply List
Coordinating Activities

Alphabet Sorting Supplies:

Paper
Laminating Supplies
Velcro Dots
Sensory Bin (optional)

Apple Volcano Science Experiments for kids

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Learning Literacy Skills in Preschool

LITERACY ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS

CHILDREN EASILY BUILD FOUNDATIONAL READING AND WRITING SKILLS WITH DRAMATIC PLAY AND HANDS-ON GAMES AND ACTIVITIES.

Learning to identify and write letters takes a lot of repetition over time. The best way to get young children interested, is to vary literacy activities and make them feel more like fun games than “learning.”

The apple theme preschool activity is a great way for children to explore letters in different fonts. They’ll be searching, discerning, comparing, contrasting and more!

The alphabet apple tree is easy to prep. All you need is a printer and a paper cutter. Laminating is optional. You also don’t need to have a sensory bin for toddlers or preschoolers. You can simply place the letters in a bowl or on a table.

Once you teach children how to use the preschool apple tree letter sort, they can easily play independently.

In addition to sorting the letters by shape as they sift through the sensory bin filler, children can learn:

What’s the name of the letter?
What sound does it make?
Can you think of a word(s) that begins with the same sound?
Do some letters look the same/similar/different?

What Do Apple Literacy Activities For Preschoolers Teach?

APPLE THEMED GAMES FOR PRESCHOOLERS

APPLE SENSORY BIN IDEAS KEEP STUDENTS INTERESTED WHILE PROMOTING FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING CONTENT OR SKILLS.

Using apples for alphabet learning is a great idea because the theme can stretch far beyond your apple themed sensory bin:

Visit an apple orchard
Make/eat apple pie, cider, caramel apples, etc.
Learn the life cycle of apples
Do science experiments with apples

Why Is It Important For Kids To Learn Letters Of The Alphabet?

Children are naturally curious about everything around them. Learning letters in early childhood helps prepare kids to learn how to read when they enter kindergarten.

Background Knowledge

When children begin to learn about the shapes we call letters, it sets their brains up for success. Soon they will need to understand that each letter represents a different spoken sound.

Improves Fluency

The goal before learning to read would be to be able to effortlessly name letters, both uppercase and lowercase. That ease makes the transition to learning sounds much less difficult.

Understand Reading

Children with letter knowledge can easily make the jump from naming different letters to understanding that letters are truly a code for how to read.

Make Connections

Preschoolers often learn letter names, letter sounds, and how to write letters simultaneously. It helps them make connections as to how they all relate to each other and to the bigger picture of reading.

How to Make The Alphabet Sorting Apple Trees

Step One:

Print the apple trees and letter cards. I like to use cardstock, but it is optional. Laminating is also optional.

apple tree alphabet sorting free printable

Step Two:

Cut the apple tree cards and the letter cards.

apple tree alphabet sorting activity with sensory bin

Step Three:

Attach velcro dots to each tree and each letter. This is also optional, but it adds to the sensory experience and helps further develop fine motor muscles.

Step Four:

Prepare the sensory bin with rice, apple-colored pom poms, leaves, twigs or other items that fit with apple themed activities.

Step Five:

Place the letter cards in the sensory bin. Allow children to explore, find a letter and match it to the appropriate tree.

Tools you’ll need

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Don’t worry about making a special trip to the store. You can get all the supplies for this activity right here. Click the pictures above to get what you need.

Apple Crafts

Apple or apple tree crafts are a great extension to the alphabet activity.

Spell Your Name

Challenge children to find the letters in their name while sifting through the apple bin. Instead of placing the letters on the tree, they can make their name on the table.

Magnetic Letters

Place magnetic or other plastic letters within the sensory bin with the letter cards for additional sorting opportunities.

Learning Resources/Educational Insights Fine Motor Sensory Bin 8-Pack – 4 Playfoam Pluffle & 4 Handy Scoopers

Learning Resources Attribute Apples Bring fractions to life with these sectioned apple magnets $Bring fractions to life with these sectioned apple magnets$ Dobor Push Pop Bubble Fidget Sensory Toy,Push Pop Fidget Toy,Bubble Pop Fidget Toy,Push Pop Bubble Sensory Fidget Toy,Great Novelty Gifts for Girls Boys Kids Adults (Apple-Red) How Do Apples Grow? World of Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Apple Play Set and Shape Sorter Developmental Toy

Our Favorite Alphabet Books For Kids:

We can’t live without these!

Once your child’s creativity is sparked with this fun activity, take it a step further with these engaging resources: