Jolabokaflod and Agriculture in the Classroom

December 3, 2019 / beyondthebarndoor / Leave a comment

During World War II, the citizens of Iceland began a unique tradition. Because of rationing for the war effort, traditional Christmas celebrations were a challenge. Paper was one of the few supplies not rationed making books and affordable, practical gift. The tradition of Jolabokaflod, or the Christmas Book Flood, continues today.

Looking for a few new books with an agriculture theme to start your own book giving tradition this year? Consider the following!

Popcorn Country: The Story of America’s Favorite Snack by Cris Peterson (ISBN 978-1629798929). An AITC favorite author Cris Peterson takes on the official snack food of Illinois. How can you go wrong? Inspired by a visit to Mason County, Illinois! This book will be available at the IAA Annual Meeting in the IAA Foundation Country Store.

The Hundred-Year Barn by Patricia MacLachlan (ISBN 978-0062687739). Explore history and agriculture with this beautifully written and illustrated book. Celebrate family and farming in this tale. This book will be available at the IAA Annual Meeting in the IAA Foundation Country Store.

Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car by Peggy Thomas (ISBN 978-1629795390). How can you miss with one of our favorite authors (Thomas) and an Illinois crop (soybeans)!

George Washington Carver for Kids: His Life and Discoveries with 21 Activities by Peggy Thomas (ISBN 978-0915864003). Peggy Thomas introduces us to Carver, his work, and Carver-inspired activities.

Hey Water! by Antoinette Portis (ISBN 978-0823441556). Just in time for Earth Day 2020, an excellent look at water all around us.

Oak Leaf by John Sandford (ISBN 978-1944903732). Explore fall in Illinois with a Chicago based author. Follow an oak leaf on an incredible journey as it falls during the season.

Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht (ISBN 978-1536207644). This is an energetic and exciting way to celebrate all things pumpkin that lead to Halloween! Recently announced as a 2020 Illinois Reads selection.

Right This Very Minute: A Table to Farm Book About Food and Farming by Lisl Detlefsen (ISBN 978-1948898003). Join author and farmer Lisl Detlefsen telling the tale of how your food got to the table!

We are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines (ISBN 978-1400314225). Yes, that Joanna Gaines has written a great tale showcasing her family and the lessons learned in the family garden!

For the Young Adult readers consider:

Pumpkinheads a graphic novel by Rainbow Rowell and Illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks (ISBN 9781626721623). Pumpkins aren’t just for elementary school! Follow the adventures of Deja and Josiah, seasonal best friends, as they work during the last night of the season at the local pumpkin patch.

The Escape of Light by Fred Venturini (ISBN 978-1684423934). Southern Illinois author Fred Venturini takes a fictional look at basketball in a small rural school. Pair teen angst with a severely burned boy, and you see a small town in action.

Sorry for Your Loss by Jessie Anne Foley (ISBN 978-0062571915). This is my favorite book at the moment. Although I can’t make it link to agriculture, Illinois author Jessie Anne Foley delivers an outstanding tale of loss in a huge family, and the impact it leaves behind. Fans of John Green will enjoy this book.

As you prepare to celebrate your own Jolabokaflod, visit your local bookstore or use the IAA Foundation on your Amazon Smile account!

Be sure to check out our website www.agintheclassroom.org for ways to link these books with some of your favorite activities.

By Kevin Daugherty

Daugherty is the Director of the Illinois Center for Agricultural Engagement at the Illinois Farm Bureau. He is currently reading When All is Said by Anne Griffin.

2018 Holiday Reading List

November 19, 2018 / beyondthebarndoor / Leave a comment

Something to read……

Suggestions for Christmas presents?? Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to READ! We have the READ covered. Let’s explore some new books with ag related themes! We encourage you to visit your local bookseller or check out Amazon Smiles and the IAA Foundation (https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_15?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=on+the+farm+at+the+market&sprefix=on+the+farm+at+%2Caps%2C160&crid=3NHRS1YBJUVPN)!

Check out this video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMr8CFb1Jrw

A Home in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown ISBN 978-0066237879. A step back in time as the acclaimed author of Goodnight Moon looks at agriculture in the 1940s. (all ages) This book will be available at the IAA Annual Meeting in the IAA Foundation Country Store.

On the Farm, At the Market by G. Brian Karas. ISBN 978-0805093728. A book in two parts, at the farm preparing for the farmers’ market and at the market preparing to use the bounty of the harvest. (grades K-5) Also available at the IAAF Country Store!

