By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Texas teachers have the opportunity to receive free educational resource materials from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture (AFBFA) through a new grant.
AFBFA is providing educator packs that include one copy of the Book of the Year: How to Grow a Monster, one copy of the accompanying educator’s guide and one set of 30 School Garden ag mags for educational use.
“Growing agricultural literacy in the classroom is a goal of Texas Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture,” said Jordan Bartels, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Organization Division, Educational Outreach. “We encourage Texas teachers to apply for these grants to receive free resources to expand student knowledge about agriculture in a fun and exciting way.”
All educators may apply, but AFBFA noted How to Grow a Monster is best suited for grades K-3.
How to Grow a Monster explores the makers theme of gardening and includes a gardening-related activity. The book, written by Kiki Thorpe, was presented the Book of the Year award at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 103rd Convention earlier this year.
“By incorporating agricultural concepts into the classroom using accurate ag information from reliable sources, teachers are able to start the dialogue about farming and our food,” Bartels said.
The educator resource grant applications are due by midnight on Feb. 28.
Applicants will receive notification by March 4.
AFBFA noted 300 teachers will receive the educator packs. If more than 300 educators apply for these grants, educators will be randomly selected to receive the grants.
Grantees will be asked, but not required, to take a picture of themselves or their students using the materials and send it to AFBFA.
For more information and to apply, visit agfoundation.org/projects/2022-educator-resource-grants.
For details on other ag in the classroom activities and educator opportunities through Texas Farm Bureau, visit texasfarmbureau.org/aitc.