Catching up…
April 17, 2010Hi All,
It’s been exactly one month since my last post – that is unacceptable! Many apologies. I promised earlier that I would tell you about my visit with fourth graders at Eugene Field Elementary in Mexico, Mo.
"With this age group, I usually begin with an interactive game called "That's Me." I ask students a series of questions, like, "Who turned on lights today?" or "Who ate breakfast?" The students then raise their hands and say, "That's me!" Ultimately, I make the point that most of our daily activities involve agriculture. Usually, many are surprised to learn this.
I had a blast. I spoke for about a half an hour to two different classes. We mostly talked specifically about Missouri agriculture because the fourth grade classes have been learning about different Missouri facts in their regular curriculum. I taught them how Missouri is an agriculturally diverse state. The state is able to host many different production areas, like corn, wheat, soybeans, horses, beef and dairy cattle, and poultry.
We talked about many different areas of Missouri agriculture. Agriculture in Missouri is so diverse, you can find everything from corn and cotton, to cows and chickens!
One thing I also like to ask students is, “What do you think of when you hear the word, farming?” I often get replies that have something to do with a farmer, wearing overalls, chewing on straw, and wearing a plaid shirt. Although I can attest that many farmers do indeed fit this description, I make the point that farming is so much than that. Agriculture is all around us, and effects us every day. It’s more than just cows, plows and sows. Daily innovations in agriculture, particularly in Missouri, are helping it become a modern industry to sustain the billions of people that need clothes on their bodies and food in their bellies.
At the end of each lesson, Megan asked the students to write down two things they learned. I was so pleased with the different responses I got. They remembered everything from the differences between broiler and layer hens, to how big an acre is. I was so proud, and felt accomplished by sharing my agricultural message.
I’m looking forward to visiting other classrooms during my year as Miss Audrain. I have plans to visit a kindergarten class at Grant Elementary in Columbia, and my little sister, Morgan Gish’s, class as well.
To fantastic, fourth grade fun,
Ag
P.S. If you are an educator and would like to incorporate agriculture into your regular curriculum, Missouri Farm Bureau, with help from experienced teachers, have created comprehensive lesson plans to do just that. I highly recommend you check it out!
