Apple Hedgehogs Preschool Activity

Apple Hedgehog Snack for Preschoolers

This apple hedgehogs preschool activity is the perfect way to keep kids entertained while they practice their fine motor skills. Fine motor skill development is important for later writing skills and hand work. Use this activity for a fall theme, apple theme, or animal theme.

Apple Hedgehogs Fine Motor Activity for preschool

Hedgehogs Preschool Activity – Fine Motor Skills Practice

In this activity children place toothpicks, or spaghetti, into an apple half to practice their fine motor skills.

Fine motor activities—

  • Help develop the fine motor control muscles in the hands.
  • Prepare the hand to learn to write.
  • Make it easier to learn handwork skills.

Apple Fine Motor Activity

Hedgehogs Preschool Activity Preparation

Apple Hedgehog Supplies

  • Apples
  • Safety toothpicks with one blunt edge (or pieces of spaghetti)
  • Raisins (optional)

Make the Hedgehog

Cut an apple in half and place on work surface. Set aside.

To make hedgehog head:

  • Cut a small slice of apple in half.
  • Carve apple with knife to make a head.
  • Carve eyes out with knife or thumbnail.
  • Place raisins in the eye sockets.

Attach head to the body using a toothpick. Pierce toothpick through the nose all the way into the body.

Place a raisin on the blunt edge of the toothpick to make the nose.

make apple hedgehog

Invite the Child to Make the Apple Hedgehog

Place hedgehog head and body on a work surface. Invite your child to place toothpicks into the half apple body. Fill up the surface of the half apple with toothpicks to make a hedgehog.

Apple Hedgehogs Fine Motor Activity

Hedgehog Facts

You can extend the activity by learning about hedgehogs.

  • The hedgehog got its name because the animal roots through hedges and other undergrowth in search of its favorite food, making all sorts of grunts and noises.
  • They eat small creatures such as insects, worms, centipedes, snails, mice, frogs, and snakes.
  • Hedgehogs are easily recognized by their spines, which are hollow hairs made stiff with keratin.
  • They have about 5000 spines. Each spine lasts about a year then drops out and a replacement grows.
  • The hedgehog is nocturnal, coming out at night and spending the day sleeping in a nest under bushes or thick shrubs.
  • A hedgehog measures around 23 centimeters (9 inches) in length and has a 4 centimeter (1.5 inch) tail.
  • They can weigh up to 2 kilograms (about 4.5 pounds).
  • The hedgehog has a powerful forefoot and claws for digging.
  • They have a particularly long, extending snout beyond the front of their mouth which they use to help them forage for food.
  • There are 15 species of hedgehog.

Making hedgehog apples is a great way to practice fine motor skills. Developing the fine muscles in the hand is necessary for later writing and handwork. While making a hedgehog adds a fun element to the activity, you don’t have to make a hedgehog for this to be an effective way to practice fine motor skills.

Here are some books about hedgehogs that are perfect for preschoolers:

BIO: Nell believes in the magic of childhood, spending more time outdoors than indoors, and making this world a greener place to live. She is the creator of Rhythms of Play — where parents can find simple tips, crafts and activities to keep the kids busy all day. Check out her amazing All Season Hand and Fingerprint Tree. You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

More Apple Ideas

Books About Apples for Preschool
Slow Cooker Applesauce in the Classroom
Apple Activities for Preschool
Apple Gross Motor Activities

3 thoughts on “Apple Hedgehogs Preschool Activity”

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