Peach Tree Orchard

Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Preschool Fun With Fruits and Vegetables

Booklet 6
Close your eyes, tip your head back, and breathe in the sweetly scented air at Peach Tree Orchard. Look 

high above your head to find this fuzzy-skinned fruit. Children will reach new heights as they experience 

how a peach looks, feels, tastes, and smells. Peach Tree Orchard highlights how peaches grow from pits into 

trees. Then, the trees grow peaches that are picked and shipped to farmers’ markets and stores. Youngsters’ 

taste buds are treated to fresh peaches and peaches in delicious recipes. The learning and tasting experiences 

branch out further through Growing at Home activities.

What’s Inside

Peach Tree Orchard Lessons

Planning Chart for Organizing the Peach Tree Orchard Activities.......................................................................................1

A: Teach About Peach Hands-On Activities..................................................................................................................................2

1. Something Feels Fuzzy.........................................................................................................................................................................2

2. Peach...A Look Inside.........................................................................................................................................................................4

B: Peach...Where Do You Come From? Planting Activities.......................................................................................................6

1. Peach Trees Grow From Pits............................................................................................................................................................6

2. Make and Grow a Pretend Peach Tree......................................................................................................................................8

C: Peach Stories and Songs...............................................................................................................................................................12

1. Cool Puppy Pup’s Peach Lunch Party Video........................................................................................................................12

2. Reading Activity ....................................................................................................................................................................................14

3. Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Peach Style.............................................................................................................................16

D: Introducing MyPlate Nutrition Education Activities.........................................................................................................18

1. Reach for the Peach...........................................................................................................................................................................18

2. Party with Peaches..............................................................................................................................................................................24

a. Peach Muffins with Oatmeal Topping................................................................................................................................26

Growing at Home Materials

Peach Growing at Home #1

1. Letter to Home #1............................................................................................................................................................................28

2. Peaches Ala Mode Recipe..............................................................................................................................................................29

3. Peachy Picture Frame Activity......................................................................................................................................................30

Peach Growing at Home #2

1. Letter to Home #2............................................................................................................................................................................31

2. Peach Cobbler Recipe ......................................................................................................................................................................32

3. Peaches Grow On Trees! Activity...............................................................................................................................................33

Peach Growing at Home #3

1. Letter to Home #3............................................................................................................................................................................34

2. Peach Muffins with Oatmeal Topping Recipe......................................................................................................................35

3. Peaches Taste Good Any Way You Eat Them! Activity....................................................................................................36

Welcome to...

Peach Tree Orchard at Tasty Acres Farm! 
2 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

A Plan For Organizing the Peach Tree Orchard Activities

Check with local farms and farmers’ markets to find out when 

peaches are in peak season. Learning about peaches is fun and seeing 

peaches growing makes a great orchard field trip for preschoolers. If 

an orchard is not nearby, have the children visit a produce stand or 

farmers’ market to see fresh peaches.

The Peach Orchard lesson plan is designed to be used in its entirety 

but if your center does not have the time, space, or resources to 

do all the activities, select the activities best suited to your center’s 

environment and available resources from Section A: hands-on 

activities, Section B: planting activities, Section C: peach stories and 

songs, and Section D: nutrition education activities. Be sure that the 

activities you choose help the children meet the objectives listed at 

the beginning of each lesson plan section. 

Here is one way to arrange the activities in your Peach Tree Orchard. 

Most activities require only 10-15 minutes; pick a few for each day. In 

this example, all of the activities from the lesson plans are completed, 

but spaced out over a 5-day period. Additionally, two activities from 

the Garden Art and Crafts Section in Booklet 1are added. These 

activities are fun and useful ways to help reinforce the objectives of 

each activity. On page 19, it gives tips for creating successful projects 

and ideas for harvesting fun month after month. The Garden Art and 

Crafts chart connects the art and crafts to the lesson activities.

Most activities require 

only 10-15 minutes; 

pick a few for each 

day. In this example, 

all of the activities 

from the lesson 

plans are completed, 

but spaced out over 

a 5-day period.
Peach Tree Orchard 1

Planning Chart for Peach Tree Orchard Activities

Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

A1 

Something Feels Fuzzy 

Hands-on Activity

B2

Make and Grow a 

Pretend Peach Tree 

Activity

B2

Make and Grow a 

Pretend Peach Tree 

Activity

B2

Make and Grow a 

Pretend Peach Tree 

Activity

B2 

Make and Grow 

a Pretend Peach Tree 

Activity

B2

Make items for 

Pretend Peach Tree

A2 

Peach...A Look Inside

Hands-on Activity

C1

Cool Puppy Pup Video

Garden Seed Art D1

Reach for the 

Peach Nutrition 

Education Activity

B2*

Make and Grow a 

Pretend Peach Tree

Activity

B1

Peach Trees

Grow from Pits 

Planting Activity

Garden Art

Produce Placemats C3 

Old MacDonald 

Had a Farm Song, 

Peach Style

D2 

Party With 

Peaches Nutrition 

Education Activity

Send Home 

Growing at Home 

Materials #1 

C3

Old MacDonald Had

a Farm Song, 

Peach Style

Send Home 

Growing at Home 

Materials #2

C2 

Reading Activity

Send Home 

Growing at Home 

Materials #3

*This plan includes how to show the growth of the peach tree (B2) over a week. If desired, do B2 as a 

single day activity on Day 3 and send Peach Growing at Home Materials #2 home at the end of that day.

Revisit the Farm: Rainy Day Fun All Year Long 

When the weather changes your outdoor plans, the activities from Tasty Acres Farm provide a welcome 

opportunity to revisit and remember all the fun and flavor of Grow It, Try It, Like It! Sing the songs, watch 

the video segments, and use the Garden Art and Crafts Section in Booklet 1 for ideas. Make a rainy day 

one to reconnect with these fruits and vegetables. 

More Ways to Grow – The Peach Tree Orchard unit can be included in other areas of the curriculum. 

Complementary themes include:

Foods – Fruits Colors – Yellow, Orange Seasons – Summer Opposites – Inside & Outside

Plants – Trees, Blossoms, Pits Alphabet – P Words Shapes – Round Body – Senses 
2 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Materials Needed

< A peach, whole and washed 

< Container of peach pieces, at 

least one piece per child

< Napkins and spoons

< Mystery Box/Bag 

< Paper and pencil 

< Tennis ball (optional)

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Wash peaches; prepare bitesize pieces; keep pieces out 

of sight.

< Place a clean, fresh peach in 

the Mystery Box/Bag.

< Make copies of Peach 

Growing at Home #1–one 

set per child.

< Review Make a Mystery Box 

or Bag (see Booklet 1,Tool 

Shed Resources, page 45).

