Activities for Grades K - 2 - Seeds to Success

Explore lessons and fun activities for K-2 students that bring the growing process to life in the classroom and at home.

Here you’ll find lessons, activities, videos, and other resources related to gardening, for students in grades K-2. No matter if you are a teacher, parent, kid, or kid at heart, all are hands-on, experiential, and fun! We worked closely with Louisiana educators to identify only the best lessons for teachers and link them to Louisiana State Curriculum Standards.

Beets & Carrots:

Lessons and Activities

Arizona Department of Education: Carrots

Through this lesson, students will identify carrots as member of the vegetable food group.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.2.5		Kindergarten: 1-E-1.6

Edible Schoolyard NYC: Borscht

Students will make borscht, learning about Eastern Europe and the contributions of community.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1

Vermont Harvest of the Month: Carrots Classroom Connections

Includes two lessons: Pickling Carrots (Science) and Carrot Life Cycle Stories (English).

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1		1-E-1.3

National Agriculture in the Classroom: Eat ‘Em Up

In this lesson, students will review the plant parts that they eat, including roots, stems, flowers, leaves, fruit, and seeds. Students will choose a favorite fruit or vegetable to feature in a healthy recipe and prepare it with their families.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	1-LS1-1	SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1		1-E-1.3

Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program: Carrot Worksheets

Taste-test worksheets for carrots along with coloring sheets and other lessons organized by grade level.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1 RF-K-1 WHST-2.2		1-E-1.3

Montana Harvest of the Month: C is for Carrot.

This lesson discusses the health benefits, parts, growing cycle, and attributes of carrots. Students demonstrate their learning by creating a poem or song about carrots.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS-1-1 3-LS1-1	SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.3.5		1-E-1.3

Vermont Harvest of the Month: Beets Classroom Connections

Includes three lessons: Painting with Beet Juice (Art), Measuring Beets (Math), and Sprout a Beet (Science).

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A K.MD.B	K-LS-1-1	SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1			VA-CE-E4

New Hampshire Harvest of the Month: Carrots Harvest Lessons

A variety of lessons to explore, taste, and learn about carrots.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
2.MD.D.10	K-LS-1-1	SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1		1-E-1.3

New Hampshire Harvest of the Month: Beets and Rutabagas Harvest Lessons

A variety of lessons to explore, taste, and learn about beets and rutabagas.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A. K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.A.2 2.MD.D.10		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1		1-E-1.3

Oregon Harvest for Schools: Putting Down Roots

Observe and explore with students how this collection of roots is alike or different. How is this part of the plant important? Guide students to set up a “root lab” where they can observe roots under various growing conditions, based on their own questions and observations about roots.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS-1-1 1-LS1-1	SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1

Kids Gardening: Vegetable Carving

Carving vegetables is a great way to promote creativity, hone fine motor skills, and learn about global cultures. It can also be a fun way to get kids interested in trying out new foods, and to create festive decorations. Check out this fun activity and let your students explore different root vegetables through vegetable carving!

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
					k-4 VA-CE-E4 VA-AP-E2 VA-AP-E4 VA-HP-E1 VA-HP-E4 5-8 VA-CE-M4 VA-CE-M5 VA-AP-M2 VA-AP-M3 VA-AP-M6 VA-HP-M1 VA-HP-M2 VA-HP-M4 VA-HP-M5 9-12 VA-CE-H3 VA-CE-H4 VA-CE-H5 VA-AP-H2 VA-AP-H4 VA-AP-H6 VA-HP-H1 VA-HP-H2 VA-HP-H4

National Ag in the Classroom: A Garden Plot

Students will identify foods grown in a garden, observe various types of seed, and grow their own "milk jug" garden. Students will hear "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter and learn about produce that is grown in gardens or on farms. Students will conduct a “Rabbit Taste Test” where they give different kinds of rabbit food (lettuce, carrots, beets, radishes) to try. They will record Rabbit Taste Test results on graphs. Students will discuss why rabbits are mammals and the characteristics of all mammals. A Garden Plot PDF

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10	K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1	SL.K.1 SL.K. 2 SL.K. 3 SL.K. 5 SL.K. 6 SL.1.1 SL.1. 2 SL.1. 3 SL.1. 5 SL.1. 6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.6

Harvest for Healthy Kids: Beets and Carrots

Activity plans for beets and carrots include lessons centered around circle time, meal time, and activity time along with fast and fun activities. Each kit includes an activity plan, family recipe, teacher bites, and a parent newsletter and picture cards available in both English and Spanish. Beets Activity Plan Beets Family Recipe Beets Parent Newsletter - English Beets Parent Newsletter - Spanish Beets Picture Cards - English Beets Picture Cards - Spanish Beets Teacher Bites Carrots Activity Plan Carrots Family Recipe Carrots Parent Newsletter - English Carrots Parent Newsletter - Spanish Carrots Picture Cards - English Carrots Picture Cards - Spanish Carrots Teacher Bites

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.2		SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.4	VA-CE-E4

