This may be an oldie, but it's always a favorite of preschool, kindergarten, and first grade students. Have children make the simple apple puppets. They will make 2 each, one with their name on it.
Teach the poem. When the children know the poem well enough to recite it, they should start by holding their 2 apples high above their heads and then lowering the apples to the floor when saying "down fell the apples...".
Next, have them walk up to a classmate and introduce their named apples to one another.( "My apple's name is ___, which is the same as my name.") Everyone should stay facing another student after introductions have been made. As a whole group, repeat the poem/actions again , with the children mirroring each other. Switch partners until everyone has had a chance to meet all of their classmates.
Apple puppets:
