Gadsden County Extension Column

Digging into discovery: Gadsden County FAMU 4-H sparks young minds through agriculture and literacy

The Gadsden County FAMU 4-H In-School Program is turning classrooms into hubs of curiosity by blending agriculture, science, and literacy in ways that are both fun and meaningful. Each month, students explore a new agricultural theme through hands-on activities and a featured book, one they get to keep and add to their personal library. This unique approach not only builds knowledge but also nurtures a lifelong love for reading.

Looking back: A sweet lesson in dairy

Last month, students dove into the world of dairy with the book Tales of the Dairy Godmother . This delightful story opened the door to understanding the farm-to-table journey of milk and dairy products. From learning how cows are milked to discovering how milk becomes ice cream, students gained a new appreciation for this essential food group. The highlight? Making their own ice cream! The laughter and excitement in the classroom proved that learning can be both educational and delicious.

November focus: The living world beneath our feet

This month’s theme, The Living World Beneath Our Feet , introduces students to the fascinating ecosystem within soil. The Book of the Month, The Soil in Jackie’s Garden , takes readers on a journey to uncover the hidden life beneath the surface, from tiny organisms to the nutrients that help plants thrive. Through interactive lessons, students learn that soil is far more than “just dirt”; it’s a vital resource that sustains life on Earth.

To make these concepts stick, each child receives a copy of the featured book to take home, encouraging family engagement and turning education into a shared experience. Later this month, students will create edible soil models, a fun and tasty way to visualize soil layers and components. By turning abstract ideas into hands-on projects, the program ensures that learning is not only understood but remembered.

Why it matters

Through these monthly experiences, the Gadsden County FAMU 4-H In-School Program is helping students build essential life skills like critical thinking and problem-solving while connecting classroom learning to real-world agriculture. At the same time, the program advances literacy and a love for reading by expanding students’ personal libraries. These efforts are more than lessons; they’re investments in the next generation of leaders and innovators. And the learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. This year, students will take their knowledge into the community by participating in the Gadsden Soil and Water Conservation District Poster Contest with the theme “Soil: Where It All Begins.” This partnership gives youth an opportunity to showcase their creativity, deepen their understanding of soil conservation, and engage with local environmental initiatives. It’s a powerful way to connect education, community, and stewardship, planting seeds for a future where these young minds lead the way in caring for our natural resources.

The Magic You Don’t Want to Miss

If you could see the excitement in these classrooms, the wide eyes as students discover the hidden world beneath their feet, the look of delight as they taste the sweet ice cream they made with their own hands, the proud smiles as they flip through their very own books, you’d understand why this program is so special. It’s not just about agriculture or reading; it’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and creating memories that last a lifetime. And the best part? This is only the beginning. Stay tuned, because the next adventure is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss it! Crystalgale Hunter is a program assistant for FAMU/UF/IFAS Extension Gadsden County.

Gadsden County Extension Column

Mr. Terrevio Ward

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Mr. Terrevio Ward

Navigating medical cannabis in Florida workplaces

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