A. Teach About Peach

Hands-On Activities

Growing at Home Introduction Letter and Hand Washing and Polite 

Tasting Guidelines: Send a copy of these resources home before 

starting the first unit from Grow It, Try It, Like It! If you have 

already sent these resources home, you may omit this step. (See 

Booklet 1,Tool Shed Resources, page 42-44.) 

Peach Growing at Home #1: Send a copy of this resource home 

with each child at the start of the Section A activities.

A1: Something Feels Fuzzy 

Use the Mystery Box/Bag to create interest. The children feel the 

outside of a peach before revealing the “mystery” item to all.

Objectives

The children will be able to: 

< Identify a peach as a lightweight, round fruit;

< Describe the outward appearance and smell of a peach.

Before the Activity–Hand Washing and Polite Tasting

< Explain that we should always wash our hands before 

preparing and eating food. Have the children wash their 

hands (see Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 43, 

for directions).

< If this is the first activity involving food tasting, talk with the 

children about polite food tasting habits (see Booklet 1, 

Tool Shed Resources, page 44 for details).
Peach Tree Orchard 3

The Activity

< Introduce the Mystery Box/Bag, or reintroduce if you have 

used it before. 

< One at a time, ask each child to come and feel inside the box 

or bag without looking. If a child seems afraid, feel inside the 

box/bag with the child. 

< Ask each child to describe quietly to you what he/she feels. 

< After everyone has guessed, reveal the peach. Let each child 

hold the peach, if desired. 

< Note the children’s guesses that were close (round, a plant, 

food) or correct (a peach).

< Talk about the peach. Ask the questions below and any other 

questions you like.

▶ Is a peach a fruit or a vegetable? (Fruit)

▶ What shape is it? (Round, like a ball)

▶ What color is the outside? (Yellow and red)

▶ How does the outside of it feel? (Fuzzy like a baby chick 

or a tennis ball)

▶ Does it have a smell? (May have no smell or smell sweet 

like a flower)

▶ Is it light or heavy? (Small, round, and light like a tennis 

ball–let the children feel the tennis ball, if available)

▶ Has anyone ever tasted a peach? (Yes or No)

Activity Conclusion–Tasting

< Conclude the lesson by offering the children a piece of a 

peach to taste. 

< Give each child a piece on a spoon and a napkin. 

< As necessary, remind children how the group follows polite 

tasting manners. 

Words to Grow

Round Fuzzy

Light (weight) Yellow

Red Fruit

Activity Length: 

15 minutes
4 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

A2: Peach...A Look Inside 

Engage all the senses! The children see and feel the inside of a 

peach, then smell and taste it.

Objectives

The children will be able to: 

< Describe the appearance, smell, and taste of a peach;

< Tell that all of the peach can be eaten except the pit.

Before the Activity–Hand Washing 

Explain that we should always wash our hands before preparing 

and eating food. Have the children wash their hands (see Materials Needed Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 43 for directions).

< A peach (can be the one used 

in Activity A1 if not bruised) 

< Sharp knife

< Cutting board 

< Damp cloth and dry towel for 

wiping and drying hands after 

exploring the peach

< Paper plates and napkins, one 

each per child

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Prepare the peach–wash the 

outside of a peach well.

< Assemble supplies in a central 

area; keep the knife in a safe 

place until ready to use.

The Activity

< Have the children gather around the area with the peach and 

cutting board. Review with children how to be safe around 

sharp knives: only adults use them, children keep their hands 

away, and do not touch sharp knives. 

< Review with the children what they learned about a peach in 

Activity A1. If you didn’t do Activity A1, tell the children you 

have a peach to share with them today. 

< Tell the children we have to wash the outside of a peach 

with lots of water to remove soil and germs before we cut it 

open. Tell the children you have already washed the peach. 

< Cut the peach in half to reveal the inside. Have paper towel 

handy to wipe up extra juices. Let the children know they will 

get to touch the peach half with the pit in a few minutes.

▶ Cut the peach half without the pit into small slices with 

the skin intact; make enough slices for one per child 

present. 

< On a plate, give each child a small slice of a peach to look at, 

touch, and smell.

Activity Length: 

15 minutes
Peach Tree Orchard 5

Words to Grow

Fuzzy Smooth

Pit Rough 

Hard Juicy 

Sweet

Connection to Garden 

Art and Crafts

Garden Seed Art: Decorate a 

peach shape with yellow, orange, 

and red seeds. Try popcorn and 

millet for yellow, dye pumpkin 

seeds orange, and use red lentils 

for red (see Booklet 1, Garden Art 

and Crafts Section, page 34).

Tips: Save the pit for use in 

Activity B1. Discard any pieces 

of a peach that have been touched 

but not eaten. 

Dip any remaining untouched 

peach in a mixture of 1 teaspoon 

lemon juice mixed in 1 cup of 

water. Cover and refrigerate 

for use in the next day or two in 

future activities or snacks.

Activity continued...

< Talk with the children about the inside of the peach. Lead 

the children through the questions below and ask additional 

questions if you like.

▶ How does the outside of the peach feel? (Fuzzy)

▶ What color is on the inside of the peach? (Light orange) 

▶ What was in the center of the peach? (A large seed called 

the pit that is not eaten) 

▶ How does the inside flesh feel? (Cool and smooth) 

▶ How does the peach smell? (Sweet) 

Tasting Activity 

< Invite the children to taste the peach. (Note–if desired make 

additional peach slices available for seconds.)

▶ How does the peach feel in their mouth? 

(Smooth and juicy)

▶ How does the peach taste? (Sweet)

< After everyone has sampled a peach slice, invite the children 

to feel the half peach with the pit intact. After everyone has 

explored the pit, ask the children what differences they felt 

between the flesh of the peach and the pit.

▶ How does the pit feel? (Rough and hard) 

< After the children have felt the peach and pit, have the 

children wash their hands (see Booklet1, Tool Shed 

Resources, page 43 for directions).
6 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Peach Growing at Home #2: Send a copy of this resource home 

with each child at the start of the Section B activities.

B1: Peach Trees Grow From Pits

The children see and touch peach pits. They learn that peach 

trees grow in an orchard.

Objectives 

The children will be able to: 

< Describe how peaches grow from a pit into a tree that 

produces peaches;

< Describe the resources needed to grow peaches.

Optional Activity: Visit a local farm or nursery and see how 

peaches grow.

Materials Needed

< Peach pits, at least two

< Drawings of peaches growing 

on trees and in a grocery 

store (see Booklet1, Tool Shed 

Resources, page 69-70)

< Plates and napkins

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Assemble materials in a 

central area.

< Make copies of Peach 

Growing at Home #2–one 

set per child.

< Plan to serve Peach Cobbler 

or peaches in some form at 

meal or snack time (see Peach 

Cobbler Recipe, page 33).

B. Peach...

Where Do You Come From? 

