Agricultural Literacy Week ~ March 19th - 23rd, 2012
- How does the Ag Literacy Week program work?
- About this year's book
- Ag Literacy Week archive
- I want to be a Literacy Volunteer
- I would like a Literacy Volunteer to visit my classroom
- Sponsor a book for your local school
- County Coordinator information
How does Agricultural Literacy Week (ALW) Work?
In celebration of National Agriculture Week (March 19th-23rd), volunteers throughout the state will read a book with an agricultural theme to second graders. Students and teachers will also benefit from hands-on lessons and receive follow up activities. The book will be given to the school library with a bookplate recognizing the donor and NY Ag Literacy Week. 1,400 books were donated last year while thousands of second graders participated in fun and educational activities.
2012 Ag Literacy Week begins Monday, March 19th and runs through Friday, March 23rd.
Start to Finish the program takes about 45-60 minutes per classroom.
- Literacy Volunteers work with their county coordinators to set up visits to their local schools.
- Volunteers read to students in first through third grade classrooms.
- Following the reading, volunteers do an activity with students and share their experiences in agriculture.
All activity materials are prepared by NY AITC plus schools get to keep a copy of the book.
Click here to download an Ag Literacy Week Information Sheet
About This Year's Book
Seed, Soil, Sun by Chris Peterson
American Farm Bureau's 2011 "Book of the Year"
In this clearly written and beautifully photographed book, Peterson describes the seemingly miraculous process by which air and water combine with seed, soil, and sun to create nearly all the food we eat. Using the corn plant as an example, she takes the reader through the story of germination and growth of a tiny corn seed into a giant plant reaching high into the air with roots extending over six feet into the ground. Once again, Cris Peterson brings both wonder and clarity to the subject of agriculture, celebrating the cycle of growth, harvest, and renewal.
*Each school will recieve a free copy of the book along with the educator guide.
Agricultural Literacy Week Archive
Now in its 7th Year, Agricultural Literacy Week has helped to bring agriculturally themed books and resources into thousands of classrooms and libraries throughout New York State. Click here to explore past years books and resources.
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Literacy Volunteers
Click here to register as a Literacy Volunteer
- Electronic Copy of Book (ppt)
- Electronic Copy of Book (PDF)
- Educator's Guide Supplement: Resources for Literacy Volunteers and Teachers (PDF 11" x 17" paper)
Teachers
Click here to register your classroom for ALW 2012
Educator's Guide Supplement (PDF 11" x 17" paper)
County Coordinators
- County Coordinator Guide
- County Coordinator Contacts
- Book Order Form
- Book Donor Form
- Volunteer Reader Form
- Classroom Registration Form
- Ag Literacy Week 2012 Flyer (Publisher)
- Ag Literacy Week 2012 Flyer (PDF)
- Ag Literacy Week 2012 Postcard (Publisher)
- Ag Literacy Week 2012 Postcard (PDF)
- Educator's Guide Supplement (PDF 11" x 17" paper)
- Teacher Feedback Postcard
- Photo Release
- Local Leader Reader/VIP Letter Template
- Local Press Release Template
- Tracking Form (Excel)
- Volunteer Reader Feedback Form
Sponsorships & Donations
Many thanks to the Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation for their generous support of Agricultural Literacy Week.
Would you like to fund the purchase of one or more books? The books are $10.00 each and will be donated to the school after being read. Send your donation to your county coordinator (make checks payable to NY Agriculture in the Classroom and indicate "Ag Literacy Week" in the memo line). Donors will be recognized on a special bookplate. You may choose to have your donated book sent to a specific school, or to read it yourself to your local school.
