Fun Johnny Appleseed Classroom Activity

John Chapman, born in 1774, was a nurseryman that devoted the majority of his life to aiding others and doing missionary work. Today most people know him by the name Johnny Appleseed, due largely in part to the fact that he planted apple trees around various parts of Ohio. The most common misconception is that Chapman traveled, randomly planting apple seeds everywhere he went. In actuality, John created apple tree nurseries in select areas. He raised the trees with the intention to sell or trade them; however, reportedly known for his generous spirit, Chapman often gave the trees to needy families, which eventually lead to the legend and the name. The tale of Johnny Appleseed and Appleseed activities is a wonderful way to teach children the importance of generosity.

Step One:
Provide each child with an apple. Explain the importance of fruits and vegetables, such as apples. Be sure to inform the children of the following: the seeds are important for planting and provides nourishment for some animals, the apple tree provides oxygen and homes for creatures and the apples provide food for people and animals alike.

Step Two:
Select children to pass out candy to the rest of the class. Each child will need two of the candy-coated chocolates, one piece of candy corn, one piece of gummy orange and one whole piece of pull-apart licorice.

Step Three:
Inform the children of the importance of giving and equality, by assuring the understanding that each child deserves the same amount of candy.

Step Four:
Pass around one container of icing, and be sure to provide each child with a small plastic container and a spoon.

Step Five:
Instruct the children to take a small amount of icing for themselves. As the icing is passing around, talk about the importance of sharing and making sure each person has what they need.

Step Six:
Have each child apply their candy onto their apples to create a face. Dip the back of each piece of candy into the icing and stick it onto the apple to create the face; the frosting will harden when given time to dry. The children will need to unravel the licorice for hair, use the candy-coated chocolate pieces for eyes, candy corn for the nose and orange gummy for the mouth.

Step Seven:
Place the apples aside for the frosting to dry and harden. While the apples are setting, explain that each child aided in all of the finished faces by practicing sharing and generosity, just as Johnny Appleseed did.