I don’t know about you but my family has always loved hearing stories about #JohnnyAppleseed. When Suzzie and Charlie were #Homeschooling, we would study Johnny Appleseed. I would like to wish you a Happy National Johnny Appleseed Day which is celebrated every year on September 26,
National Johnny Appleseed Day holiday honors the legendary American folk hero Johnny Appleseed, born John Chapman in 1774. Johnny Appleseed is remembered for his kindness, conservation efforts, and his mission to plant Apple Trees across the American frontier—especially in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
Let’s celebrate #JohnnyAppleseedDay:
- If you have the means and the opportunity plant an Apple Trees or visit an Apple Orchard
- Share stories about Johnny Appleseed’s life and legacy
- Bake Apple treats like Apple Pies or Tarts or Crisps
- Teach kids about sustainability and nature
Let’s get to munching on a fresh Apple and reflect on Johhny Appleseed’s pioneering spirit, National Johnny Appleseed Day a great day to appreciate nature and the simple joys of giving back. Want a fun activity or recipe to mark the occasion?
Here’s a fun and educational homeschool lesson plan to celebrate National Johnny Appleseed Day on September 26th. This plan blends history, science, art, and hands-on activities to honor the legacy of John Chapman—better known as Johnny Appleseed.
Johnny Appleseed Day Homeschool Lesson Plan
Subject Integration
- History
- Science (Botany)
- Literature
- Art
- Life Skills / Cooking
Schedule Overview
| Time | Activity | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00–9:30 AM | Read-aloud: Story of Johnny Appleseed | History/Literature |
| 9:30–10:00 AM | Apple Exploration & Botany Basics | Science |
| 10:00–10:30 AM | Apple Taste Test & Graphing | Math/Science |
| 10:30–11:00 AM | Apple Stamping Art | Art |
| 11:00–11:30 AM | Nature Walk & Seed Scattering Talk | Science/PE |
| 11:30–12:00 PM | Make Applesauce or Apple Crisp | Life Skills |
1. Read-Aloud & Discussion
- Book Suggestions:
- Johnny Appleseed: A Tall Tale by Steven Kellogg
- Who Was Johnny Appleseed? by Joan Holub
Discussion Questions:
- Why did Johnny Appleseed plant apple trees?
- What values did he live by?
- How did he help pioneer communities?
2. Apple Botany & Science
- Dissect an apple: identify seeds, core, skin, stem.
- Learn the life cycle of an apple tree.
- Discuss pollination and the role of bees.
3. Apple Taste Test & Graphing
- Sample different apple varieties of Apples including (e.g., Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp).
- Rate sweetness, tartness, crunch.
- Create a bar graph of favorites.
4. Apple Stamping Art
- Cut apples in half, dip in paint, and stamp on paper.
- Try stamping with different textures (skin on/off).
- Create a “Johnny Appleseed Day” poster.
5. Nature Walk & Seed Scattering
- Take a walk and talk about native plants.
- Discuss responsible planting and environmental stewardship.
- Optional: plant apple seeds in small pots.
6. Cooking with Apples
- Make homemade applesauce or apple crisp.
- Practice measuring, mixing, and kitchen safety.
- Enjoy together as a celebratory treat!
Extension Ideas
- Write a short story or poem inspired by Johnny Appleseed.
- Create a timeline of his life.
- Research apple varieties grown in your state.
If you would you like a printable version or a themed worksheet to go with this, I can help you just leave me a comment and let me know what you’re looking for.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