Anywhere Farm by Phyllis Root ISBN 978-0763674991. Exploring urban farming and introducing students to the power of the seed and soil. (grades K-5)

Hey, Hey, Hay! by Christy Mihaly ISBN 978-082343668. We’ve looked high and low and finally found a book on HAY! In this touching story told in lyrical verse, you even get a recipe for switchel! (grades K-5)

Auntie Yang’s Great Soybean Picnic by Illinois Author Ginnie Lo ISBN 978-1600604423. Examining soybeans, heritage and family, this book takes a unique look at Illinois soybeans and how they are used. Beautifully illustrated by Beth Lo, the author’s sister, you’ll find each part of the story illustrated on plates. (grades K-5)

The Great American Dust Bowl by Don Brown ISBN 978-1328740878. Growing up, I would have called this book a comic book, but the new genre of graphic novels has emerged. The importance of soil and soil conservation is addressed in this book! (grades 4-10)

Illinois History: A Reader Edited by Mark Hubbard ISBN 978-0252083648. As Illinois celebrates the bicentennial, this is a unique look at Illinois! Collected from the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, take a close look at your home state! (grades 9-adult)

Pigs, Pork and the Heartland Hog by Cynthia Clampitt ISBN 978-1538110744. Join food historian Cynthia Clampitt as she tells the story of pork in the U.S. diet and marketplace. Like her book Midwest Maize, we are certain you will learn more about this Illinois commodity! (adult)

COMING SOON–these books are so good you won’t want to miss them!
George Washington Carver for Kids: His Life and Discoveries with 21 Activities by Peggy Thomas ISBN 978-0915864003. Peggy Thomas introduces us to Carver, his work and sample activities. Coming January 8, 2019.

Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car by Peggy Thomas ISBN 978-1629795390. How can you miss with one of our favorite authors (Thomas) and an Illinois crop (soybeans)! Coming January 2019.

Right This Very Minute: A table to farm book about food and farming by Lisl Detlefsen ISBN 978-1948898003. Coming February 5, 2019. From the new publisher Feeding Minds Press, join author and farmer Lisl Detlefsen telling the tale of how your food got to the table!

Popcorn Country: The Story of America’s Favorite Snack By Cris Peterson ISBN 978-1629798929. An AITC favorite author Cris Peterson takes on the official snack food of Illinois! How can you go wrong? Coming April 16, 2019.

Be sure to check out our website www.agintheclassroom.org for ways to link these books with some of your favorite activities.

By Kevin Daugherty

Daugherty is the Director of the Illinois Center for Agricultural Engagement at the Illinois Farm Bureau. He is currently reading The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez.

2017 Holiday Reading and Agriculture

November 30, 2017 / beyondthebarndoor / Leave a comment

A YOU-TUBE VIDEO ABOUT OUR 2017 READING LIST IS

Something to read……

Suggestions for Christmas presents?? Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to READ! We have the READ covered. Let’s explore some new books with ag related themes!
Bee Dance by Rich Chrustowski, ISBN978-0-8050-99159-5, PreK-3. A simple and easy to read story packed with accurate pollinator information Published June 2015.

The Bad Seed by Jory John, ISBN 978-0-06-246776-8, PreK-3. Some might look at is as a book on character, in agriculture we might think a weed is simply a misplaced flower. Think of the changing perception of milkweed and you have the bad seed wrapped up! Published August 2017

I Love this Tree by Anna Claybourne, ISBN 978-1-4451-5265-3. Grades 4-6. The subtitle sums this up as discover the life, beauty and importance of trees! You will enjoy the mix of photos and artwork! Published May 2017.

Hatching Chicks in Room 6 by Caroline Arnold, ISBN 978-1-58089-735-8. PreK-2. Become a part of hatching chicks in a kindergarten classroom. Outstanding back matter and a phenomenal glossary, don’t let the reading level keep you away! Published January 2017.

Applesauce Day by Lisa Amstutz, ISBN 978-0-8075-0391-8, PreK-3. A perfect look at a trip to the orchard, followed by a family tradition of making applesauce. Explore apple varieties, tastes as well as cooking your own food. Published August 2017.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, ISBN 978-1-94314-730-4, PreK-5. Beautifully illustrated with a strong message of inclusiveness. Being different is okay, working in a unique field is okay! Published August 2017.

John Deere, That’s Who! By Tracy Nelson Mauer, ISBN 978-1-62779-129-8, PreK-3. A unique look at Deere and how he changed the state of Illinois, the U.S. and agriculture! Just in time for the 200^th birthday of our state! Published March 2017.

The Popcorn Astronauts and Other Biteable Rhymes by Deborah Ruddell, ISBN 978-1-4424-6555-8, PreK-3. Illinois author explores all sorts of specialty crops! A can’t miss. Published March 2016.

Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Thot, ISBN 978-0-7636-9571-2, PreK-2. Ninety-eight percent of fresh cut Christmas Trees come from a farm. This book explores the life of a tree from the lot home. Excellent discussion for the farm life of a tree! Published September 2017

Maple Syrup from the Sugar House by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton, ISBN 978-0-8075-7943-5, PreK-3. A story of working together to bring maple syrup from tree to table! Published November 2017.

Flip the Bird by Kym Brunner, ISBN 978-0-544-80085-4 Grades 7-9. An impassioned story filled with moral dilemmas that can easily be applied to animal agriculture. Illinois Author Brunner makes readers examine and question the position of activists. Published November 2016.