Scholastic Inc: Growing and Eating Carrots in the Classroom

The children will read the book "The Carrot Seed" and discuss the details of the book. Then they will grow carrot seeds in milk cartons, carefully observing and watering their plants.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1	RL.K.10 RI.K.10 RF.K.2 W.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6		1-E-1.3 7-E-1.1 7-E-1.2

Growing Minds Farm to School: Root Exploration

Introduce students to roots and the ways they function by pulling up and observing the roots of different weeds. Talk with students about the 5 “Ws” (who, what, when, where, and why) and use them as a guide for creating a poem about roots. Then, grow a sweet potato in a jar to see how roots grow.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 1	RL.1.4 RL.1.10 LS.1.5 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3

Montana Harvest of the Month: Beets

This harvest of the month worksheet includes facts about the vegetable, produce and storage tips, nutrition information, and more. As a class, complete the activity "Colorful Beets, Inside and Out" to describe, compare, and learn about beets. Classroom recipes include Beets and Sweets Heart-Shaped Chips and Galina's Very Berry Beet Smoothies.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.B.3 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10	K-LS1-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Grade 2 1-E-1.6

Vermont Harvest of the Month: Beets & Rutabaga

Harvest lessons provide a fun way for classrooms to explore, taste, and learn about eating more fruits and vegetables. Included are lessons covering a variety of subjects including nutrition, measurement, graphing, dyeing paper with beet juice, structures of plants, and mapping the origins of beets and rutabaga.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10	K-LS1-1 2-LS2-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5	K.18	Kindergarten 1-E-1.6 1st grade 7-E-1.1 2nd grade 7-E-1.3 7-E.1.4

National Ag in the Classroom: Dig ‘Em Up (Beets and Carrots)

In this lesson students will investigate the functions of roots, recognize the difference between a tap and fibrous root system, and identify the roots of some plants as edible. Dig 'Em Up Lesson Dig 'Em Up Observation Sheet Root Identification Activity Sheet Roots T-Chart

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.A.1 1.MD.A.2 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.A.1 2.MD.A.2 2.MD.A.3 2.MD.A.4	K-LS1-1 2-LS2-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5

Beets & Carrots:

Videos and Other Resources

How to Grow Carrot Tops (6:39)

A short-time lapse video covering the growth of carrot tops.

Growing Carrots from Sowing to Harvest (6:20)

A how-to video on growing carrots, from sowing to harvest.

Growing Beet Greens from Beet Tops (1:33)

A short-time lapse video covering the growth of beet greens.

Bring Back the Farm: Farm to Fork Time-Lapse of Beets (2:06)

A short-time lapse video covering the growth of beets.

TESCO: Crunchy Carrots: from Farm to Fork (3:49)

Watch this video to see the farm-to-fork journey of carrots, from ideal growing conditions to harvesting and production, ready for you to buy in the shops.

Vermont Harvest of the Month: Beets

This resource has information on beets and lesson ideas.

Beets & Carrots:

Books

Giant Carrot by Allan Manham (2011)

When brilliant gardener Jack tries to pull up a giant carrot he gets more than he bargained for, but luckily all his friends are on hand to help. Join in the fun in this deliciously bright and quirky twist on a favorite story.

Carrots by Inez Snyder (2004)

Introduces the carrot, from the time it begins to grow from a seed until it is eaten.

Carrot Soup by John Segal (2006)

Take one rabbit, patiently growing carrots. Add his friends -- Mole, Dog, Cat, Duck, and Pig. Mix all ingredients together for a superdelicious surprise!

The Giant Carrot by Jan Peck (1998)

A TALL tale about the power of teamwork. When sweet Little Isabelle's family plants a carrot seed one day, tall Papa Joe, wide Mama Bess, and strong Brother Abel all do their part. But when Little Isabelle wants to help too, Brother Abel just laughs. "What can you do," he asks. "I'll sing and dance to the carrot to make it grow," she says. "And come summer, we'll have little cups of sweet carrot puddin." Sure enough, that carrot takes a fancy to Little Isabelle's singing and dancing and grows to an amazing height, proving that great things can be accomplished when everyone works together. Based on an old Russian folktale, and complete with a scrumptious recipe for carrot puddin', this wonderfully humorous story shows the strength of teamwork and the power of a touch of imagination.

Carrots Grow Underground by Mari Schuh (2011)

This title highlights the life cycle of a carrot and gives examples of other plant-based foods that grow underground. Designed for early readers, the book includes a list of additional resources and a glossary.

Oliver’s Vegetables by Vivian French (1995)

On a visit to his grandparents' house, Oliver wants to eat only French fries. Grandpa tells him that he may look in the garden for potatoes, but that he must eat what he finds, whatever it may be. On the first evening, Oliver pulls up carrots and discovers that he likes them. On successive days he discovers spinach, rhubarb, cabbage, beets, and peas. A fun book about eating from the garden.