Planting Activities
Peach Tree Orchard 7

Activity Length: 

10 minutes

The Activity

< Tell the children that today they will learn how peaches 

grow. Show the children the peach pits. 

< Pass the pits around. Let the children touch and count 

the pits. 

< Explain that the peach pits are seeds. They are planted in 

the soil. Explain that the sun and rain help the pits grow 

into trees that stand above the ground. It takes a long time, 

at least 3 years, for a peach tree to grow big enough to 

produce a peach. Compare this length of time to the ages 

of the children. 

< Show drawing of a peach tree growing in an orchard.

< Explain that an orchard is a field where many trees that 

produce fruits and nuts grow.

< When the trees are at least 3 years old, flowers called 

blossoms appear on the trees in the spring of the year. 

Where the blossoms were on the tree, peaches will grow 

during the summer. 

< Explain that the peach is ripe when the skin becomes a nice 

shade of yellow/red and the peach feels firm. 

< Explain that when peaches are ripe, they are picked from the 

trees. The peaches are taken to a store or a farmers’ market 

where people buy them and take them home to eat. Show 

the drawing of peaches at the grocery store.

< Have the children wash their hands (see Booklet 1,Tool Shed 

Resources, page 43 for hand washing directions).

Activity Connection to Snack or Mealtime

While eating Peach Cobbler or peaches in some form at snack 

or mealtime, talk about how peaches grow (see Booklet 1, Tool 

Shed Resources, Ten Terrific Ways...,page 48).

Connection to Garden 

Art and Crafts

Painted Pots: Have the children make the Painted Pot, (see 

Booklet 1, Garden Art and Crafts 

Section, page 35), and fill the pot 

with peach-scented potpourri for a 

unique gift.

Words to Grow

Pit Soil

Sun Water

Tree Blossom

Peach Orchard
8 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

B2: Make and Grow a Pretend Peach Tree 

The children make a pretend peach tree and learn about the 

growing stages of peaches.

Note: As described, this is a weeklong activity. Should you wish 

to complete this activity in one day, make the materials at the 

beginning of the day. Follow the steps to Grow a Pretend Peach 

Tree throughout the day and end with harvesting peaches at the 

end of the day. See Grow a Pretend Peach Tree Daily Steps at 

the end of the activity to complete on a single day.

Objectives 

The children will be able to: 

< Experience making a pretend peach tree;

< Describe the resources needed to grow peaches.

Option: Paint a tree trunk, limbs, and leaves on a large piece of 

white paper, at least 4 feet in height.

Materials Needed

< Brown paper, at least 4 feet in 

height, cut to look like a tree 

trunk with limbs

< Green paper, cut to look like 

peach leaves

< Peach Blackline Masters, 

include one set per child 

(see Booklet 1, Tool Shed 

Resources, page 78)

< Drawing of peaches (See 

Booklet 1, Tool Shed 

Resources, page 69)

< Crayons, markers, or colored 

pencils (Yellow-green, orange, 

and red)

< Blunt-tip scissors

< Reusable adhesive or double 

stick tape

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Create a paper peach tree and 

attach to a wall. 

< Copy and cut out, from white 

paper, one peach blossom 

per child. 

< Copy and cut out, from yellow 

paper, one set of peaches (2”, 3”, 

4”) per child

< Organize the supplies. 

< Plan to serve peaches in some 

form at snack or mealtime (see 

Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, 

Ten Terrific Ways...,page 48).
Peach Tree Orchard 9

Connection to Garden 

Art and Crafts

Get double duty from the Make a 

Pretend Peach Tree Activity–save the 

large peach to use in the Tasty Acres 

Mobile and add all the fruits and vegetables featured at Tasty Acres Farm 

(see Booklet 1, Garden Art 

and Crafts Section, Tasty Acres 

Mobile, page 31).

The Activity

< Have each child seated at the table(s), near the supplies.

< Tell the children that peaches grow from seeds called peach 

pits that are planted in the ground. The pit needs soil, water, 

sun, and time to grow into a peach tree. 

< When the tree is at least 3 years old, the tree grows flowers 

called peach blossoms every spring. The blossoms fall away 

and peaches grow where the flowers were. At first the 

peaches are small, hard, and slightly yellow-green with some 

orange in color.

< By the middle of summer, the peaches have grown larger, 

are changing in color to have less green and more orange 

and red. 

< By the end of the summer, the large peaches on the tree 

are soft, round, and creamy yellow with orange-red in color. 

Once the peaches are ripe, they are picked and sent to 

stores or farmers’ markets. That is where we buy peaches to 

take home and eat. 

< Tell the children they are going to make a pretend peach 

tree. Show drawing of peaches growing on a tree.

< Ask the children to finish adding color to the yellow paper 

peaches. The smallest peach (2” size) is the least ripe; it 

appears yellow-green with some orange. The medium size 

peach (3” size) is growing and ripening; it appears to have 

a little yellow-green, more orange and the beginning of red 

tones. The largest peach (4” size) is ripe and ready to pick; it 

is yellow-orange with more red. Help any children who 

need assistance. 

< Have the children cut each colored peach from the sheet. 

Help any children who need assistance. Have each child write 

his or her name on the back of each of the three peaches; 

assist any children needing help.

Activity Length: 

15 minutes 

to prepare 

materials; 5 

minutes a day 

to simulate how 

peaches grow
10 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Grow a Pretend Peach Tree...Daily Steps 

< Day 2: Remove the blossoms 

and place the 2” peaches in the 

blossom positions. As the small 

peaches are added, remind 

the children that peaches start 

to grow where the blossoms 

were located on the tree. Talk 

with the children about the 

resources needed for the tree 

to grow peaches (water, sun, 

soil, and time).

< Day 4: Replace the 3” 

peaches with the 4”ones. As 

the large size peaches are 

added, remind the children that 

after peaches reach their full 

size, they ripen on the tree. Talk 

with the children about the 

resources needed for the tree 

to grow peaches (water, sun, 

soil, and time).

< Day 1: Help the children 

attach a peach blossom to the 

tree with reusable adhesive 

or tape. As the blossoms are 

added, remind the children that 

the tree has grown for 3 years 

before it produces blossoms.

< Day 3: Replace the 2” 

peaches with the 3” ones. As 

the medium size peaches are 

added, remind the children that 

peaches grow larger during 

the summer on the tree. Talk 

with the children about the 

resources needed for the tree 

to grow peaches (water, sun, 

soil, and time).
Peach Tree Orchard 11

< Day 5: Continue the lesson 

by celebrating with a pretend 

harvest of the 4” peaches from 

the tree. Talk with the children 

about the resources needed 

for the tree to grow peaches 

(water, sun, soil, and time).
12 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

C1: Cool Puppy Pup’s Peach Lunch Party Video

View Cool Puppy Pup’s Peach Lunch Party segment with the 

children. Discuss the peach facts covered in this delightful video 

and have them try Cool Puppy Pup’s favorite way to eat a peach.

