Circle time is one of my favorite parts of a day in preschool! But, using the same old songs and games day after day can get really boring! And, if it’s boring for me, I know it’s boring for the kiddos, too! So, I’m always looking for new ideas to keep circle time fun and engaging! These circle time games go perfectly with an apples theme, and they are super easy to prep!
You’ll only need a few things to have these circle time games ready in no time! Here’s a list of what you’ll need, and each item is a clickable link to the ones I use!
Apple Tree on the Ground
I love this first game because you can do so many different things with it! I don’t really know what the official name of it is because I just made it up myself. But, I call it Apple Tree Big and Tall. All you have to do to prep this one is print, cut, and laminate the pieces. There are two different ways you can play this game. To start with, lay all the apples out on the floor. You just need a variety of sizes and colors.
Teach your kiddos the chant, and say it together. Here’s how it goes:
Choose one of your kiddos and describe one of the apples. For example, you might say, “Mary, the apple that fell is the small green apple. Will you bring it to me please?” Then Mary can find the correct apple. The second way to play is a little more difficult and should be saved until your kiddos are familiar with the size words, the color words, and with describing an object using two attributes at a time. For this version, choose one kiddo to be your helper. Have all the other kiddos close their eyes. Let your helper choose an apple and hide it in his lap. The other kiddos open their eyes, and you say the chant together. Then choose one kiddo to tell you which apple is missing by describing it correctly.
If you teach younger kiddos or your kiddos just aren’t ready for describing objects by two attributes, you can always simplify this game by using only one attribute. Ask for the yellow apple or have the kiddos tell you the size of the apple that your helper is hiding. After you’re done using this game in circle time, you can use the apples for sorting, patterning, counting, or ordering by size!
Apples, Apples, on the Ground
Apples, Apples, on the Ground is always a favorite with preschool kiddos! You’ll need to start with apples that have the letters of the alphabet written on them.
Lay the apples on the floor, teach your kiddos the chant, and say it together. Here’s how it goes:
Choose a kiddo to choose an apple, look at the letter, and tell you the sound the letter makes. (If your kiddos are just starting to learn the letter names and sounds, you can always simplify by telling them the name and sound of the letter and having them repeat it back to you!)
Crunch!
Another favorite is any variation of the game Snap! For this apples version, I called it Crunch! For this game, you’ll have to do just a little more prep work, but it will definitely be worth it! You’ll need craft sticks that have apples on the end of them. Each apple needs to have one letter written on it. You’ll also need a few sticks that have a worm on the end. Mine also say “Crunch!” on them!
To play this game, put all the sticks into a can or jar with the pictures inside the can. Pass the can around the circle. The kiddos take turns pulling out a stick to see what’s on the other end. If they get an apple, they look at the letter and tell you the name or sound of the letter. (Choose which one based on your kiddos’ needs.) If they get a worm, everyone says “Crunch!” and all the apples go back in the can because the worm eats them all. You can keep playing until the can is empty if you keep the worm sticks after they’re chosen. Or, you can keep putting them back in the can and play until you decide it’s time to stop.
If you want to grab your own copy of these fun apple-themed circle time games, you can hop over to my Teachers Pay Teachers store where I’ve got them posted. And, the best part…. THEY ARE ONLY ONE DOLLAR!!!!!! That’s right! The whole set of circle time games is only one dollar!
I’ve got some other fantastic resources for your apple theme that you can see by clicking here:
If you like these circle time games, you should check out my back-to-school circle time games!
What are your favorite circle time games for your apples theme? I’d love to hear your ideas! Drop one in the comments!!
Happy Teaching!
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I like any game for circle time that has them holding something or moving. Keeps them engaged . Thanks!