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child (2003)

This story makes a fun hook to engage young students with healthy eating. Lola is a very fussy eater. Carrots are for rabbits and peas are 'too small and too green.' One day, after rattling off her long list of despised foods, she ends with the vehement pronouncement, "And I absolutely will never not ever eat a tomato." Not convinced, Lola's older sister Charlie has an idea. She tells Lola that the orange things on the table are not carrots, but "orange twiglets from Jupiter" and peas are in fact "green drops from Greenland." Mashed potatoes, when pitched as "cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji" suddenly seem appealing to Lola. And in the end, might she even eat a tomato?

book_cover_I_Will_Never_Not_Ever_Eat_a_Tomato_Lauren_Child

Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert (1987)

"Dad says we are going to grow vegetable soup." So begins Lois Ehlert’s bright, bold picture book about vegetable gardening for the very young. The necessary tools are pictured and labeled, as are the seeds. Then the real gardening happens...planting, weeding, harvesting, washing, chopping, and cooking! In the end? "It was the best soup ever." A recipe for vegetable soup tops it all off!

book_cover_Growing_Vegetable_Soup_Lois_Ehlert

The Magic Beet by Kiya Kahl (2020)

Clementine is quirky and sentimental. She loves gardening with her Grammy and has a deep connection to a ring that was given to her by her Grampy. While losing herself in all the beautiful colors of the garden, Clementine also loses her most prized possession. Despite her sadness, Clementine learns to be patient and to remain hopeful. One day, it all pays off when she harvests "THE MAGIC BEET."

Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson (2016)

This charming and lovingly illustrated children's book by acclaimed author Katy Hudson ("A Loud Winter's Nap" and "Bear and Duck") shows how friendships get us over the rough spots in life, even if the going gets a little bumpy. "Too Many Carrots" is the perfect springtime, Eastertime, and anytime gift.

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss (1993)

From beloved children’s book creators Ruth Krauss and Crockett Johnson comes the perennial favorite "The Carrot Seed," now in a board book that's perfect for little hands. When a little boy plants a carrot seed, everyone tells him it won't grow. But when you are very young, there are some things that you just know, and the little boy knows that one day a carrot will come up. So he waters his seed, and pulls the weeds, and he waits...

Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens (1995)

Hare solves his family’s problems by tricking rich and lazy Bear in this funny, energetic version of an old slave story. With roots in American slave tales, "Tops & Bottoms" celebrates the trickster tradition of using one’s wits to overcome hardship.

book_cover_Tops_and_Bottoms_Janet_Stevens

Blueberries:

Lessons and Activities

Vermont Harvest of the Month: Berries

A variety of lessons to explore, taste, and learn about berries.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
2.MD.10	1-LS1-1

New Hampshire Harvest of the Month: Berries Harvest Lessons

A variety of lessons to explore, taste, and learn about berries.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	2-LS2-2	SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1	K.3.2 1.3.1 2.2.2

Harvest for Healthy Kids: Berries

Activity plans for berries include lessons centered around circle time, meal time, and activity time along with fast and fun activities. Each kit includes an activity plan, family recipe, teacher bites, and a parent newsletter and picture cards available in both English and Spanish. Berries Activity Plan Berries Family Recipe Berries Parent Newsletter - English Berries Parent Newsletter - Spanish Berries Picture Cards - English Berries Picture Cards - Spanish Berries Teacher Bites

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.6 Grade 1 7-E-1.1 7-E-1.2	VA-CE-E5

Upper Valley Farm to School Harvest Lessons: Berries

These harvest lessons cover a variety of subjects including pollinators, blueberry nutrition, blueberry taste tests, and art.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Grade 1 7-E-1.1 Kindergarten 1-E-1.6	VA-CE-E5

Blueberries:

Videos and Other Resources

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Blueberries (12:01)

This month's Louisiana Harvest of the Month is native only to North America and their origin goes all the way back to the Ice Age. It’s BLUEBERRIES! Nicknamed the “star berry,” the blueberries’ wild cousins were a delicacy, even gracing the first Thanksgiving table. No matter how you serve them, blueberries take center stage in many tasty treats, and today, we are going to Cockeyed Farms to find out just what makes the blueberry the star of the show!

Naturipe: Blueberry Harvesting Process (2:52)

A virtual field trip to a blueberry orchard and processing plant. Students will see how blueberries are grown, harvested (by hand and machine), and processed.

True Food TV: Blueberry | How Does It Grow? (10:47)

Besides showing how the blueberry grows today, this video gives an excellent history of the blueberry.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Blueberry Brochure

Brochure containing blueberry facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Blueberry Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

5 Superfoods That Actually Live Up to Their Hype

Everyone has heard that blueberries are one of the "super fruits." This informative article for teachers and students explains the five superfoods, including the blueberry.

How to Eat a Rainbow: 5 Shades of Nutrients

Informative article for teachers and students on what it means to “Eat a Rainbow.”

Medical News Today: Everything You Need to Know about Blueberries

Informative background information on blueberries including facts and nutrition information for teachers.

University of Illinois: Pollinator Buzzy Activity Book

This is a short workbook full of puzzles, coloring pages, and information related to pollinators. Have fun and learn!

