Little Vikings pre-kindergarteners get hands-on with cranberries

Little Vikings prekindergarteners in Julia Ewing’s class centered a day of learning around one of fall’s iconic fruits – the cranberry. Through a series of interactive, sensory-rich activities, students were able to explore cranberries from plant to plate, gaining early science, literacy and observational skills along the way.

The day began with a read-aloud focused on cranberries, giving students an engaging introduction to the fruit’s characteristics, uses and place in fall traditions. Building on that foundation, the class watched an age-appropriate video showcasing how cranberries grow in bogs and how they are harvested, an eye-opening look at a process many had never seen before.

Students then moved into hands-on exploration at the sensory bin, where they predicted and tested whether cranberries float or sink in water. This simple experiment sparked excitement and conversation as students practiced making hypotheses, observing outcomes and sharing discoveries with classmates.

To complete the experience, the class enjoyed a taste-testing activity featuring dried cranberries and cranberry juice. For many students, this was their first opportunity to sample the fruit in different forms, and the tasting prompted enthusiastic reactions, thoughtful comparisons and plenty of smiles.

The themed day not only celebrated the flavors of fall but also supported early learning through literacy, science exploration, sensory play and social interaction.