How Many Seeds?

Mathematics

Children will write numbers on pictures of apples, and then show their understanding of each number's value by putting the corresponding number of seeds on each apple.

What You Need

Apple Shape 1, 2 (PDF file print and copy)
Apple Shape 3, 4 (PDF file print and copy)
Apple Shape 5, 6 (PDF file print and copy)
counting tape
apple, cut in half
seeds
glue
crayons
stapler
yarn

The following items are optional:

leaves
stems
red apple skin

What to Do

Write a number from 1 to 6 on a board, or point to a number on the counting tape. Ask a volunteer to tell what the number is. Then ask another volunteer to show what the number means, using objects placed on a table or dots written on the board. Repeat with one or two more numbers. Then ask children to count with you from 1 to 10. As you count, write the numbers in order on the board, or point to the numbers on the counting tape.
Display an apple cut in half, to show the seeds inside. Tell children that they are going to make pictures of apples that show different numbers of seeds.
Distribute the seeds and the glue, and give children copies of the Apple Shape with one dot on it. Have each child glue a seed onto the dot. Then ask, “How many seeds is that?” Assist children in tracing the number 1 on the apple shape. Continue with the remaining apple shapes.
Have children decorate their apple shapes with leaves, stems, and red skin if they wish. Then have the class count aloud while they line up their apples in numerical order. Have them create number books by stapling the pages together or connecting them with yarn, in order. Children can read these books to one another and bring them home to share with their families.

Teaching Options

You may want to have children play a game with the apples before putting them in a book. Have one child mix up the order of a set of apples and then have a partner put them back in order.
You may want to create more apples and add them to the books as children learn greater numbers.