Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) illuminated the path to enriched education as educators, committee members, and administrative staff united to explore the transformative potential of agricultural literacy. Jessica Petroske, a Resource Specialist with MAITC, spearheaded this initiative, fostering an exchange of ideas and resources aimed at enhancing kindergarten education.
Strengthening Educational Ties Through Agriculture
Jessica collaborated closely with Jodi Landro, a kindergarten teacher, to seamlessly weave MAITC’s curriculum into lessons on plants, weather, and foundational concepts like "pushes and pulls." This partnership has already reshaped classroom experiences, with ambitious plans to extend these innovative practices across the district.
The session welcomed nine engaged school staff members:
- Five kindergarten teachers
- Principal
- Assistant administrator
- School nurse
- One fourth-grade teacher
Experiential Learning at Its Best
The workshop commenced with an activity from the My Farm Web lesson kit, designed to spark thoughtful discussions about the interconnections between farms, resources, and everyday life. This hands-on exercise captivated participants and demonstrated the foundational role of agriculture in shaping daily experiences.
Educators dove into the A is for Apples lesson, employing sensory exploration to see the fruit through the eyes of a curious kindergartener. This interactive approach highlighted agriculture’s tangible link to food and the broader environment.
Broadening Horizons Through Literature
Three curated books from MAITC’s Curriculum Matrix were presented to inspire creative integration of agricultural themes:
These resources provided fresh perspectives and practical tools for embedding agricultural literacy into everyday classroom activities.
Expanding Impact Across the School Community
The initiative’s reach extends far beyond the 100 kindergarten students currently participating. The school’s Minnesota Harvest program, which spotlights a different Minnesota crop in school lunches each month, aligns seamlessly with MAITC’s objectives. Discussions are already underway to scale these lessons to the school’s 600-student population and beyond to other district schools.
Forward Vision
A special thanks goes to MAITC Foundation Board Vice-Chair Pam Debele for establishing the connection that made this collaboration possible. With continued efforts, this partnership between MAITC and the school has great potential to inspire curiosity about agriculture and deepen understanding among students across the district. By supporting educators and empowering students, Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom ensures that agriculture remains a vital and celebrated part of both education and everyday life.