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Nancy Spires is teaches 2nd grade at Northview Elementary School, Jackson

She is the March featured teacher, nominated for her efforts in Ag in the Classroom and ag literacy. Thank you, Nancy.

What are your favorite Ohio commodities? As a class, we talk about what type of land, crops and animals that we see when we are out and about.  The students talk about seeing corn, beans, cows and pigs. We discuss how we see these crops and animals in our area and their importance. 

How and when did you first start teaching Ag in the Classroom and why is it important to you?  I have always tried to teach my students about the community and what kind of jobs and environment we live in. I feel that our children need to know about their surroundings and what we need to live, which turns into food and how we get it. 

How long have you been teaching students about agriculture? I have been blessed to teach in my district for the past 18 years and have incorporated agriculture in my lessons every year.  

What is your favorite program, resource or teaching event you have done and why? Honestly, my favorite program, resource or teaching event that I have participated in is “Ag Day.” One of my best “go-to” resources is Kim Harless, who works with our local Farm Bureau office and does an excellent job organizing this field trip for our students from multiple districts. I have attended every Ag Day field trip that has been provided for our second grade students. The teaching or learning begins with a T-shirt design contest where all the students are asked to draw a farm/agricultural picture. We begin talking about what they know and discussing the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives. This day is awesome! The children get to visit numerous stations where they learn about animals and see how they behave. They also learn about growing crops and have hands-on activities throughout these stations.The students are also taught about how to help the planet such as recycling.  

Do you have any advice for other teachers on how to implement agriculture into their classrooms? My advice to other teachers on how to implement agriculture into their classrooms is by using your resources such as community members. The students love to meet new people and hear about careers or ask questions as well as seeing the connection these individuals have with our weekly reading stories or units that we have been working on for the week. There are so many excellent resources that are only a phone call away!

Any Ag-ha moments in your classroom, where agriculture came alive for your students? One “Ag-ha” moment that I remember in my classroom was when we were discussing where our food comes from. One of my little girls looked and said “Wal-Mart”! Of course, this was the beginning of a learning adventure.

Describe an agriculture-based project you have been involved with lately. An agriculture-based project that I have been involved in and will continue to be would be our “Ag Day” Field Trip. This is one where I am just as excited as the students. I truly feel it is a fun-filled learning day for our teachers and students.