California Ag in the Classroom – Learn About Ag: Prolific Pollinators

This full-color PDF teaches students about pollinators, including pollinators that pollinate blueberry flowers.

Blueberries:

Books

Cheers for a Dozen Ears by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky (2014

Summertime means fresh veggies at the farm stand to pick out and count! This concept book follows a family's stop at the farm stand as they count tomatoes, strawberries, sunflowers―and yes, ears of corn.

Wild Berries by Julie Flett (2014)

Spend the day picking wild blueberries with Clarence and his grandmother. Meet ant, spider, and fox in a beautiful woodland andscape, the ancestral home of author and illustrator Julie Flett. This book is written in both Enlglish and Cree, in particular the n-dialect, also known as Swampy Cree from the Cumberland House area.

The Berry Book by Gail Gibbons (2002)

From wild berries to cultivated berries, berries growing in the summer and berries growing in the winter, turn the pages to find out more about the berries we commonly eat.

The Fruits We Eat by Gail Gibbons (2016)

Berries, apples, melons, and grapes; oranges, grapefruits, bananas -- yum! This scrumptious picture book, a companion to The Vegetables We Eat, offers youngsters an inviting, information-packed cornucopia of favorite fruits.

A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards (2006)

Readers will learn how fruits and designed to protect a plant's seeds and also to help the plant spread its seeds to new place. With prose perfect for read-alouds and gorgeous watercolor illustrations, Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds delves into the world of seeds, their purpose, and how they grow

More Blueberries! by Susan Musgrave (2015)

These young twins can't get enough of their favorite snack―and they aren't the only ones! With playful rhyming text from award-winning poet Susan Musgrave and gorgeous illustrations by Esperança Melo, this exuberant board book will delight little ones and have everyone happily shouting, "More blueberries!"

Mr. Astley’s Blueberries by Kelly Jenkins Lin (2012)

Mr. Astley lives at the end of a long, winding lane, just right for blueberries. But it takes more than a sunny yard to grow blueberries. For Mr. Astley, it takes a lot of hard work and patience, even in winter when most people only dream of blueberries. But the blueberry patch can be full of wonderful--truly amazing--surprises, too. Follow Mr. Astley as he works in his blueberry patch all year long and see why his blueberries really are the best blueberries yet!

Jamberry by Bruce Degen (1995)

This classic book features a berry-loving boy and an endearing rhyme-spouting bear. The fun wordplay and bright paintings with lots of details for young readers to explore make "Jamberry" a perennial favorite. A small boy and a big friendly bear embark on a berry-picking extravaganza, looking for blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Their fun adventure comes to a razzamatazz finale under a star-berry sky.

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey (1948)

This classic children’s book tells the story of a mother and daughter blueberry picking, who encounter a mother bear and pair of cubs feasting on berries in the same patch. Sal’s mother tells her not to eat all the berries so they can store some for winter, but Sal has a hard time following that direction. The bears meanwhile are feasting before a long winter rest. In the story we learn that the mother bear tells her young to eat all they can before winter comes. Follow this story with discussion of storage of berries through the winter. How is the human family different from the bear family in its needs and in the ways of storing this precious food? Reading Level: K-4.

book_cover_Blueberries_For_Sal_Robert_McCloskey

Broccoli & Cauliflower:

Lessons and Activities

Arizona Department of Education: Cauliflower

Through this lesson, students will identify cauliflower as a member of the vegetable food group.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.1		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.2.4 SL.2.5		Kindergarten: 1-E-1.6

Arizona Department of Education: Broccoli

Through this lesson, students will identify broccoli as member of the vegetable food group.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.1		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.2.5		Kindergarten: 1-E-1.6

New Hampshire Harvest of the Month: Broccoli and Cauliflower Harvest Lessons

A variety of lessons to explore, taste, and learn about broccoli and cauliflower.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.2	1-LS1-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.5 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 SL.2.1 SL.2.2

Party in the Art Room: Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli

Clear directions to create this fun art project based on Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli by Barbara Jean Hicks (2014).

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
					VA-CE-E4

Michigan Reach Out: Do Plants Need Sunlight?

Cauliflower is white because large green leaves grow over the flower portion (the part we eat) of the plant. Because the flower does not receive sunlight, it cannot make chlorophyll (the green we see) from photosynthesis. Adapt this lesson from Michigan Reach Out! to perform an experiment to see what happens when plant leaves are covered and do not receive any light.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS-1-1 2-LS2-1

Oregon Harvest for Schools: Enchanted Broccoli Forest

Make the Enchanted Broccoli Forest recipe from Mollie Katzen’s cookbook by the same name with students. Use this cooking experience as a prompt for learning measuring and other cooking skills, about the benefits of eating broccoli, and writing and illustrating.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.2		W.K.3 SL.K.5 W.1.3 W.1.5 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 W.2.5

National Agriculture in the Classroom: Eat ‘Em Up

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	1-LS1-1	SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1		1-E-1.3

A Dash of Learning: Observing Broccoli Flowers

Observational activity of broccoli flowers and a math activity measuring the length of the flowers.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 1-LS1-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Grade 1 7-E-1.1 Kindergarten 1-E-1.6

