Johnny Appleseed: My Story (Step-Into-Reading, Step 3)
Step into reading. A step 1 book Series
on Goodreads (161)
What’s inside...
Johnny Appleseed was an important historical figure, well known for planting apple orchards across the new frontier. But he was also a master storyteller! In his own folksy voice, Johnny Appleseed tells his story to a couple of entranced children in this fictionalized Step 2 title. Readers learn how he started planting apple trees—and about some of the myths and true stories of his life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Johnny Appleseed planted so many apple trees?
What are some ways Johnny helped the people he met on his travels?
How do you think the environment benefited from Johnny planting apple trees?
If you were Johnny Appleseed, where would you plant trees and why?
What qualities do you admire in Johnny Appleseed and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the impact of individual actions on the community and environment, just like Johnny's tree planting.
Discuss the character traits that made Johnny Appleseed a hero, such as kindness, perseverance, and vision. Ask your child which of these qualities they see in themselves or would like to develop.
Use the story to spark a conversation about the importance of nature and green spaces. Consider planning a family activity, like planting a tree or visiting an orchard.
Ask your child to imagine their own version of a Johnny Appleseed adventure. Where would they go? What would they do? This encourages creativity and connection to the story.
Discuss the historical context of the story, explaining how life was different during Johnny Appleseed's time and what we can learn from those differences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Johnny Appleseed demonstrates perseverance by traveling across the country to plant apple seeds, facing numerous challenges along the way.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, whether in schoolwork, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Kindness to nature
Explanation: The story highlights Johnny’s deep respect for nature as he nurtures plants and takes care of the environment.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take an active role in environmental conservation, such as planting trees or participating in recycling programs.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: Johnny Appleseed shows resourcefulness by using simple tools and native materials to carry out his mission of planting trees.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to use available resources creatively to solve problems or create projects, encouraging a mindset of innovation and self-reliance.
Example Lesson: Sharing with others
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Johnny shares the fruits of his labor with others, spreading both literal and metaphorical seeds of generosity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of sharing and generosity, enhancing their social interactions and empathetic skills in communal settings.
Example Lesson: Living with purpose
Explanation: Johnny’s dedicated mission to plant apple trees across America showcases a life lived with clear goals and passion.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to find activities they are passionate about and pursue them with intent and purpose, contributing positively to their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.