Apple tree fingerplay in preschool

Bring fun into your classroom with rhymes and fingerplays!

“Way Up High in the Apple Tree” is one of my all time old favorite finger plays. I have been using it since I started out as a preschool teacher over 20 years ago. If you don’t know this simple rhyme, let me share it with you…

Way up high in the apple tree,

Five red apples smiled at me.

I shook that tree as hard as I could,

Dooowwwwwwwn came an apple….

Mmmm, it was good!

Repeat the rhyme until all the apples are off of the tree!

Use Movement to Act out the Rhyme

I like letting the children say this rhyme first by just using our hands. We act out the rhyme by shaking our tree and making our hands go down to the ground as each apple falls down.

Use Repetition

Then we repeat the rhyme using the flannel board. Each child takes a turn removing an apple from the tree.

Add Expression

Be sure to use lots of expression when sharing fingerplays and rhymes with your students. We only have one sad little apple left on that tree…

Extension Activities

During center time, I leave the felt pieces and the flannel board out where children can give this a try on their own…

Why we Love Fingerplays

Using the flannel board with your fingerplays is a great way to teach rhymes in preschool and build a child’s memory of those rhymes. Do you have a favorite apple rhyme you like to use too? Perhaps you can teach me a new one to add to my list!

Links to grow on..

See how you can make your own flannel board here.

See a fun book to read with your apple tree rhyme here.

Available on Amazon

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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