Objective

The children will be able to describe how peaches are grown, 

Materials Needed harvested, and eaten.

< Cool Puppy Pup DVD 

< TV and DVD player

< Fresh peach slices, at least one 

per child

< Plates and napkins

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Cue the DVD to start at the 

Peach segment. 

< Prepare the peach slices.

C. Peach 

Stories and Songs
Peach Tree Orchard 13

Activity Length: 

15 minutes

The Activity

< Gather the children and watch the Peach segment of 

the video.

< After viewing the segment, ask the children to name their 

favorite parts of the video. Use their responses to lead into 

a discussion about the video. During the discussion, include 

the questions below to review Cool Puppy Pup’s main points 

from the video segment. 

< In the video, did Cool Puppy Pup say: 

▶ A peach was a fruit or a vegetable? (Fruit)

▶ What shape is a peach? (Round like a ball)

▶ What color is the outside? (Yellow, orange, and red) 

▶ How does it the feel? (Fuzzy and soft)

▶ Cool Puppy Pup said the inside of a peach is what color? 

(Yellow-orange)

< At Tasty Acres Farm, the farmer talked about how 

peaches grow. 

▶ Do peaches grow above or below the ground? (Above 

the ground on trees in an orchard)

▶ What did he call the large seed inside a peach? (A pit) 

▶ What colors are a peach when it is ripe and picked? 

(Yellow and red)

▶ Where are peaches shipped after they are picked? (To 

stores and farmers’ markets)

< Have the children name some of the ways that a peach can 

be eaten. (In shakes, with cottage cheese and lettuce, in a 

peach pie, or fresh as they are)

< Have the children wash their hands (see Booklet 1,Tool Shed 

Resources, page 43).

< Conclude the activity by telling the children they are going to 

eat a fresh sliced peach, the way that Cool Puppy Pup likes to 

eat a peach best of all.

< Serve the peach slices.

Connection to Garden 

Art and Crafts

Peach Garden Stones: Have 

the children make Peach Garden 

Stones (see Booklet 1, Garden 

Art and Crafts Section, page 36) 

and place them at the base of the 

Pretend Peach Tree (see Activity B2: 

Make and Grow a Pretend Peach 

Tree, page 8-9).
14 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

C2: Reading Activity 

Read story books to the children that are about or include 

the activities of growing and/or eating fruits and vegetables. 

Listening to such stories can encourage children to adopt 

positive behaviors that can last a lifetime, like trying new fruits 

and vegetables.

Objective

Children will describe the fun and interesting stories about fruits 

and/or vegetables that were read to them.

Materials Needed

< Books from a library or 

purchased books

< Space for the children to sit

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Clear a space for the children 

to sit around you.

< Choose a book from 

the Harvest of Books list 

(see Booklet 1, Tool Shed 

Resources, page 50). 

< Select a book you would like 

to read and either borrow it 

from a library or purchase it.

< Use books relevant to fruits 

and vegetables that may 

already be available to you.
Peach Tree Orchard 15

Activity Length: 

10 to 20 minutes 

depending on the 

length of the book

The Activity

< Have the children sit around you as you read them the book. 

< Ask the children to listen for the names of fruits and 

vegetables as the story is read.

Discussion Questions:

< After reading the story, ask the children which fruits and 

vegetables were named in the story and what happened to 

them. For example, 

▶ Where were the fruits and vegetables grown? 

▶ What happened to the fruits and vegetables after they 

were picked? 

▶ Who ate the fruits and vegetables? 

Add other questions that relate to the story. 
16 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

C3: Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Peach Style

The children sing about growing and eating peaches and act out 

the motions to this familiar tune. 

Objectives

The children will be able to:

< Sing and act out motions to a familiar tune; 

< Say that being physically active helps us feel good. 

The Activity

< Lead the children in singing these new words to the tune 

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm” and demonstrate the 

suggested motions or make up new ones. 

< Encourage the children to move about as they are singing.

< Explain that skipping, wiggling, stretching, running, jumping, and 

playing actively every day helps us to feel good and 

stay healthy. 

Activity Length: 

10 minutes

Materials Needed

< Peach lyrics to tune “Old 

MacDonald Had a Farm” 

< Large space for the children 

to move about 

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Become familiar with the 

words and motions of 

the song.
Peach Tree Orchard 17

1st Verse

Old MacDonald had an orchard, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

In this orchard he grew some peaches, EIEIO! (Pretend to carry a basket of peaches)

With a peach tree here and a peach tree there, (Pretend to be trees reaching high 

Here a tree, there a tree, everywhere a peach tree! into the air stretching tall)

Old MacDonald had an orchard, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

2nd Verse

Old MacDonald had an orchard, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

In this orchard he grew some peaches, EIEIO! (Pretend to carry a basket of peaches)

With a blossom here and a blossom there, (Wiggle fingers – blossoms – to the left and 

Here a blossom, there a blossom, everywhere right, moving arms until above head)

peach blossoms!

Old MacDonald had an orchard, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

3rd Verse

Old MacDonald had an orchard, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

In this orchard he grew some peaches, EIEIO! (Pretend to carry a basket of peaches)

With a fuzz, fuzz here, and a fuzz, fuzz there, (Pretend to climb a tree and pick peaches)

Here some fuzz, there some fuzz, everywhere (Pretend to climb a tree and pick peaches)

peach fuzz. 

Old MacDonald had an orchard, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

4th Verse

Old MacDonald had an orchard, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

In this orchard he grew some peaches, EIEIO! (Pretend to carry a basket of peaches)

With a bite, bite here, and a bite, bite there (Pretend to eat peach)

Here a bite, there a bite, everywhere a healthy bite. (Pretend to eat peach)

Old MacDonald had an orchard, EIEIO! (Skip in place)

Old MacDonald Had a Farm, 

Peach Style

The children sing about growing and eating peaches and act out 

motions to this familiar tune. 
18 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Peach Growing at Home #3: Send a copy of this resource home 

with each child at the start of the Section D activities.

D1. Reach for the Peach 

Introduce the children to the Eat Smart To Play Hard With 

MyPlate poster. The children find a peach and other fruits with 

pits in the Fruits group. They taste the difference between an 

apricot, a nectarine, and a peach.

Objectives

The children will be able to: 

< Say that peaches are found in the Fruits group.

< Say that eating fruits like peaches help keep us healthy; 

< Compare peaches to nectarines and/or apricots (other fruits 

with a pit or stone);

< Say that being physically active every day helps us feel good 

and is fun;

< Say that eating foods from the different food groups each 

day helps us grow and be healthy; 

< Identify a food from each of the five food groups.

