Both years include European Day of Languages, John Chapman's birthday and the Johnny Appleseed legend. In 2026, this date also includes National Public Lands Day. In 2027, this date also includes World Rivers Day. Use the questions to compare details, evidence, or viewpoints across topics.

The Council of Europe’s European Day of Languages is September 26. The selected passages show how languages carry histories and connect communities. Ask readers to compare examples without treating multilingual people or language families as all alike.

John Chapman, later remembered as Johnny Appleseed, was born September 26, 1774. Compare the historical person with stories that grew around him. The existing readings distinguish his work planting apple trees from the legend’s simplified picture of his life.

National Public Lands Day falls on the fourth Saturday in September: September 26 in 2026 and September 25 in 2027. Use the selected readings to connect public access with stewardship, local history, and care for shared places; the observance is not limited to one kind of land.

World Rivers Day falls on the fourth Sunday in September: September 27 in 2026 and September 26 in 2027. The river readings invite students to trace how rivers support communities and ecosystems, then consider how local choices affect water.

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Compare the real John Chapman with a detail from the Johnny Appleseed legend. What does the source say stories changed?