Today’s #PoetryFriday is hosted by Linda at TeacherDance
Snack time in kindergarten is a coveted time. On most Thursdays, a fresh fruit or vegetable snack is delivered to our classrooms from our school district’s central kitchen. Today’s snack was something altogether new to my students.
The Grāpple. Have you heard of this unique fruit? They come from the state of Washington, and are an apple that basically has been infused with food-grade grape flavor through a sort of bathing process. It’s quite a fascinating process that you can learn all about here. Basically, they are an apple that tastes like a grape – no kidding!
As we were munching on our apple slices, a few kids commented that they smelled something in the room. I told them that was from the grāpples. As I explained the process to them, we began talking about how tasty they were. I told them to close their eyes and asked them what color came to their mind as they were eating. A few said blue, and I told them I saw purple while I ate mine.
We continued visiting about how much we liked them and how unique they were, this half grape/half apple snack. Suddenly inspired, I proposed to them, “We should write a poem about the grāpple!” To which they enthusiastically responded, “YES, YES!”
Keep in mind, this would only be my second attempt at an interactive poetry writing experience with my students. I wasn’t entirely sure how it would work out; I am still new myself to writing poetry, so imagine what it might look like as I lead 18 six year-olds through the process. Seasoned teachers of poetry, you might shudder if you were a fly on the wall…
To clarify, they are not entirely new to the genre of poetry; I have been reading poems to them nearly every day for a better part of this school year. A few kids have dabbled in writing a poem here and there, but for the most part their experience has been nearly all receptive. As we launched into writing, I reminded them of what we have noticed about poetry: short sentences with powerful descriptive words.
I must admit, I was genuinely surprised at the high level of engagement I saw in everyone. Even my students who I consider struggling readers and/or writers contributed to the process. It was as if they had come to life in this endeavor!
While not a piece of poetic genius, I think they gave great thought and consideration to the ideas they shared, and welcomed my support along the way with suggestions for upping the descriptive word choices here and there.
With that, I proudly present our ode to the Grāpple:
Suh a wonderful sensory experience for you and your students. I love that you capture the sense of wonder. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it was a lot of fun to have something right there in their hands that we could think about and write about
LikeLike
I love the line “it poofs grapple juice.” Now, I want to try one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That line came directly from the kids! No editing necessary
LikeLike
Wonderful that they used the word ‘poofs’. I will remember when I smell something good! I’ve never heard of a ‘grapple’-interesting. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, when one student said the word, it was like a ripple effect. Everyone wanted that word in the poem!
LikeLike
Well, I’m so glad I stopped by — never heard of grapples before — how cool. Love that you and your students wrote a poem together about it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great class poem! And the experience of trying a new fruit is even more special for them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m intrigued by the grāpple! I love how you seized the opportunity to write a poem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish that I didn’t just have a “like” button, but also a “love” button for this post! What a fun writing experience for your kindergarten authors!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never heard of a grapple before. I loved that it somehow became a seed for a poem with your class. And that last line is definitely a keeper!
LikeLiked by 1 person
100% kinders! Welcome to my world
LikeLike
What fun, Dani, using a delicious fruit that poofs and bursts of juice for a poetry writing experience. Good job, little ones. Thinking of little ones, my grandbaby is on a skiing vacation with her Mommy and Daddy in Montano. How beautiful the scenery is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so thrilled with their enthusiasm for writing this together. Gives me renewed excitement and hope did a successful April where we will focus on writing poetry
LikeLike
They made a such a great poem. I have never heard of a grapple.. but it sounds delish!
LikeLike
Lovely poem Dani, this line is wonderful, ” it tastes sweet like a rainbow,” while at the same time, “it’s like a volcano in my mouth,” and all inspired by this amazing new fruit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And straight from the mouths of 6 year-olds! They really amazed me with their creativity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved the poem and process!
Not happy about Grapples, though – they aren’t a new fruit, just a messed with fruit. Food grade Grape flavor added – even though no more sugar and calories – infusing with other flavors seems like not a good trend. Apples used to taste pretty good all on their own. However, some of the flavors have been reduced in fruits now due to them being picked unripened for safer and longer shipping.
I apologize for hopping up on my soap-box, but it seems another “virtual reality” kind of gimmick – taking us away from the real, for the better surreal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I certainly can understand your position. It is a shame our food is not what it used to be in so many ways
LikeLike
What a great poetry experience for you and your students. And I learned something new. I’ve never heard of grapples before. Now I want to taste one for myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They really are quite tasty! I brought a few home to my husband and he’s loving them.
LikeLike