By: Katie Ochoa
The Cedar Bluff FFA Book Read, started by Chapter President Jackson Horton, Chapter Vice President Logan Hall, and Chapter Treasurer Manuel Lugo, began in August of 2018 and has been a staple event for Kindergarten through fourth grade students ever since.
“The Book Read encourages reading development among young kids, as well as teaching them about agriculture and exposes them to FFA,” said Horton.
“Children ages 6-12 are not taught the basis of where food comes from, or even how basic commodities that they enjoy every day are made,” stated Jerri-Grace Chandler, FFA officer.
Students who want to be more involved can even participate in activities, such as the annual Halloween pumpkin decorating contest. During this event, students were able to decorate pumpkins as their favorite book characters.
“This activity has taught us how to be more patient and personable with the children and the teachers,” expressed Horton.
The FFA Book Read teaches young students about how agriculture affects our everyday lives through food, water, shelter, clothing, and so much more.
“It allows hands on teachings and readings to provide interest in agriculture and its impact on the world,” stated Chandler.
These book readings occur about once a month, and they often have a theme.
“As well as reading, we try to always do an interactive activity with the kids. We hope to do the book readings more frequently in the future,” mentioned Horton.
“We began this reading to teach children about the field of agriculture and how we would be affected if it did not exist,” revealed Chandler.