Vermont’s Harvest of the Month: Broccoli & Cauliflower

Students observe the structure of the broccoli and cauliflower plants and do an activity to discuss the six parts of the plants we eat. They may read and discuss “The Boy Who Loved Broccoli” by Sarah A. Creighton. They will make and taste-test broccoli salad or taste and compare broccoli and cauliflower prepared different ways.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 1-LS1-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Grade 1 7-E-1.1 Kindergarten 1-E-1.6	VA-CE-E5

Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program: Broccoli Worksheets

Student worksheets include a broccoli taste test guide, broccoli poetry, broccoli nutrition, and other activities.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.B.3 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10		RI.K.10 RI.2.7 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Grade 1 7-E-1.1 Kindergarten 1-E-1.6

Harvest for Healthy Kids: Cauliflower

Activities for cauliflower include lessons centered around circle time, meal time, and activity time along with fast and fun activities. Each kit includes an activity plan, family recipe, teacher bites, and a parent newsletter and picture cards available in both English and Spanish. Cauliflower Activity Plan Cauliflower Family Recipe Cauliflower Parent Newsletter - English Cauliflower Parent Newsletter - Spanish Cauliflower Picture Cards - English Cauliflower Picture Cards - Spanish Cauliflower Teacher Bites

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10	K-LS1-1	RL.K.10 RI.K.10 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Grade 1 7-E-1.1 Kindergarten 1-E-1.6

Broccoli & Cauliflower:

Videos and Other Resources

Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month: Broccoli Activity Sheet

Students can connect the dots from numbers 1 to 77 to complete a picture of broccoli

Iowa Ingredient: Growing Cauliflower (4:16)

A how-to video for growing cauliflower from seed to harvest.

Upper Valley Farm to School Network – Harvesting Broccoli and Cauliflower (4:33)

This video explains that the parts of broccoli and cauliflower plants that we eat are flower buds and stems and discusses the nutrients that these plants provide for us.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Broccoli Brochure

Brochure containing broccoli facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Broccoli Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Learning About Broccoli (1:07)

This is a short video demonstrating that we eat the flower buds of the broccoli plant.

Bonnie Plants: How to Plant Broccoli Plants(1:17)

A short informational video on how to plant broccoli and other cold crops.

True Food TV: Foods That Are Actually EDIBLE FLOWERS (1:41)

Even though we call them fruits and vegetables, everything from cauliflower to broccoli, and artichoke to fig, are really their plants' flowers.

TESCO: Budding Broccoli – How Does It Grow? (2:24)

Learn about the different types of broccoli, the conditions they need to thrive, and the process of planting the seeds and seedlings. This video also shows what happens to the broccoli if it is not harvested: the broccoli head buds open up into a cluster of tiny yellow flowers.

True Food TV: Cauliflower | How Does It Grow? (4:03)

This video discusses the origin of cauliflower, explains that a cauliflower is a bouquet of flowers, and takes you to a commercial farm to demonstrate how they grow cauliflower.

TESCO: Budding Broccoli – from Picking to Packing (2:19)

Learn about the differences between broccoli crowns and purple sprouting, and how this super veggie gets from farm to fork.

Broccoli Pedigree | PBS (1:58)

A short video vignette about why we have never stumbled across a wild broccoli.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Cauliflower Brochure

Brochure containing cauliflower facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Cauliflower Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Broccoli & Cauliflower:

Books

The Trouble with Cauliflower (2006)

Absolute in his belief that eating cauliflower gives him bad luck, Mortimer is surprised to find that, after being tricked into eating it by his friend Sadie, he has had the luckiest day of his life, in a picture book about superstitions and the power of positive thinking.

The Vegetables We Eat by Gail Gibbons (2008)

A fun and informative book all about vegetables, how they are grown, and which parts we eat. A great book to show kids the difference between “leaf” vegetables, “bulbs,” “flower buds,” and more. Different sections of the book could be read to highlight different themes: how vegetables grow, what parts of vegetables we eat, how to grow your own vegetable garden, and more.

book_cover_The_Vegetables_We_Eat_Gail_Gibbons

There’s Broccoli in my Ice Cream! By Emily MacKenzie (2017)

A story about a Dalmatian named Granville who likes to eat everything but fruits and vegetables. Ages: 5 and up.

book_cover_Theres_Broccoli_In_My_Ice_Cream_Emily_MacKenzie

Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli by Barbara Jean Hicks (2014)

The two monsters in this book insist that they don’t eat broccoli. However, there is more to this story! Reading Level: 3-7 years.

book_cover_Monsters_Dont_Eat_Broccoli_Barbra_Jean_Hicks

The Boy Who Loved Broccoli by Sarah A. Creighton (2011)

This book tells the story of Baxter, a boy who likes to eat broccoli so much that he gets superpowers. Reading Level: Elementary.

book_cover_The_Boy_Who_Loved_Broccoli_Sarah_A_Creighton

Cabbage:

Lessons and Activities

Edible Schoolyard NYC: Borscht

Students will make borscht, learning about Eastern Europe and the contributions of community.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1

National Agriculture in the Classroom: Eat ‘Em Up

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	1-LS1-1	SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1		1-E-1.3

Oregon Harvest for Schools: Everyone Wants to Eat!

