Now that it is officially fall, Bell Top Elementary School has begun apple cider production in the Learning Barn behind school. First grade students in Melanie Lyte and Sarah Lussier’s classes worked together to make the first batch of homemade apple cider on Monday morning, continuing a nearly 30-year tradition at the school.
Students worked together to wash apples in buckets of water, crush the apples in the cider press and then pour the cider into small bottles. Once the cider was in the bottles, students inspected the cider and then slapped a Learning Barn Apple Cider sticker onto each bottle.
During the hands-on activity, students learned about simple machines and they completed accompanying math and ELA work in the classroom.
“I love to see the excitement and wonder the process brings out in children,” said Mrs. Lyte. “It’s a great learning opportunity, and lots of fun!”
Students enjoyed Learning Barn Apple Cider at snack and even got to take a bottle of it home with them.
Throughout the fall, classes from around the East Greenbush Central School District will visit the Bell Top Learning Barn to make their own apple cider.
Special thanks to Mrs. Lyte for coordinating this fun activity each year and to our parent volunteers who help make it possible!