How was the work of Johnny Appleseed an example of philanthropy and what can we do for the common good?

Students give their time and talent by planting and maintaining donated trees in a common area. Option: Students may also raise the money or contact donors for the trees.

Anticipatory Set:
Sing the Johnny Appleseed song (Attachment Two: Johnny Appleseed Grace) and encourage the students to sing along with you as they learn the tune and words.

• Ask the students why Johnny Appleseed planted apple trees. Talk about whether he was selfish or selfless in his actions. Read through the words of the song together and look for hints about what he did for the common good and what was in his own self interest.
• Talk about the reasons to plant trees in our time. Ask the following questions: Would we be selfless if we planted trees in a common area of our community? What would be the benefits to the community? What would be the benefits to us? Does anyone have a suggestion for a place in our community where we could plant trees?"
• Write their ideas for common areas and tell the students that you will investigate these places to find which will work. Later, call the community offices to ask permission to plant in one of the suggested areas. 
• Guide the students to make their own Johnny Appleseed hats. For younger children, you may prepare in advance or invite assistants to help. See directions in Attachment One: Johnny Appleseed’s Hat.
• When the hats are complete, sing the Johnny Appleseed song again while students wear their hats.

 

Day Two:

• Tell the students which common area you selected for the tree planting. Tell them that it is important to write a letter to get permission for planting in the area. Depending on the age and experience of the students, write a letter together or assign the responsibility to one student or a small group of students. The letter should state the reason for the planting and the intended number of trees. 
• Type the letter in the proper format. Show the students how to address the letter and send it.
  Tell the students that they can either buy some trees with money they earn or ask organizations or individuals to donate the trees. Present some options, such as Arbor Day Foundation (check the web site for free trees http://www.arborday.org).. Make a plan and obtain the desired number of trees. (This may take several days.)
• Optional:

 

Day Three: Field trip to plant trees the teacher will need to plan for transportation, volunteers, permission slips and procedure.

• Prior to the field trip
• Plant the trees. (Instructions for planting trees can be found at http://www.treehelp.com/howto/howto-plant-a-tree.asp Let the students do the work with the assistance of the adults. While at the site, sing "Johnny Appleseed Grace," and encourage the students to wear the pot hats on their heads. (Teacher Note: Take a picture to be used in a classroom scrapbook or community promotion of the event.) 
• Upon returning to the classroom, talk about the experience. Give the students a chance to express the good feelings that come from doing something for the common good. "What did you like best about the field trip? What do we need to do to maintain these trees? If we were to go back in 3, 6, 9 months, what would the trees look like? What are the benefits to the community of our actions today? How does that make you feel? What shall we do for the common good next?"

Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
The students take home their pot hats and copies of the Johnny Appleseed Grace. They may wear their pots and sing the song for their families.

• Johnny Appleseed Grace
  http://www.dltk-
  kids.com/crafts/miscellaneous/johnny_appleseed_grace.htm.
  
  
• The National Arbor Day Foundation
  http://www.arborday.org.