Apple Tree Count: Math Game for Preschool and Kindergarten

Thanks for your interest in and questions regarding my Apple Tree Count. The two spinners that are included with the product are the number portions of the spinner. The mechanism is not included. I cut out the center hole and attach a spinner mechanism that I purchase at United Art and Education, but you can also create a mechanism from a brad and a paper clip. Here is an excerpt from the directions on the product:

Spinner:
If you use a traditional 1-6 die, a game can be over with only two rolls of the die. So, I often make a die by drawing 1-3 dots on a small cube-shaped block. I have also included two spinners that you can print. Spinner A is for an easier game while Spinner B is for more advanced play. I use a 4” spinner that I purchased at United Art and Education http://www.unitednow.com/product/3528/game-spinners.aspx . You can also make a spinner with a brad and paper clip as shown on this link http://ccfungames.edublogs.org/2010/09/09/paper-plate-spinner/

You can add Velcro to the apple tree and to the back of the apple counter if you want to attach the apples to the tree. When we use the game in our preschool, the children simply cover the apples on the tree with apple counters. I usually cut out and laminate counters and then hot glue them to the top of milk caps. This makes them a little easier for little hands to handle. Here are the directions from the product:

Game Pieces:
You will need 10 apple counters for each game board. Little apple ornaments or erasers can be used as counters, but I have also included printable counters that you can use. I find that attaching the printable counter to something makes them easier for little hands to grasp and move. The printable apple counters are sized to fit perfectly on the lid of a milk jug. WARNING: USING SMALL LIDS IS A CHOCKING HAZARD AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3. When I apply the game pieces to a lid I simply laminate, trim on the dotted lines, and attach to the appropriate sized lid with a hot glue gun. Instead of attaching printable game tokens to lids, I sometimes back them with self adhesive foam to give them a little bulk. You may also wish to apply velcro to both the back of laminated game pieces and on each apple on the game board.

I hope this helps answer some of your questions. Please let me know if I can help with anything else.

-Jennifer