Shirley Lanham second grade celebrates Johnny Appleseed’s 251st birthday

Students at Shirley Lanham Elementary School marked the 251st birthday of American folk hero Johnny Appleseed with a day full of hands-on learning and joyful exploration. The celebration, held on September 25, gave second graders a chance to connect core subjects with the life and legacy of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed.

Teachers designed the day to reflect whole-child education, integrating math, science, social studies, and English Language Arts (ELA) into engaging activities centered around apples and nature.

In math, students practiced identifying odd and even numbers, sorting them into groups. The activity helped reinforce number sense while connecting to the theme of apple trees.

Science came alive as students used their five senses to explore different types of apples—touching, smelling, tasting, and observing their colors and textures. They also wrote about how to plant apple seeds, after having previously planted seeds while using the FOSS curriculum.

In social studies, students reflected on how Johnny Appleseed made a difference in the communities he visited. They discussed ways they, too, could contribute positively to their school and local environment, reinforcing the idea that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

ELA lessons included comparing and contrasting apple prints made from vertically and horizontally cut apples, sequencing events from Johnny Appleseed’s life, and writing step-by-step instructions for planting seeds. These activities helped students build literacy skills while deepening their understanding of process and structure.

The celebration was made even more special thanks to the involvement of families. Parents generously donated apple-themed snacks and helped set up learning stations throughout the classroom. Some even led small group activities, helping students with their writing and artwork. Their support helped create a warm, collaborative atmosphere that brought the spirit of Johnny Appleseed to life.