teaching resource

Apple Activities - Short and Long Vowel Sort

  • Updated

    Updated:  30 Aug 2023

Supplement your phonics lessons with an apple-themed initial sound sorting activity.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  16 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  K - 1

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teaching resource

Apple Activities - Short and Long Vowel Sort

  • Updated

    Updated:  30 Aug 2023

Supplement your phonics lessons with an apple-themed initial sound sorting activity.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  16 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  K - 1

Supplement your phonics lessons with an apple-themed initial sound sorting activity.

Apple Activities for Kindergarten Fall Fun

Fall is nearing, and it’s time to head for the apple orchards and pumpkin farms! We’re here to help bring a bit of fall into the classroom with an apple-themed short and long vowel sorting activity.

Fall Activity Preparation

  • Cut out each apple basket and set of apples. The apples have been color coded for ease of use. Red apples all contain short vowel sounds, while green apples contain long vowel sounds. 
  • Based on your student’s needs, place the corresponding set of apple cards and apple baskets into a literacy center, or bring them into a small group setting for individual practice.

For student accountability, we have also included a recording sheet for them to complete during their time with this activity. The recording sheet prompt encourages students to spell/write the words as they sort and graph their data by coloring in a bar graph. It’s the perfect mixture of math and reading!

Knowing vowel letters and their corresponding short and long sounds is critical when learning to spell or read. By doing this activity, students will demonstrate their understanding that vowels have differing short and long vowel sounds. The resource also promotes an awareness of common spelling patterns.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Phonics lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use any of our other vowel games to enhance learning through guided reading groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

  • Complete activities in small group or one-to-one learning environments.
  • Reduce the number of cards or blends required to complete the sorting activity.
  • Additionally, provide access to previous assignments, posters, and anchor charts for students to recall past lessons.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

  • Students choose two words from the vowel baskets to use in a sentence.
  • Students write a list of their own words that match the vowel groups. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 


This resource was created by Lisamarie Del Valle, a teacher in Florida and Teach Starter collaborator.

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