Show students how Brussels sprouts grow on a tight stem and can provide many protected homes for insects — both pests and beneficials. Brainstorm with students about what plants and insects need to survive. Then walk through the school yard or garden to look for plants showing evidence of being eaten by animals or insects. Discuss ways that plants protect themselves from insect damage and ways that humans can also protect plants. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter is a classic tale showing how other critters may also want to eat food we plant and can be used as either an introduction or conclusion to this lesson.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-3 1-LS1-1 1-LS3-1 2-LS4-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Grade 1 7-E-1.1 Kindergarten 1-E-1.6

Harvest for Healthy Kids: Cabbage

Activities for cabbage include lessons centered around circle time, meal time, and activity time along with fast and fun activities. Each kit includes an activity plan, family recipe, teacher bites, and a parent newsletter and picture cards available in both English and Spanish. Cabbage Activity Plan Cabbage Family Recipe Cabbage Parent Newsletter - English Cabbage Parent Newsletter - Spanish Cabbage Picture Cards - English Cabbage Picture Cards - Spanish Cabbage Teacher Bites

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Grade 1 7-E-1.1 Kindergarten 1-E-1.6

Soil Secrets: Cabbage Chemistry

In this investigative lesson students use purple cabbage juice as an indicator to measure the acidity of their soil samples.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 K-ESS2-2	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5

Cabbage:

Videos and Other Resources

Growing Cabbages from Sowing to Harvests (6:27)

A how-to video for growing cabbages from seed to harvest.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Cabbage Brochure

Brochure containing cabbage facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Cabbage Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Cabbage:

Books

No Kimchi For Me! by Aram Kim (2017)

Yoomi hates stinky, spicy kimchi―the pickled cabbage condiment served at Korean meals. So her brothers call her a baby and refuse to play with her. Yoomi is determined to eat kimchi. She tries to disguise it by eating it on a cookie, on pizza, and in ice cream. But that doesn't work. Then Grandma shows Yoomi how to make kimchi pancakes. This story about family, food, and a six-year-old "coming of age" has universal themes, and at the same time celebrates Korean culture. A kimchi pancake recipe and other back matter are included.

Poppy’s Dance by Genevieve Huriet (1991)

Precocious Poppy takes a risk when he ventures in the snow to find some cabbage for his family

Long-Long’s New Year by Catherine Gower (2005)

In this beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book, a little Chinese boy named Long-Long accompanies his grandfather into the city to sell cabbages in order to buy food and decorations for the New Year. Selling cabbages is harder than Long-Long expects, and he encounters many adventures before he finds a way to help his grandfather and earn New Year's treats for his mother and little cousin.

Cabbage Moon by Tim Chadwick (1994)

Albert, a curious bunny, will do anything to get his questions answered, except eat his cabbage; then he discovers that the moon is made of delicious cabbage and he and his bunny friends nibble the moon away to a perfect crescent.

Katie’s Cabbage by Katie Stagliano (2014)

Katie's Cabbage is the inspirational true story of how Katie Stagliano, a third grader from Summerville, South Carolina, grew a forty-pound cabbage in her backyard and donated it to help feed 275 people at a local soup kitchen.

Cabbages and Kings by Jamie Wyeth (1997)

A special friendship begins in Farmer Green's garden when a young asparagus stalk strikes up a conversation with his neighbor, a cabbage, and the two vegetables discover that they have much in common.

Oliver’s Vegetables by Vivian French (1995)

Clara Caterpillar by Pamela Duncan Edwards (2001)

A carefree cabbage caterpillar named Clara, who becomes a common cream-colored butterfly, can′t possibly compete with a catty, conceited caterpillar named Catisha, who becomes a captivating crimson-colored butterfly. Or can she?

book_cover_Clara_Caterpillar_Pamela_Duncan_Edwards

The Giant Cabbage by Cherie Stihler (2003)

Moose discovers a very big cabbage in his garden that could win first prize at the Alaska State Fair. But there's a problem — it's so huge he can't lift it! An old Russian folktale inspired "The Giant Cabbage," but this contemporary version showcases Alaska with vivid illustrations, adorable animal friends, and verbal twists and turns. Ages: 3-7 years.

book_cover_The_Giant_Cabbage_Cherie_Stihler

Katie’s Cabbage by Katie Stagliano and Michelle H. Martin (2014)

The true story of how Katie Stagliano, a third-grader from Summerville, South Carolina, grew a 40-pound cabbage in her backyard and donated it to help feed 275 people at a local soup kitchen. Ages: 7-11 years,

book_cover_Katies_Cabbage_Katie_Stagliano_Michelle_H_Martin

The Cabbage Soup Solution by Erika Oller (2004)

