Second graders in Amy Walsh’s class at GFJ Elementary welcomed a special guest when Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo visited the classroom to read the children’s book “Seasons On The Farm” by Chelsea Tornetto. The visit was part of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Ag in the Classroom program, which helps students learn where their food comes from and how agriculture connects to everyday life.
The story, “Seasons On The Farm,” takes young readers through a full year on a working farm, 
showing how life on the farm changes with each season. Through colorful illustrations and simple storytelling, the book highlights the many tasks farmers complete throughout the year to care for crops, animals, and the land.
After the reading, students participated in a hands-on activity that connected directly to the themes of the book. Each student planted a couple of seeds in a small cup filled with soil. They were able to take the 
cups home and watch as their seeds sprout and grow, giving them a small glimpse into the process farmers experience when planting crops.
The activity helped students understand that growing food takes time, patience, and care. By watching their own plants develop over the coming weeks, students will be able to observe how water, sunlight, and soil help seeds turn into plants.
The visit was part of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Ag in the Classroom program. Educators in the program work with participating school districts to develop individualized curriculum and implementation plans that bring agriculture concepts into the classroom. These lessons are designed to connect agriculture with the educational goals and learning standards of each district.
Programs like this help students build a better understanding of agriculture and the important role farms play in their communities. Through stories, activities, and real-world connections, students learn how the food they eat and the products they use every day begin with the work done on farms throughout the year. Thank Assemblywoman Lupardo for taking time out of your busy day to spend time reading to our students.
