Why are apples often shown on grammar school teachers' desks?

aceterp

There are two reasons. Years ago during pioneer days people didn't go out and buy gifts like they may buy for their teachers today and so they would give apples. There is also "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" and it's wishing their teacher good health Mar 31 08, 2:57 PM

neelie_447

Here's one explanation I've found. However, most websites say that the reason is cloudy/unknown. "The practice, I was told by my grandmother, stemmed from grammar school inwhich young children are taught the letters of the alphabet. "A" is for Apple, "B" is for Boy, etc. Since students wanted an "A" letter grade, they would give their teachers Apples. This practise was only followed by the brown noser, or the teacher's pet." http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/17/messages/1146.html Mar 31 08, 3:01 PM