Someone is stealing cabbages from Elsie’s cabbage patch. With the aid of her two cats and some delicious homemade soup, Elsie befriends her cabbage thieves. Ages: 4-8 years.

book_cover_The_Cabbage_Soup_Solution_Erika_Oller

Catfish:

Lessons and Activities

Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom: Fish in a Bottle

In this lesson, students will create a fish ecosystem. Students will observe their ecosystems and make observations. At the end of the observation period, the students will make conclusions about their ecosystems.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-ESS2-2 K-ESS3-1 K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-3 1-LS1-1 2-LS4-1 3-LS4-3

Louisiana Sea Grant: Measuring a Fish

Students will practice estimation and measuring using the appropriate tools (such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes) in this lesson.The students will solve comparison story problems involving different lengths of fish. Students will estimate the length of the fish before using their tools to make an exact measurement. According to the Louisiana Department of Education (2021), students are expected to be able to express the length of an object as a whole number of length units by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end. Students should also understand that the length measurement of an object is the number of same-size length units that span it with no gaps for overlaps. Additional Materials: https://www.laseagrant.org/education/resources/seafood/measuring-a-fish/

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
1.O.AA.1 1.MD.A.2 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.A.1

Catfish:

Videos and Other Resources

TackleShare: All About Channel Catfish (6:17)

All About Channel Catfish - Identification, Habitat, Spawning, Diet, Age & Size, Fishing Tips

TackleShare: Channel Catfish Fact Sheet

Channel catfish are the most commonly bred catfish for commercial meat production. This fact sheet covers everything about this fish from physical description, habitat, spawning patterns, diet, and fishing tips!

Delaware DNREC: Invasive Species – Flathead Catfish at Lums Pond (1:55)

Native to the Ohio and Mississippi River systems, the flathead catfish, also known as the mudcat or shovelhead cat, is an invasive species in Delaware waters. Michael Steiger is an Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist with DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife working to remove flathead catfish from Lums Pond.

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Catfish (11:03)

This month's Louisiana Harvest of the Month thrives in the muddy waters of the southern region of the United States, and it holds a humble yet essential piece of our culinary history here in the South. It's catfish! In the past, eating catfish was a social experience, where they were caught wild, prepared, and eaten together as a group. Now, most of the catfish we eat are farmed from ponds like the one we'll see today. Join me and let's learn a little more about how the catfish hooked America.

Catfish:

Books

A Million Fish… More or Less by Patricia McKissack Dragonfly (1992)

In an original yarn of the Louisiana bayou, McKissack honors the tradition of bragging about the one that got away. Hugh Thomas hears that strange things happen on the Bayou Clapateaux, but he is skeptical--until he invents a fish story of his own.

Clarissa Catfish at the Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum by Elaine A. Powers (2020)

Clarissa Catfish liked her new home at the Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum, but she couldn’t see the exhibits or the children. How can a catfish travel around when she needs to stay in the water? Come inside to find out and join Clarissa as she explores the marvelous museum.

Clarence the Catfish finds a Friend by C.J. Glass (2020)

We all need a good friend to talk to and have fun with! In today’s world some children have trouble making friends. They may look or act differently from other children, in one way or another, causing them distress and lack of self-esteem. Clarence the Catfish knows just how that feels. He is not your ordinary catfish and does not look like all the other fish. As a result, Clarence is teased and made fun of, causing him to be sad, lonely, and isolated. But Clarence does not give up! He uses his positive attitude and courage to keep searching for a forever friend that accepts him Just – The – Way – He – Is. It’s a delightful story, teaching children some of life lessons that are especially important. So, come along and follow Clarence the Catfish through his tale and see how he teaches children to be kind and accepting of others; despite what they look like.

A Catfish Tale: A Bayou Story of the Fisherman and His Wife by Whitney Stewart (2014)

Deep in the bayou, a Cajun fisherman named Jack catches a magic fish that offers to grant wishes in exchange for being set free. Jack doesn't have a lot of wishes, but his wife Jolie sure does―for a mansion, a paddleboat, fame and fortune! With each wish, all the fish says is "Ah, tooloulou―if that ain't the easiest thing to do." But when Jolie wants to be crowned Mardi Gras queen, have things gone too far?

Catfish Kate and the Sweet Swamp Band by Sarah Weeks (2009)

Catfish Kate and her all-girl band liven up the bayou with their rockin’ tunes, but the Skunktail Boys are demanding a little peace and quiet. The boys want to read. The girls want to play. And the swamp’s not big enough for the both of them! Or is it?

Calvin the Catfish by Calvin Carson (2018)

A fish's perspective of survival amid the uncertainty of everyday life. Calvin's survival depends on his ability to deal with the situations that he can control and coping with man-made disasters .

Citrus:

Lessons and Activities

Arizona Department of Education: Oranges

Students will identify oranges as member of the fruit food group.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.2.5		Kindergarten: 1-E-1.6

Arizona Department of Education: Grapefruit

Through this lesson, students will learn to identify grapefruit as a member of the fruit food group.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.CC.B.5		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.2.5		Kindergarten: 1-E-1.6

Florida Ag in the Classroom: Orange Juice- Let’s Juice this thing!

