English Language Arts: Applying Knowledge and Language Skills

K-12: Standard 6

• Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and non-print texts.

K-12: Standard 12

• Students use spoken, written and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion and the exchange of information).

Standards for the English Language Arts, by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English, Copyright 1996 by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Reprinted with permission.

Source: NCTE/IRA Standards for the English Language Arts

Fine Arts: Visual Arts

K-4 Standard 1: Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques and Processes

• Students use different media, techniques and processes to communicate ideas, experiences and stories.

K-4 Standard 3: Choosing and Evaluating a Range of Subject Matter, Symbols and Ideas

• Students select and use subject matter, symbols and ideas to communicate meaning.

Source: National Standards for Arts Education

Create unique Apple wreaths to teach students about adjectives. Students can explore the many ways of describing an Apple with their own wreaths. Consider expanding on this idea with lessons on nouns or verbs. Celebrate student work by decorating the class with these colorful projects.

Supplies Used: Cardstock, Chalk, Crayons, Glue, Pen, Scissors, Tape

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Cut an 8 1/4" circle from cardstock or Grafix Chipboard. Cut a 6 1/4" circle inside the larger circle, leaving a 1" wide ring. Alternately, two ridged paper plates may be glued together with the center cut out to make a ring.
2. Die-cut three red, two light green and three dark green AllStar Apple using cardstock or construction paper.
3. Place eight various shades of brown paper over the leaf and stem area of the Apple and die-cut. Cut the stems and adhere to the Apples (see Main Photo).
4. Place eight various shades of green paper over the leaf area of the Apple and die-cut. Cut the leaves and adhere to the stem on the Apples.
5. Use chalk or crayons for highlights.
6. Adhere the Apples to the ring.
7. Cut eight small rectangles from white paper and write different adjectives on each. Adhere the adjectives to the Apples.
8. Each student can make a wreath to describe an apple, or the whole class may participate and hang the Apple wreath on the bulletin board.