Objective

By the end of this lesson, Renee will learn about the life and legacy of Johnny Appleseed, including his contributions to agriculture and American folklore. She will also engage in creative activities that reinforce her understanding of the importance of apples and trees in our environment.

Materials and Prep

• Paper
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Scissors
• Glue
• Apples (real or pictures)
• A space to work on activities

Before starting the lesson, make sure to gather all the materials and find a comfortable space for Renee to work. It might be helpful to read a short story or watch a video about Johnny Appleseed to spark interest.

Activities

• Story Time: Read a short biography of Johnny Appleseed, focusing on his adventures and love for planting apple trees. Discuss what makes him a hero in American folklore.

• Apple Art: Have Renee draw or color pictures of apples and apple trees. Encourage her to create a scene showing Johnny Appleseed planting trees.

• Planting Seeds: If possible, plant some apple seeds or any seeds in a small pot. Talk about how plants grow and how Johnny Appleseed helped grow apple trees across America.

• Johnny Appleseed Hat: Create a fun hat using paper and crayons to decorate it like the one Johnny wore. She can wear it throughout the lesson!

Talking Points

• "Did you know Johnny Appleseed was a real person? He loved planting apple trees!"
• "He traveled across America, planting trees and sharing apple seeds with everyone he met. What do you think he wanted to share?"
• "Apples are not just yummy; they are also very healthy! What’s your favorite way to eat apples?"
• "Johnny Appleseed's real name was John Chapman. Why do you think he chose to be called Johnny Appleseed?"
• "He believed in taking care of the land. Why do you think trees are important for our environment?"
• "People think of him as a hero because he helped grow food for many families. What does being a hero mean to you?"
• "Let’s think about how we can help our environment, just like Johnny did. What can we do to take care of trees and plants?"