Giant Pumpkin Suite by Melanie Heuiser Hill ISBN 9787-0-76369155-4 Grade 4-7. A story of twins, a cello, a neighborhood and a pumpkin. A giant pumpkin. Easily enough pumpkin to make this an agriculture book, as well as a heaping helping our great characters. You find yourself rooting for all fo them–event the pumpkin! Published September 2017.

Always something interesting to read at Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. Visit us at www.agintheclassroom.org.

Kevin Daugherty is the Education Director for the Illinois AITC program. He is currently reading Anything is Possible. ujhfn

National AITC Conference Newcomer Session

June 9, 2017 / beyondthebarndoor / Leave a comment

Newcomers to the National AITC Conference! Welcome and Watch this video first!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZhtLcRZ0XY

Next some links to support this video

Check out the National AITC Website at https://www.agclassroom.org/ with a link to more conference info!

The Schedule is located at : https://naitcconference.usu.edu/Agenda.cfm

Look at the complete program guide at https://naitcconference.usu.edu/index.cfm

The Wednesday Morning Traveling Workshop descriptions are at https://naitcconference.usu.edu/includes/Workshops2017.pdf?v=1.6 but realize that it is too late to change tours for some of these based on seating and hearing capacity.

Breakfast Wednesday will be served buffet style starting at 6:15!!

SPECIAL NOTES:

TW1-CORN IS KING–PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR LONG PANTS AND CLOSED TOE SHOES. LOTS OF WALKING AND STEPS IN THIS WORKING PLANT!

TW2-4-C’S—This is a walking tour!! You will get your 10,000 steps in bright and early!

TW-4 Making Science Make Sense–This tour requires CLOSED TOE SHOES, LONG PANTS AND NO JEWELRY OTHER THAN WEDDING BANDS!

Workshops!
Check out the Workshop Selections at https://naitcconference.usu.edu/Schedule/Grid.cfm

Check out our Keynote Speakers https://naitcconference.usu.edu/Presenters.cfm

Plan your trip to Kansas City! Check out www.visitkc.com

Questions about NAITCO? https://www.agclassroom.org/get/about.cfm

Questions? Contact your STATE CONTACT! https://www.agclassroom.org/affiliates/state_programs.cfm

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Take some YA and Agriculture with you to the beach!

May 27, 2017 / beyondthebarndoor / Leave a comment

Summer is here…and how about a reading list for teachers? Whet your summer reading appetite with some YA and Ag Books!

Take some YA and Agriculture to the Beach!
A recent survey found that over half of the audience for Young Adult Literature (YA) are adults! Why not join the ranks and take some YA with you this summer, to the beach, the ballfield or just out to the back yard!
Young Adult Literature, includes pieces you probably remember. Huckleberry Finn, The Outsiders, and even Harry Potter are considered YA, and while you might feel guilty or embarrassed about reading books designed for a younger audience, I think the summer is the perfect time to branch out! I believe you’ll find these books entertaining and fast paced. Remember the audience they are geared toward has many more options for spare time entertainment. The books are also well written and tackle touch issues but in a hopeful way. They are typically relatable and many are being made into films or television shows and most are typically shorter.

My choices for YA books with an ag flair for you to use this summer?? Take a gander!

A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck or anything by Richard Peck!
….and now Miguel by Joseph Krumgold 1950’s Newberry Medalist with a sheep theme
War Horse by Michael Morpugo…great movie, even better book
Kristina Srpinger’s Just Your Average Princess…. Illinois Author, set in central IL, can’t miss book.
Steering Toward Normal by Rebecca Petruck…life beyond the show ring.
Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s Dairy Queen It is YA….so for the HS crowd and up!
Crosswire by Dotti Enderle…I read it and saw it as a Walker Texas Ranger Flashback!
Chigger by Raymond Bial another Illinois Author, I am positive those 40 and 50 somethings will see your childhood!
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson. A very popular YA author and a Yellow Fever outbreak in colonial times.
Artichoke’s Heart by Suzanne Supplee. Nutrition, friendship, a quick read
Peeled and Squashed by Joan Bauer. Simply great books!
Seedfolks by Newberry Winner Paul Fleishman. Urban gardening at its finest.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Certainly some coming of age and civil rights era mixed in with pollinators
The Year Money Grew on Trees by Aaron Hawkins. In the 1980s it was hard work, now it is STEM Careers!
My Louisiana Sky by Kimberly Willis Holt. Nationa Book Award Winning Author. GREAT Book!
Taylor Honor Award Winner Black Radishes by Susan Lynn Meyer. Food, Hunger and WWII France.
Pura Belpre Award Winner Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez. A look at immigrant labor in agriculture.
National Book Winner The Thing About Luck by Cynthia Kadohata. Wheat and Wheat Harvest. You’re going to hear more about this!

15 weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you’ve got 18 books with an ag message that will help you pass the time in the dog days of summer! Check your local library or book store for these items!