Food

Fall is apple season, and there are so many apple-themed activities to choose from. This simple, super fun apple theme sensory tray with an oatmeal base is one that I’ve wanted to try for a long time. It is sure to be a hit with little learners.

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Supplies in the Tray

The following are the supplies in this gorgeous apple sensory tray:

apple-shaped strainers
measuring spoons
apple-shaped acrylic gems
gold apple ornaments
metal tins
apple cookie cutters
pompoms
apple ice cube tray molds
spoons

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The Apple Theme Sensory Tray

The base for this eye-catching apple sensory tray is rolled oats. This base fits the theme since it is an ingredient used in tasty fall treats such as apple crisp, apple bread, and apple cookies.

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The round cake pan, loaf pan, apple coolie cutters, and measuring cups encourage dessert baking activities.

Sparkling gold apple ornaments and apple-shaped acrylic gems add a major dose of glam and are baking ingredients along with the rolled oats.

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Bright green, yellow, red, and pink pompoms in various sizes are additional “apples”.

Apple ice cube tray molds encourage sorting activities.

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And apple-shaped strainers add interest to the bin.

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All supplies are set in a large, deep green active world tray, suitable for four to six children to explore. The accessories work equally well in a smaller bin if two to three children are participating in the sensory activity.

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Have you tried an apple theme sensory tray? Share in a comment below.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

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More Apple Theme Activities

Apple Playdough Tray

Watercolor Apples With Markers

Apple Print Art and Activities

Apple Toothpick Sculptures

Apple Fruit Stand

Apple Theme Activities

Scented Playdough Recipe and Activities

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[Read more…]

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As a teacher, I am always on the lookout for hands-on activities that are economical and have educational value. This rhubarb sauce snack tray activity offers a valuable sensory and cooking component, and is easy on the pocketbook.

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Rhubarb thrives in cooler climates and is plentiful in temperate, northern locations of the world. The hardy plant is technically a vegetable, but is classified as a fruit when used in cooking. Its thick, edible stalks are either red, green, or a combination of the two colors. The large, spinach-like leaves are toxic when consumed in large quantities, so they should not be eaten.

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Rhubarb Sauce Supplies

It’s easy to make a simple sauce with just rhubarb stalks and a sweetener such as sugar or honey. To give the children more to do in the activity and to add taste and nutrition to the sauce, this recipe includes strawberries and a banana in the mix.

Ingredients to gather are:

2 cups rhubarb
2/3 cup strawberries
1 ripe banana
3 tablespoons honey

Food preparation supplies to gather are:

cutting boards
disposable knives
measuring cups
tablespoon
crockpot
stirring spoon
whisk
hand blender (optional)

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Rhubarb is fun to explore in a sensory activity on its own. Before preparing the sauce together, show children a picture of a rhubarb patch. Bring samples of washed rhubarb stalks with leaves attached. Invite children to describe the size and color of the leaves. Explain that they contain a toxin and should not be eaten.

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Next. cut the leaves off and discuss the color and thickness of the stalks. Give each participant a cutting board and a child-friendly knife. Allow children to explore the fruit by peeling off the skin, cutting the stalks into pieces, and smelling and tasting as they go.

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Making the Rhubarb Sauce

To make the rhubarb sauce, invite each participant to use a child-friendly knife to slice the stalks on a cutting board, aiming for small pieces.

Next, measure two cups of cut rhubarb into a crock pot. A small pot will work fine for this recipe.

Afterward, give each child a few washed strawberries to slice up, enough for 2/3 cup. If leaves are attached, have them cut them off first.

Then give a few children a peeled banana section to slice.

Have children take turns adding strawberries and the sliced banana to the pot, along with three tablespoons of honey.

Next, allow everyone to stir the mixture.

Then put the lid on the crockpot and heat it on low or medium for three or more hours.

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After the rhubarb is cooked, invite participants to blend the cooked ingredients with a whisk. For a smoother consistency, use a hand blender.

Taste the cooked sauce and add more honey or a little sugar if desired.

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The Rhubarb Sauce Snack Tray

Rhubarb is tasty served warm or cold. It is delicious spooned over ice cream or custard, or offered as a dipping sauce on a snack tray. A rhubarb sauce snack tray is superb for children who have never tried rhubarb before, as they can sample it in small amounts with familiar foods.

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Along with inviting children to help prepare it, attractively offering a new food encourages them to try it. This sun-shaped serving tray and these pretty disposable plates are great for presentation. On the tray, a bowl of rhubarb sauce is surrounded by mini toasts and semi-sweet cookies.