Counting and alphabet recitations are generally expected learning experiences in an early kindergarten classroom. However, here at Pacific Northern Academy, we take learning beyond the expected. We believe that it is through authentic learning experiences that “children thrive in experiential and interactive learning environments, rather than sitting stagnant memorizing information.” https://www.pacificnorthern.org/learning/ Authentic learning experiences are generally hands-on, real-world, experiences that allow students to learn by doing rather than “just memorizing.” Authentic lessons are designed to connect learning to students’ everyday living experiences. What could be more everyday than an apple?

For the past few weeks in the Orcas pod students have been studying apples. Apples are a common, everyday object in the students’ lives. Not only do students frequently bring apples and apple treats to school in their lunch boxes but apples are also a part of the advent of Autumn. Using apples as the centerpiece of the unit allows students to discuss such science topics as the life cycle of a plant, where food comes from, and the fall harvest. During the apple unit students have practiced language and vocabulary acquisition as they described red and green apples. They honed math skills by counting, adding, and subtracting groups of apples. They learned categorization skills by comparing color, texture, hardness, weight, and size of various apples. Students especially loved developing motor skills as they used a real butter knife to cut open an apple and count how many seeds were inside. While dissecting apples they expanded their vocabulary in diagramming the anatomy of an apple. They discussed their favorite apple treats, applesauce being the preferred among the students. This discovery led to the end-of-the-week culminating authentic experience of making their very own applesauce.

The students were absolutely thrilled to take part in a real-world cooking creation. Applesauce is a very common treat in most of their lunches but rarely have they had a chance to see how it is really made. Using the Johnny Apple Peeler was a treat in itself for the students. Not only did this delightful activity give them an opportunity to strengthen motor and muscle skills but they also practiced their social and emotional skills of taking turns and using safe bodies while the mechanism was in use. Students were fascinated watching the skin peel off the apples. They excitedly demonstrated their apple vocabulary as they identified the skin, flesh, core, and seeds of the apples. They were given the opportunity to choose either a red or a green apple to peel and eagerly compared the sizes of the apples they chose. As they helped measure out the added ingredients of water, lemon juice, and cinnamon the students got to witness and participate in real-world math by following a recipe. Lastly, the experience was a feast for the senses as the delicious scent of cooking apples wafted through the classroom while they patiently waited to really feast on our very own applesauce. They even demonstrated self restraint by blowing on the warm sauce to cool it for eating. The joy on their faces when they consumed their favorite apple treat of their very own making was priceless. Though it may take a bit more planning and preparation, authentic learning experiences are always worth the effort.

To learn more about authentic learning please visit https://www.edglossary.org/authentic-learning/