September is all about apples and kicks-off the fall season! Even down here in the south, we shift gears from the beach and summer to all things fall, even though the weather is still so hot. Working in an apple theme into your preschool classroom helps integrate literacy and math skills as well as introduce non-fiction aspects that preschoolers can understand. We love apples in preschool. And the apple color puzzles are the perfect addition to all of our apple themed learning activities!
Apple Color Puzzles
The free printable set of apple color puzzles are perfect for the beginning of the school year in preschool!
Simply download the file from the pink button below. Within the file you will find 10 apple puzzles. Each puzzle includes apples with a different color. A recording sheet comes with the activity too.
Print the apple color puzzles out on white cardstock. If you are going to laminate the set, do it before cutting everything apart.
It will make it easier for your preschoolers to match back up if the pieces fit exactly together.
Print the recording sheet on white paper and make copies as needed.
Now it’s time to learn and play!
Set Up & Play
How you set up the apple color puzzles absolutely depends on how many preschoolers will play at one time and the skill level of your group.
When introducing the printable math center, model how to play. Show examples and non-examples and allow your preschoolers to give you directions and suggestions while it is your turn. I do this on the carpet before we break off into centers and small groups.
The object of the apple color puzzles is to match each apple with the same color to complete the puzzle. The orange apple matches with the other orange apple. The blue apple matches with the other blue puzzle piece.
Set out the puzzle pieces on a tray or on the table. Offer only a few puzzles at a time for beginners to help set them up for success. This will help your preschoolers avoid feeling overwhelmed and hopefully stay on task!
For the older preschoolers, have them put together each puzzle in the set.
If your preschoolers are using the recording sheet, put together a puzzle correctly and color one apple on the recording sheet the same color. Put all 10 puzzles together and color in all 10 apples on the sheet.
I am also a huge fan of adding magnets or velcro dots to the back of the puzzle pieces to add a fun element to the puzzles. It can help add fine motor work to the activity. It can also act as a motivator to little learners!
Need More Apple Ideas?
We’ve got you covered!
Our Apple Fine Motor Busy Bins and Apple Gross Motor Games can easily fit into your preschool classroom and plans.
We use our fine motor busy bins as welcome work or independent centers for the older preschoolers. And my teacher friends who teach the younger preschoolers love to use them as small group activities!
The Apple Gross Motor Games are a huge life saver to keep your preschoolers moving and learning! Little kids don’t like to sit still, so don’t make them. Each gross motor game can be played with the whole group or individually and the set up is so easy.
Download your copy of the apple color puzzles now.
Just remember that the file will open up in a new window. Make sure your Adobe Reader is updated and that no pop-up blockers are on.