Before the Activity-Hand Washing and Polite Tasting

< Explain that we always wash our hands before preparing and 

eating food. Have the children wash their hands (see Booklet 

1, Tool Shed Resources, page 43, for directions).

< If necessary, remind the children about polite food tasting 

habits (see Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 44 for details).

Materials Needed

< Eat Smart To Play Hard With 

MyPlate poster (see Booklet 1)

< Peaches, nectarines and/or 

apricots, at least two each

< Spoons, plates, and napkins

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Review the foods and activities 

depicted on the poster. 

< Display the poster. 

< Add a photo or illustration of a 

cantaloupe to the Fruits group 

of the poster. 

< Slice a peach, nectarine, 

and/or an apricot in half with 

the pit intact in one half. Put 

halves back together to make 

a whole piece of fruit to use in 

the activity.

< Prepare bite-size pieces of 

peach, nectarine, and/or apricot. 

< Make copies of MyPlate 

coloring page (new or use 

copies from a previous D1 

activity), one per child.

< Copy Peach Growing at Home 

#3–one set per child. 

D. Introducing MyPlate 

Nutrition Education Activities
Peach Tree Orchard 19

Activity Length: 

25 minutes; 30 minutes 

if optional coloring 

activity conducted

The Activity

Learning the Food Groups

< Seat the children in a semicircle on the floor in view of the 

Eat Smart To Play Hard With MyPlate poster.

< Tell the children today they are going to learn about ways to 

be healthy and have fun every day. Tell the children that the 

best part is they like to do what helps them be healthy: they 

like to eat a variety of foods and they like to play.

< Point out the Eat Smart To Play Hard With MyPlate poster to 

the children. Ask the children to tell you what they see on 

the poster. Accept all correct answers, such as food, specific 

foods by name, children playing, and specific activities by 

name, etc.

< Explain that MyPlate shows the five food groups a person 

should eat from each day. Each food group has its own color. 

The Fruit Group is red, the Vegetable Group is green, the 

Grains Group is orange, the Dairy Group is blue, and the 

Protein Foods Group is purple. Eating foods from each food 

group helps us to be healthy and grow.

This activity continues on the following pages.
20 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

< Point to the orange band of color on the poster and ask the 

children to name the color (orange). Tell the children that 

foods made from grains are in the Grains group represented 

by the orange color band. Point to the bread and the cereal 

in the Grains group on the orange band of the poster and 

state that bread and cereal give us energy to play. Ask two 

children to come to the poster, point to a food in the orange 

section, and name the food. After each child names a food, 

repeat the name of the food, and state that __________ 

(the food named) and other foods from the Grains group 

also give us energy to play.

< Children this age may not know what a grain is. Tell them 

grains come from plants such as wheat, oats, and corn. 

Grains are used to make foods like cereal, bread, and pasta.

< Point to the green band of color on the poster and ask the 

children to name the color (green). Tell the children that 

foods from plants called vegetables are in the Vegetables 

group represented by the green color band. Point to the 

broccoli and the sweet potatoes in the Vegetables group 

below the green band of the poster and state that vegetables 

such as sweet potatoes and broccoli help keep us healthy. 

Ask two children to come to the poster, point to a vegetable 

below the green section, and name the vegetable. After each 

child names a vegetable, repeat the name of the vegetable 

and state that __________ (the vegetable named) and other 

foods from the Vegetables group also help keep us healthy.

< Point to the red band and ask the children to name the color 

of the band (red). Tell the children that foods from plants 

called fruits are in the Fruits group represented by the red 

color band. Point to the peach and strawberry in the Fruits 

group below the red band of the poster and state that fruits 

such as peaches and strawberries help keep us healthy. Ask 

two children to come to the poster, point to a fruit in the 

red section, and name the fruit. After each child names a fruit, 

repeat the name of the fruit, and state that __________ (the 

fruit named) and other foods from the Fruits group help 

keep us healthy.

Grains

Vegetables

Fruits
Peach Tree Orchard 21

< Point to the blue band of color on the poster and ask the 

children to name the color (blue). Tell the children that 

milk and foods made from milk are in the Dairy group 

represented by the blue color band. Point to the milk and 

yogurt in the Dairy group on the blue band and state that 

milk and yogurt help us build strong bones. Tell the children 

that it is good to choose low-fat and fat-free milk, yogurt, and 

cheese when given a choice. Ask two children to come to 

the poster, point out a food in the blue section, and name the 

food. After each child names a food, repeat the name of the 

food, and state that __________ (the food named) and other 

foods from the Dairy group also help us build strong bones. 

< Point to the purple band of color on the poster and ask 

the children to name the color (purple). Tell the children 

that foods from animals and some plants are in the Protein 

Foods group represented by the purple color band. Point to 

the meat, fish, egg, beans and peanut butter in the Protein 

Foods group on the purple band and state that they help our 

muscles grow. Ask two children to come to the poster, point 

out a food in the purple section, and name the food. After 

each child names a food, repeat the name of the food, and 

state that __________ (the food named) and other foods 

from the Protein Foods group also help our muscles grow. 

(Note: if only foods that come from animals are selected, 

point out a food from plants and name it. If only foods from 

plants are selected, point out a food that comes from animals 

and name it.)

Dairy

Protein Foods
22 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Review Activity < While the children are still seated, point to each food group 

color band on the Eat Smart To Play Hard With MyPlate poster. 

< Ask the children to name the food group each color 

represents and to name a food from that group.

Tasting Activity < Show the children the peach, nectarine, and apricot whole 

and then remove the half without the pit to reveal the inside 

of the fruit. 

< Tell the children that these fruits with pits are similar to a peach. < Give the children a napkin, spoon, and a plate with samples 

of each fruit to taste and compare to a peach. Note all three 

are similar in color, are juicy, and taste sweet. 

< Invite the children to feel and smell the fruit halves with pits 

intact. Discard the fruit at end of lesson.

< Ask the children to name different ways to eat yellow/orange 

fruits like peaches, nectarines, and apricots at different meals 

and snacks. Accept all answers such as on cereal, in fruit 

salads, plain or with yogurt, etc.

Be Active–Peach Reach Stretch

Note to Caregiver: Active play and movement are important for 

every child’s growth and development. Although they may seem 

to be active and energetic, most children do not get the amount 

of physical activity they need for good health. Child care programs 

should provide opportunities for young children (2 to 6 years of age) 

to engage in 90 to 120 minutes (1 1⁄2 to 2 hours) of moderate to 

vigorous physical activity each day. 

