Johnny Appleseed Activities for Kids
In this set of activities adaptable for grades K-3, parents and educators will find ideas for teaching about Johnny Appleseed. These activities are designed to complement the BrainPOP Jr. Johnny Appleseed topic page, which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.
Classroom Activities for Teaching About Johnny Appleseed
Tall Tales
Demonstrate how a tall tale can develop and grow. Tell a story about yourself, a historical figure, or a person in the public eye. Then have students retell the story to each other. Encourage students to add in details to make their story interesting. At the end of the activity, have student volunteers recount their stories. How were they like the original story? How were they different? Hold a discussion with the whole class about how tall tales can grow and change over time.
Fact or Fiction
Have your students write a story about themselves. This is a great opportunity to practice writing skills! We recommend watching the Writing About Yourself movie to review. Then have your students add a detail in the story that is not true or goes beyond the truth. Have students swap writings and try to spot the detail that is not a fact. How can you tell what is fact and what is fiction? Discuss with the class.
Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching About Johnny Appleseed
Orchard
If possible, go apple picking or visit an orchard. Have your child talk to orchard workers to learn about how apple trees grow–it’s not as simple as it might seem! Learn about different types of apples and discuss how they are alike and different.
Apple a Day
Encourage your child to eat more fruit, instead of sugary snacks. Challenge your child and your whole family to “eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away.” You can support this activity with exercise plans and creating long-term health goals. Do physical activities together and help promote a healthy lifestyle.
Extension Activities:
Fact or Fiction
Have your students write a story about themselves. This is a great opportunity to practice writing skills! We recommend watching the Writing About Yourself movie to review. Then have your students add a detail in the story that is not true or goes beyond the truth. Have students swap writings and try to spot the detail that is not a fact. How can you tell what is fact and what is fiction? Discuss with the class.
Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching About Johnny Appleseed
Orchard
If possible, go apple picking or visit an orchard. Have your child talk to orchard workers to learn about how apple trees grow–it's not as simple as it might seem! Learn about different types of apples and discuss how they are alike and different.