A+ for Apples!
“An apple for the teacher will always do the trick, when you don't know your lesson in arithmetic." This yummy fruit is historically a gift for teachers in Denmark, Sweden, and later, in the United States. This tradition apparently dates back to the 1600’s when parents paid educators with fresh produce. During this time, teachers did not receive enough salary to completely sustain the cost of living. To help them with their basic needs, compensate their efforts as educators, and also to make them feel special, parents paid the teachers with different varieties of fruit. The practice spread to the Southern U.S. and took hold in the 1920’s as the Depression hit. Farmers’ kids gave apples, the most abundant crop at the time, to struggling teachers to help keep them satiated and wielding the chalk! Because the fruit spoils quickly, the families scaled back their gifting over time to a sole apple. You can revive this thoughtful tradition and show your appreciation for your hardworking teachers. An apple Seed of Happiness for the teacher is a great way to start the school year.
Share the Smiles, make the grade!