Several short periods of activity (10-20 minutes each) work well 

for young children and are easy to plan into the day. Examples of 

moderate to vigorous physical activity that kids this age enjoy include: 

playing on outdoor play equipment, dancing to music, taking a nature 

(or garden) walk, relay races, movement games, hopping, skipping, 

galloping, and riding a tricycle or bicycle. For additional information on 

physical activity for young children, refer to the Nutrition and Wellness 

Tips for Young Children: Provider Handbook for the Child and Adult 

Care Food Program at http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/Resources/

nutritionandwellness.html.” < Orange – Grains group < Green – Vegetables group < Red – Fruits group < Blue – Dairy group < Purple – Protein Foods group
Peach Tree Orchard 23

< Point to the various activities depicted on the “Eat Smart To 

Play Hard With MyPlate” poster. Ask the children to tell you 

why it is important to be physically active and play every 

day, i.e., it helps you be strong and healthy, and is fun. Tell the 

children that today they will learn to be active in a way that 

reminds them of the peach they just tasted.

< Ask the children to extend their arms out to the side and 

spread apart from each other so that no child is easily able 

to touch another child’s fingers. When children are spaced 

around the room, ask them to lower their arms and listen 

carefully. Tell the children that stretching is an important way 

to be active. Ask the children to watch you show them a 

special stretch that celebrates peaches.

< Tell the children they are going to pretend to harvest 

peaches while they do the Peach Reach Stretch. Show the 

children how to reach high above their head with the right 

arm and pick a peach from the imaginary tree limb above. 

Repeat the stretch with the left arm. Show the children how 

to reach high above their heads with both hands and then 

slowly lower the arms toward the toes, bending forward 

at the waist. Gently roll the spine up to a standing position. 

Show how to pretend to extend the left arm from the 

shoulder to reach for a peach to the left, bring the hand to 

the center of the body, then pretend to pass the peach to 

the right, and then extend the right arm from the shoulder to 

the right side, stretching the arm.

< Ask the children to do the Peach Reach Stretch with you 

several times. During each stretch, remind the children of the 

stages of how peaches grow.

< Conclude the activity by telling the children it is fun to eat 

peaches and be physically active by doing a Peach Reach Stretch. 

Optional Concluding Activity: Have the children sit at tables with 

coloring supplies. Distribute a copy of the MyPlate coloring page 

(see Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 83) to each child. Ask 

the children to color the Fruits group section of Myplate red and 

draw and color peaches near it or use the Blackline master of a 

peach (see Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 79) and have 

the children color the peach yellow and red. With older children 

have them copy the dot-to-dot outline of the word “Fruits”. Ask 

the children to draw a favorite way they like to be physically 

active on the page. If desired, collect the sheet for use in future 

fruit and vegetable units in Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Connection to Garden 

Art and Crafts

MyPlate Placemat: Laminate 

the children’s MyPlate coloring page 

and use this placemat to review 

that peaches are in the Fruits 

group and that being physically 

active every day helps us feel good 

and is fun (see Booklet 1, Garden 

Art and Crafts Section, page 29). 
24 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

D2: Party With Peaches

The children taste a new peach recipe and talk about different 

ways to eat peaches.

Objectives

The children will be able to: 

< Taste peaches in a combination food, Peach Muffins With 

Oatmeal Topping;

< Describe many different ways to eat peaches.

Before the Activity-Hand Washing and Polite Tasting

< Explain that we should always wash our hands before 

preparing and eating food. Have the children wash their 

hands (see Booklet1, Tool Shed Resources, page 43, 

for directions).

< If necessary, remind the children about polite food tasting 

habits (see Booklet 1, Tool Shed Resources, page 44 

for details).

Materials Needed

< Peach Muffin With Oatmeal 

Topping Recipe ingredients 

–see the Child Care Center 

version of this recipe on 

page 26

< Napkins

What To Do Ahead of Time

< Prepare the recipe.

< Prepare table(s).
Peach Tree Orchard 25

The Activity

< Seat the children at the table(s). 

< Ask the children to share what they remember learning 

about peaches. 

< Encourage responses such as how and where a peach grows, 

how it looks, feels, smells, and tastes, and other material 

covered in the unit.

< Tell the children that the unit on peaches ends with a 

celebration of a new way to eat peaches. Peaches can be 

combined with other foods and eaten in many different ways.

< Show the children the Peach Muffins With Oatmeal Topping 

and talk about the foods in the recipe. If making a recipe as 

part of the activity, make it at this point.

< Serve the children Peach Muffins With Oatmeal Topping. 

< As the children are eating, ask:

▶ What peach recipes they have made with their parents?

▶ What different ways have they eaten peaches? 

▶ What new ways do they think peaches could be eaten?

< Give suggestions such as peaches in fruit shakes, salads, 

desserts, cooked in main dishes with chicken or pork, served 

with cottage cheese, in muffins, or on top of French toast, 

pancakes, or waffles.

Activity Length: 

10-15 minutes

Words to Grow

Peach Fruit Shakes

Salad Muffin

Cottage Cheese Topping
26 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Yield: 24 child-size portions of 1⁄2 full-size muffin or 1 mini-muffin

1⁄2 full-size muffin provides 1⁄2 slice of bread towards CACFP meal pattern

Muffin Batter •	 1⁄2 cup quick-cook oatmeal 

•	 1⁄2 cup enriched all-purpose flour	 	 	 	

•	 1⁄2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour	 	 	 	 	

•	 1⁄4 tsp salt 

•	 1⁄2 Tbsp baking powder

•	 1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon

•	 1⁄4 tsp ground nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Make the topping; combine oatmeal, flour, sugar, and oil in small bowl and mix with fork. 

3. Make muffin batter; in large bowl, mix the oatmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, 

cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. 

4. In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, egg, and oil until smooth. 

5. Add the yogurt mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix only until the ingredients are 

combined, about 1 minute. The batter will be slightly lumpy.

6. Gently stir in the diced peaches.

7. Spray a 12-muffin pan or 24-mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. 

8. Divide the batter evenly in the muffin pan, filling each cup about 3⁄4 full. 

9. Sprinkle oatmeal topping evenly over each muffin, about 1 teaspoon per muffin or 1⁄2 

teaspoon per mini muffin. 

10. Place muffin pan on a lower oven rack and bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of muffin 

comes out clean. Mini muffins will take less time; about 10-12 minutes.

Variations: Substitute whole-wheat pastry flour for all the flour (all-purpose and whole-wheat) listed in the recipe. 

Decrease sugar in batter to 1⁄2 cup and substitute 1cup low-fat or fat-free peach flavored yogurt for plain.

