Miss Pat passed around a plate filled with slices of apple. She directed the class to each take a slice of apple and eat it. The Can Do Kids were happy to do what she asked, but a little puzzled as Miss Pat never handed out food in the middle of the afternoon.

“Class who knows what day today is?” Miss Pat smiled and looked around at all the faces looking at her. Hector raised his hand, “Why it’s Monday the 26th of September, Miss Pat, don’t you remember?” Miss Pat laughed and answered, ” I know Hector, but who do we honor on September 26th?”

As always, Orrie was the first to raise his hand with an answer. “It’s Johnny Appleseed Day,” said Orrie. “Very good, Orrie,” answered Miss Pat, “Now who, other than Orrie, can tell me who Johnny Appleseed was and why we remember him today.”

The “Can Dos” all squirmed in their seats, hoping they wouldn’t be called on for the answer. Miss Pat waited, then she said, “I see I need to read to you about Johnny Appleseed. Be sure to pay attention because there will be a short quiz when I am done.”

Miss Pat began to read,”When the colonists first came to America they carried with them seeds from apple trees back home in Europe. It was a good thing, as there were no apple trees in America when they arrived. They planted the seeds where they settled in New England and soon there were apple trees full of fruit for eating and baking.

When the Wild West was opened a man named John Chapman, who was born on September 26, 1774,  set out to explore the new territory and to plant apple orchards along the way. His work earned him the name, “Johnny Appleseed.” He was a devoted naturalist who respected the land. He treated everyone as he wanted to be treated.

When he died, at 70 years of age, he left behind apple orchards all over the Western U.S. that still bear fruit today.”

Miss Pat Looked up from her reading and said, ” Take out your pencils  and I will pass out a short quiz about what I just read to all of you.

The Quiz:

When was John Chapman born?____________________________________________________

Were there always apple trees in the U.S. ?___________________________________________

Who brought apple seeds to America?________________________________________________

Why did John Chapman get the name Johnny Appleseed?_________________________________

Where did he plant apple orchards?__________________________________________________

Are any of his apple orchards still around today?________________________________________

Name 3 things we can make with apples________________________________________________