Read Johnny Appleseed aloud as a class. As you read, pause to discuss:
Johnny’s kindness
Exaggeration or tall-tale elements
How illustrations support the story
2. What Is a Folktale?
Turn to the front section of the book where Kellogg explains folktales.
Guide students through a discussion:
What makes a story a folktale?
Are folktales usually true? Exaggerated? Passed down?
Why might authors enjoy retelling them?
Ask:
“Do you think Steven Kellogg likes writing folktales? Why?”
“Have we read any other Kellogg stories?”
“Do authors need to research folktales before they retell them?”
3. Compare Two Versions
Tell students you will watch Disney’s version from Melody Time. Explain: “Watch closely and look for things that are the same and things that are different.”
After viewing, create a class chart:
Similarities (story events, themes, character traits)
“Think about all the folktales we’ve read this year— Paul Bunyan, The Emperor and the Kite, Pecos Bill, The Princess and the Golden Shoes, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, and Johnny Appleseed.”
Write in your journal:
Which folktale is your favorite?
Why did you choose it?
What lesson did the story teach?
What made it memorable?
5. Peer Sharing & Editing
Pair students to read their journal entries aloud.
Partners check for clear ideas, correct spelling of known words, and punctuation.
Students turn in their journals.
6. Art Extension
Students create an illustration of:
Their favorite folktale or
Their favorite moment from that folktale
Display the artwork around the classroom as a “Folktale Gallery.”
Optional Extensions
Build a class folktale anchor chart (common traits, recurring characters, exaggeration, moral lessons)