Nutrients per 1 child-size portion of 1⁄2 full-size muffin: Calories 85, Protein 1.8 g, Carbohydrate 14.9 g, 

Total Fat 2.3 g, Saturated Fat 0.3 g, Cholesterol 9 mg, Vitamin A 41 IU, Vitamin C 0 .3 mg, Iron 0.5 mg, Calcium 37.1 g, 

Sodium 64 mg, Dietary Fiber 0 .8 g

•	 1⁄4 cup quick-cook oatmeal

•	 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour

•	 1 Tbsp sugar

•	 1 Tbsp canola oil

Oatmeal Topping:

Peach Muffins with

Oatmeal Topping

•	 3⁄4 cup sugar

•	 1 cup low-fat or fat-free 

plain yogurt

•	 1 large egg

•	 2 Tbsp canola oil

•	 1⁄2 cup canned peaches 

(packed in water or juice), 

drained thoroughly and diced 

•	 nonstick cooking spray

For the Child and Adult Care Food Program

Cooking with Children 

Young children can:

• Wash hands first• Stir dry ingredients with supervision

• Stir wet ingredients with some assistance

• Sprinkle topping on top of muffin batter

Adults should combine topping, combine dry and wet batter ingredients, prepare muffin tins, 

and do all steps involving the use of an oven.
Growing at Home Materials...

for Peach Tree Orchard Lessons
28 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Peach Growing at Home #1 

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Our series of lessons about Tasty Acres Farms from Grow It, Try It, Like It! has us 

exploring The Peach Orchard. We are doing a variety of activities throughout your child’s 

day featuring information and experiences with peaches.

Today your child learned about peaches and how this fruit looks, feels, smells, and 

tastes. We learned that peaches:

• Are round;

• Are creamy yellow in color with a little bit of red on the outside;

• Have a fuzzy peel;

• Are a light orange color on the inside;

• Have a large seed on the inside called a “pit”; and

• Are sweet and juicy to eat.

Continue the learning at home by trying the easy Peaches Ala Mode recipe on 

the following page. Have your child help you make this simple recipe for a great snack 

or light dessert. Or make a family recipe with your child that includes peaches.

Along with the recipe is an activity sheet, Peachy Picture Frame. Talk with your 

child about peaches while he/she colors the frame. Help your child assemble the 

frame and put a favorite photo in the finished frame.

Please call if you have questions about this activity or want more information.

Sincerely,

Child Care Center Director

Tip: 

Try adding a plate of sliced fruit, for 

example, peaches, cantaloupe, and 

kiwi, to the dinner table and watch 

it disappear.
Peach Tree Orchard 29

Preparation Time: 5 minutes 

Serves: 12 child-size portions of 1 half peach and 2 tablespoons yogurt 

Serves: 6 adult-size portions of 1 whole peach and 4 tablespoons yogurt

•	 6 medium fresh peaches (11⁄2 lb)–washed, pitted, and sliced

•	 11⁄2 cups low-fat or fat-free vanilla or peach yogurt 

•	 2 Tbsp cinnamon (optional)

1. Place slices of one peach in a serving dish for each adult serving. Use 1⁄2 sliced peach 

for each child portion. 

2. Spoon 4 tablespoons of yogurt over top of slices for each adult serving. Use 2 

tablespoons of yogurt for each child serving. 

3. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.

4. Serve immediately.

Variations: Substitute low-fat or fat-free versions of cottage cheese, frozen yogurt, or ice cream for the yogurt. Substitute well drained, canned peach slices (packed in water or juice) or frozen peach slices (thawed) for fresh peach slices.

Nutrients per 1 child-size serving of 1⁄2 peach and 2 tablespoons yogurt: Calories 50, Protein 1.8 g, Carbohydrate

10.5 g, Total Fat 0.5 g, Saturated Fat 0.22 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Vitamin A 171 IU, Vitamin C 3.5 mg, Iron 0.14 mg, Calcium 

50 mg, Sodium18 mg, Dietary Fiber .8 g

Peaches Ala Mode

Peach Growing at Home 

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Young children can:

• Wash hands first• Help wash peaches in a colander

• Scoop yogurt or cottage cheese with a 1⁄4-cup or tablespoon measure

• Sprinkle with cinnamon 

Adults should use a sharp knife and cutting board to cut peaches in half, remove pit, and 

slice peaches.

Cooking with Children
30 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

 Peachy Picture Frame

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Find out what your child has learned about peaches 

while he/she makes a “peachy” picture frame. After 

your child colors the peaches bright yellow and 

red, cut the picture frame out along the thin dotted 

outline. Cut out the box along the dashed line to 

create the photo opening. Fold the frame in half 

along the solid line and insert a favorite photo. 

Use tape or glue to seal the frame closed. 

Fold on solid line

Cut along dotted lines for 

photo opening
Peach Tree Orchard 31

Peach Growing at Home #2 

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Our lessons on peaches continued today. The lessons are included in your child’s 

activities throughout the day. 

Today your child learned how peaches are grown and harvested. He/she learned 

that peaches:

• Grow from a peach pit planted in the soil; 

• Need soil, sun, rain, and time to help the pits grow into trees; 

• Grow on trees; and

• Are picked when they turn a nice shade of yellow/red and feel firm. 

Eating peaches at home is a great way to support the activities we are doing during the day. You can help your child continue learning at home. Together, make Peach 

Cobbler. It is fun to make and tastes great. Or, if you prefer, make a family recipe with 

your child that includes peaches.

The attached activity Peaches Grow on Trees! reviews what we have learned about 

peaches. Do this activity at home with your child. Encourage your child to learn about 

healthful foods like fruits and vegetables, including peaches. Your child may be more 

willing to try new and different foods at child care–and at home!

Please call if you have questions about this activity or want more information.

Sincerely,

Child Care Center Director Tip: 

Invest in a sturdy footstool for your 

child to stand on while helping in 

the kitchen. Or seat your child on 

a stool so that he or she may easily reach the countertop or table to 

help prepare food.
32 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Peach Cobbler

•	 1⁄4 cup sugar

•	 2 tsp baking powder

•	 11⁄2 Tbsp canola oil

•	 1⁄2 cup low-fat or fat-free milk

•	 Nonstick cooking spray

Cooking with Children 

Young children can:

• Wash hands first

• Help drain peach slices with a colander

• Sprinkle sugar over fresh or frozen peach slices

• Stir dry ingredients with supervision

Older children may be able to help drop spoonfuls of topping on peaches.

Adults should coat dish with non-stick spray, combine dry and wet ingredients, drop spoonfuls of 

topping, and do all steps involving the use of an oven.

Peach Growing at Home 

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Preparation Time: 35 minutes Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Serves: 12 child-size portions of 1

/

12 of a 1 1⁄2-quart baking dish

Serves: 6 adult-size portions of 1/

6

 of a 1 1⁄2-quart baking dish

•	 1 29-ounce can of peach slices (packed in water or juice)

•	 1⁄2 cup whole-wheat flour

•	 1⁄2 cup enriched all-purpose flour

•	 1⁄2 cup quick-cook oatmeal

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Drain liquid from peach slices.

3. Spray an ovenproof 1 1⁄2-quart dish with non-stick spray. Add peach slices.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, oatmeal, sugar, and baking powder. Mix well with a fork.

