Apples are one of my favorite themes to use in the fall. They’re hands-on, familiar, and naturally connect to science, literacy, and math. One of the best ways to start an apple unit is with a read aloud that learners love, The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall.
This story follows the seasons of an apple tree and ends with a delicious apple pie. It’s perfect for engaging prior knowledge, talking about the seasons, and building excitement for apple-themed learning.
Free Apple Pie Reader
To go along with The Apple Pie Tree, I created a free Apple Pie Reader that’s simple to prep and fun to use. This freebie includes:
- Apple-shaped book — craft-style format that makes a great keepsake.
- Half-page reader — a quick option for fluency practice and take-home reading.
Both versions give learners the chance to practice sight words, sequencing, and fluency while staying connected to your apple theme.
How to Use the Apple Pie Reader
Read Aloud
Begin with The Apple Pie Tree. Ask learners to share their own experiences with apples, orchards, or baking.
Build the Reader
Learners assemble the apple emergent reader. Choose the apple-shaped version for a craft connection or the half-page format for a quick option.
Read Together
First, read as a class. Next, let learners read with a partner or small group. Finally, encourage them to take their readers home and share with family.
Extend Learning
Use the reader to spark writing prompts such as “My favorite apple treat is…” or to practice sequencing the seasons of an apple tree.
Extend Your Apple Unit
The Apple Pie Reader is just one way to bring apples into your classroom. For more ideas, check out:
- Apple Thematic Unit post — literacy, math, and science activities bundled for you
- Apple Science Investigation post — hands-on investigations that make science exciting
Other ideas you can try:
Explore more apple-themed read alouds to build background knowledge.
Find my favorite apple items on my Apple Thematic Unit Amazon list.
Build an apple lapbook to review throughout the year.
Get the Complete Apple Thematic Unit
This free apple emergent reader is a great way to start, but if you want everything in one place, my Apple Thematic Unit has you covered. Inside you’ll find:
- Science lesson plans
- Literacy centers
- Math centers
- Crafts and recording sheets
With everything planned and ready to go, you can focus on teaching and let learners dive into a week of engaging, cross-curricular apple fun.
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Grab the free Apple Pie Reader today, then explore the full Apple Thematic Unit to make your apple week complete.
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