Ag in the Classroom (AITC) is a free program offered to all schools in Clay County PreK-5th grades through Clay County Farm Bureau. The Ag Literacy Coordinator, Jennifer Fulk, sets up dates and times with the teachers that graciously allow her into their classrooms. Visits are usually once a month and last about 40 minutes for each lesson. Free products, like Ag Mags & Ag related posters, are offe
red to all Clay County Teachers through the program. Jennifer also visits many community events where she does activities with the children attending. Some of these events include: the Clay County Fair, Clay County Health Department’s Earth Day Fair, Conservation Day, and Clay County Farm Bureau’s Membership Picnic. Workshops offering professional development credits are also offered to teachers county-wide through the AITC program. Why do your students need Ag in the Classroom? We, as you know, are a small rural community that is vastly centered on Agriculture. It’s important for children to understand the foundations of our community and how their food gets from the farm to their table. Why do your students like Ag in the Classroom? It’s fun! The lessons are centered on Ag related products and activities. Activities are hands-on and centered on the Common Core and Next Generation Science standards. After most of the lessons, students have made something they can take home with them to show their family. Most are really excited to explain their creations. In doing this, they are spreading Ag awareness! The AITC program is partially funded by a yearly grant from Illinois Ag in the Classroom located in Bloomington, IL. We have to match the grant funding awarded to us to keep the program. The matched funding comes from gracious donations and fundraisers put on throughout the year.