5. Add oil and low-fat or fat-free milk to dry ingredients and mix until smooth. 

6. Drop the dough on top of peach slices by spoonfuls, covering peaches.

7. Bake in oven for about 30 minutes or until fruit bubbles and the topping is slightly brown.

8. Remove from oven. Let cool before serving. Serve warm and garnish with a small scoop of low-fat or fat-free vanilla 

frozen yogurt, if desired. 

Variations: Use 3 cups of very ripe fresh or frozen (thawed) peach slices. Sprinkle slices with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Substitute 

whole-wheat pastry flour for all the flour (all-purpose and whole-wheat) in the recipe. Avoid fruits canned in heavy syrup; use fruits 

canned in water or juice.

Nutrients (using low-fat milk) per 1 child-size serving of 1

/12 of 1-quart baking dish: Calories 48, Protein 1.1 g, 

Carbohydrate 9, Total Fat 1.1 g, Saturated Fat .1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Vitamin A 120 IU, Vitamin C .7 mg, Iron 0.4 mg, Calcium 32 mg, 

Sodium 44 mg, Dietary Fiber 0.9g

3
Peach Tree Orchard 33

Answers:

(1) Planting a peach pit; (2) Rain on the peach tree; (3) Peach tree has blossoms; (4) Peaches growing on a tree; (5) Picking ripe peaches

Planting a peach pit Peach tree has blossoms 

 

 Rain on the peach tree 

Peaches growing on a tree Picking ripe peaches 

 

Peaches Grow on Trees!

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Review what your child has learned about growing 

peaches. Read aloud the picture captions and help 

your child number the pictures in order from 1 to 

5, showing the stages of growing peaches. 

Then, have your child color the pictures. Later, cut 

the colored pictures apart and help your child glue 

the pictures on a piece of paper in the correct order. 
34 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Peach Growing at Home #3 

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Our unit on peaches is coming to a close. We’ve enjoyed learning about this 

juicy fruit. 

Today your child learned more about peaches and different ways this fruit is 

prepared and served. He/she learned that peaches can be: 

• Used in fruit shakes;

• Served on pancakes;

• Served with cottage cheese;

• Baked in muffins and cobblers; and

• Cooked with chicken or pork. 

Make a date with your child to prepare together the easy Peach Muffins With

Oatmeal Topping recipe (attached) or another favorite family recipe that includes 

peaches. Cooking together is a great way to spend time with your child. Watch 

your child’s smile grow when offering family members a food made with his or her 

own hands.

Encourage your child to think of new ways to eat peaches. The attached activity 

sheet Peaches Taste Good Anyway You Eat Them will help you and your child 

make up a new recipe using peaches. Encourage your child to be more adventurous 

in trying foods by talking about new ways to enjoy a favorite fruit like peaches. Help 

your child be willing to try new and different recipes that contain familiar foods.

Please call if you have questions about this activity or want more information.

Sincerely,

Child Care Center Director Tip: 

Did you know the average cost 

of a piece of fruit or vegetable 

is less than the price of a 

snack pack or candy bar AND 

fruits and vegetables provide 

vitamins, minerals, fiber, and most 

importantly, FLAVOR!
Peach Tree Orchard 35

•	 1⁄4 cup quick-cook oatmeal

•	 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour

•	 1 Tbsp sugar

•	 1 Tbsp canola oil

Oatmeal Topping:

Peach Muffins with

Oatmeal Topping

•	 3⁄4 cup sugar

•	 1 cup low-fat or fat-free 

plain yogurt

•	 1 large egg

•	 2 Tbsp canola oil

•	 1⁄2 cup canned peaches 

(packed in water or juice), 

drained thoroughly and diced 

•	 Nonstick cooking spray

Peach Growing at Home 

Home Activities From Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Cooking with Children 

Young children can:

• Wash hands first

• Stir dry ingredients with supervision

• Stir wet ingredients with some assistance

• Sprinkle topping on top of muffin batter

Adults should combine topping, combine dry and wet batter ingredients, prepare muffin tins, 

and do all steps involving the use of an oven.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Serves: 24 child-size portions of 1⁄2 full-size muffin or 1 mini-muffin

1⁄2 full-size muffin provides 1⁄2 slice of bread towards CACFP meal pattern

Muffin Batter	 •	 1⁄2 cup quick-cook oatmeal 

•	 1⁄2 cup enriched all-purpose flour	 	 	 	

•	 1⁄2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour	 	 	 	 	

•	 1⁄4 tsp salt 

•	 1⁄2 Tbsp baking powder

•	 1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon

•	 1⁄4 tsp ground nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Make the topping; combine oatmeal, flour, sugar, and oil in small bowl and mix with fork. 

3. Make muffin batter; in large bowl, mix the oatmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, 

cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. 

4. In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, egg, and oil until smooth. 

5. Add the yogurt mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix only until the ingredients are 

combined, about 1 minute. The batter will be slightly lumpy.

6. Gently stir in the diced peaches.

7. Spray a 12-muffin pan or 24-mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. 

8. Divide the batter evenly in the muffin pan, filling each cup about 3⁄4 full. 

9. Sprinkle oatmeal topping evenly over each muffin, about 1 teaspoon per muffin or 1⁄2 

teaspoon per mini muffin. 

10. Place muffin pan on a lower oven rack and bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of muffin 

comes out clean. Mini muffins will take less time; about 10-12 minutes.

Variations: Substitute whole-wheat pastry flour for all the flour (all-purpose and whole-wheat) listed in the recipe. Decrease sugar 

in batter to 1⁄2 cup and substitute 1cup low-fat or fat-free peach flavored yogurt for plain.

Nutrients per 1 child-size portion of 1⁄2 full-size muffin: Calories 85, Protein 1.8 g, Carbohydrate 14.9 g, Total Fat 2.3 g, Saturated Fat 0.3 g, Cholesterol 9 mg, Vitamin A 41 IU, Vitamin C 0 .3 mg, Iron 0.5 mg, Calcium 37.1 g, Sodium 64 mg, Dietary Fiber 0.8 g
36 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

 Peaches Taste Good...Any Way You Eat Them!

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Help your child make up a new recipe using peaches. 

Have your child draw a picture of the recipe in the 

top box. You can write the recipe name next to the 

picture. As your child tells you, list all the ingredients 

first and the steps next on the lines below. If possible, make the recipe! A cookbook might help you 

find something similar to try. 

Ingredients

How to make

Help your child create and draw a picture of the recipe in the box below.
Peach Tree Orchard 37

Notes
38 Grow It, Try It, Like It!

Notes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal and, where applicable, political 

beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or if all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public 

assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the 

Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, 

found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the 

form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or 

letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities and wish to file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).

Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly 

or by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) 

please contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Revised June 2013

September 2009

FNS-406

United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service 

Find more fun resources at these Web sites:

teamnutrition.usda.gov

choosemyplate.gov