Lesson Plan
Johnny Appleseed Extension Activities
- Grades: PreK–K, 1–2
About this book
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.7
Lexile Measure: 920
Guided Reading Level: N
Age: Age 3, Age 6, Age 8, Age 4, Age 7
Genre: Biography, General Nonfiction
Subject: American History, Agriculture
Exploring Themes of Riches and Exaggerations
- Johnny believed he “lived like a king in his wilderness home,” and so he resisted suggestions that he settle down and build a house. Ask children how it was that Johnny felt like royalty. He didn't have a crown or jewels or money or people to rule. Why wasn't Johnny uncomfortable, unhappy, or worried?
- Ask: How were people's stories of Johnny a good example of exaggeration? Why did people claim Johnny was stronger, kinder, or smarter than he was? Research the exaggeration surrounding other heroes and legends (for example, Finn M'Coul, Paul Bunyan, Daniel Boone, Robin Hood, etc.).
Apples in Language and Literature
Share apple tales with students. Tell the story of Snow White or William Tell. Ask children to find out what is meant by the following:
- apple-pie order
- the apple of my eye
- an apple a day keeps the doctor away
- Subjects:American History, Agriculture, Drawing Conclusions and Making Inferences, Literary Devices, Research Skills, Determination and Perseverance
- Skills:Drawing Conclusions, Making Inferences, Research Skills


