Preschoolers from the Cooperative Nursery School on Lincoln Drive went on an apple-tasting adventure this fall to Weavers Way Mt. Airy. With the help of Produce Manager Jean Mackenzie, they tried three types of apples — the green Mutsu, the sweet Pinata and the old-fashioned Smokehouse.

In the days leading up to their Oct. 19 field trip, the students read some books about apples and learned some songs about them. They talked about what they already knew about apples and apple trees.

On that Thursday morning, the children, teachers and a handful of parents put on their hats and coats and lined up at the gate to begin their journey. They walked through the woods, past the Upsal train station and down Greene Street and up again. North’s mother Jessica led the way and the students followed, each holding onto a buddy’s hand. By the time they made it to the Co-op, many jackets had been unzipped and the adults were huffing and puffing. The sun and exercise warmed everyone up.

The large group made itself comfortable on the sidewalk outside The Mercantile while Teacher Leah took the first group of five students into the main store. Miss Jean hosted the apple-tasting right in front of the apple bins, slicing and offering apple pieces to the children as customers shopped. 

Each student described the taste, color and texture of the apples they tried, and selected their favorites. Since many of them are regular shoppers at Weavers Way, they were not surprised that there are many kinds of apples. But they were excited to learn new names and share the experience with their friends and teachers.

Each group of students had their turn to come into the store with a teacher and a parent to sample Miss Jean’s apples. Reaching for a third apple to share, Evan Dave whispered to Teacher Leah: “She is so generous!”

While waiting for their classmates, the other children stayed busy outside: Teacher Pam led them in singing; Teacher Kerry shared some stories and helped get the wiggles out by playing a game of “Simon says.” They also snacked on ginger cookies and drank apple cider out of tiny paper cups.

Miss Pam of Moving Arts of Mt. Airy let the children explore her secret garden, with its little pathways, pond and many decorative bird feeders. The children were delighted to get a peek behind the familiar fence across the street from the Co-op. Some students also enjoyed taking turns on Miss Pam’s old rocking horses.

All too soon, it was time for the return journey. The students left with a big pile of apples that they turned into applesauce and apple cake the next day at school. 

Weavers Way member Nandini Deo is a Cooperative Nursery School parent.

Setting out through the woods.

Looking both ways is a must when crossing at Greene Street.

The sidewalk outside The Mercantile is a perfect staging spot (provided the weather is nice).

Produce Manager Jean Mackenzie, left, is an old hand at sampling apples.

Some people judge apples by the way they look.

The return walk.