The Tyrone Area FFA Chapter with the assistance of the Friends of PA Farm Bureau, hosted an Ag Literacy Week event from March 18 to 22, 2024.
The initiative aimed to educate younger students on facets of agriculture that may not typically be covered in their curriculum.
Sophomore Gracie Graham emphasized how Ag Literacy Week provides an opportunity for FFA members to enhance their teaching skills and demonstrate leadership qualities.
Being a co-chair of this committee was a great experience especially since working with elementary students is different from working with high schoolers and adults. It was really fun and we all had a great time. I especially would like to thank Remington Weaver, senior, who was the other co-chair
— Co-Chair Nora Hoy
Throughout the week, 23 members of the Tyrone Area FFA engaged students from kindergarten to 2nd grade, totaling 20 classes.
The students were treated to a reading of “Anywhere Farm” by Phyllis Root, a story conveying the message that with essential resources like water and sunlight, a small seed can thrive anywhere.
One of the interactive activities involved each of the 300 students creating their own “Anywhere Farm” using lettuce seeds, cotton balls, plastic bags, and water.
Tyrone Area FFA committee members created additional activities. Kindergarten classes enjoyed a coloring and categorization activity, while first-grade students exercised their creativity by designing their own imaginary gardens. Second-grade students were tasked with spreading positivity by composing compliments for a chosen individual based on a beautiful flower illustration.
A dedicated student committee played a crucial role in planning and executing these activities, along with developing engaging lesson plans.
“Being a co-chair of this committee was a great experience especially since working with elementary students is different from working with high schoolers and adults. It was really fun and we all had a great time. I especially would like to thank Remington Weaver, senior, who was the other co-chair,” sophomore Paige Hoy said.
Vanessa Nowlin, a member of the PA Farm Bureau, made a special appearance as a guest reader for one of the classes. She shared stories from the agriculture industry and also interacted with students, fostering discussions on their perceptions of agriculture.
“I enjoyed hearing the kid’s reaction to the book as well as hearing their prior knowledge of the agriculture industry. It was also really fun to explain different aspects of the agriculture industry and listen to how they interpreted the information,” Nowlin said.
Students who participated in organizing the events were Carlie Nowlin, Bailey Woomer, Reilly Rawlings, Gabbreella Dean, Maverick Fleck, Madisen Jones, Gracie Graham, Catie Sklenar, Jeremey Brower, Kaitlyn Rockwell, Kaylee Little, Nevaeh Hollabaugh, Jana McCartney, Sarah Zimmerman, Frances Weaver, Abigail Keyser, John Eaken, Janice Gilliland, Sarah Weakland, Paige Hoy, Nora Hoy, Alyssa Houck, and Remington Weaver.