Learn the process of making orange juice. While students enjoy their cups of freshly squeezed O.J. challenge then to either draw a “recipe” of the process or discuss what they experienced using their 5 senses.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		W.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.3 W. 1.2 SL.1.1 SL.1.3 W.2.2 SL.2.1		Kindergarten 1-E-1.6 5-E-1.1 1st Grade 1-E-2.3

Better Lessons: Lemons and Limes! More Explorations with Density

So how do lemons and limes compare to oranges when it comes to buoyancy? Your students might be surprised! Students will be able to describe basic properties of density by participating in an investigation. Students will apply what they learned about density to make logical predictions about what will happen when an orange or a lime is dropped into water. Will it float? Will it sink? Most importantly, they will verbalize WHY they made the prediction they made in order to build their thinking skills and expand their vocabulary. This lesson was designed for Kindergarten, but easily could be adapted for grades 1-2.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.CC.A.2 K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3	K-PS2-1	W.K.2 W.K.3 W.1.3 W.2.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6

Better Lessons: Orange You Glad That You Are Learning about Density?

Students will explore the concept of object density by completing a simple investigation. Students are surprised by the results of this hands-on investigation in which they test the buoyancy of an orange with and without a peel. Getting an unexpected result can challenge our students' thinking, opening up new ideas and drawing new conclusions. This lesson was designed for kindergarten, but easily could be adapted for grades 1-2.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.CC.A.2 K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3	K-PS2-1	W.K.2 W.K.3 W.1.3 W.2.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6

Citrus:

Videos and Other Resources

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Citrus

This month's Louisiana Harvest of The Month is a juicy sweet fruit high in vitamin C and enjoyed any time of the day. It's citrus! Let's unpeel this refreshing fruit, a crop that has been grown in Louisiana for over 300 years.

True Food TV: Why Ripe Limes Are NOT Green (1:09)

You've likely never eaten a ripe lime. Here's why in 60 seconds.

How Orange Juice Is Made (6:39)

From orange trees to orange juice.

True Food TV: Orange | How Does It Grow? (7:38)

Very informative video on the varieties of oranges and how they are grown commercially.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Tangerine Brochure

Brochure containing tangerine facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Tangerine Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Satsuma Brochure

Brochure containing satsuma facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Satsuma Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Orange Brochure

Brochure containing orange facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Orange Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Lime Brochure

Brochure containing lime facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Lime Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Kumquat Brochure

Brochure containing kumquat facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Kumquat Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Grapefruit Brochure

Brochure containing grapefruit facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Grapefruit Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Center for Ecoliteracy: Nourishing Students: Posters

Display these posters in kitchens, cafeterias, classrooms, and during after-school programs as a fun and engaging way to promote fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy eating. This set of free, downloadable full-color posters features wildlife animals with the following fruit or vegetable: Radish, Strawberry, Grape, Tomato, Orange.

California Harvest of the Month: Grapefruit Botanical Image

This site includes facts about grapefruit and a colorful diagram of the anatomy of a grapefruit, a lemon, and a lime.

Citrus:

Books

The Silly Satsuma Hardcover by Allan Plenderleith (2012)

When Eric Greenbogle wakes up on Christmas morning there are no presents under the tree - because Eric has been a BAD BOY! All he finds is a single bright orange satsuma. But this is no ordinary satsuma as Father Christmas has given it magical powers. The satsuma springs to life and tries to show Eric that being bad is definitely NOT GOOD!

Lemonade in Winter by Emily Jenkins (2012)

A lemonade stand in winter? Yes, that's exactly what Pauline and John-John intend to have, selling lemonade and limeade--and also lemon-limeade. With a catchy refrain (Lemon lemon LIME, Lemon LIMEADE! Lemon lemon LIME, Lemon LEMONADE!), plus simple math concepts throughout, here is a read-aloud that's great for storytime and classroom use,

The Red Lemon by Bob Staake (2012)

Farmer McPhee isn't ready for what he's about to discover among his cherished bright yellow fruits . . . a red lemon!

Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett (2007)

This book sweet illustrations but contains only five words: apple, pear, orange, bear--and there. Emily Gravett creates clever variations on this theme by rearranging the words--on one spread, a brown bear juggles an orange, apple, and pear; on another spread, there is an orange-colored apple and a pear-shaped bear. Simple and compelling, children will enjoy reading this book over and over again as they learn many different concepts.

Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds (2007)

In this story, the animals on the Nuthatcher’s farm are tired of eating the same thing every day. One day, the rooster watches a cooking show and learns to make a delicious salsa that stops everyone’s grumbling. After reading this book with your students, try making a batch of springtime strawberry salsa or traditional tomato-based salsa with your children

The Fruits We Eat by Gail Gibbons (2016)

A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards (2006)

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie Deenihan (2019)

This clever story, complete with a recipe for lemonade, celebrates the pleasures of patience, hard work, nature, and community. Grade Level: Elementary.

book_cover_When_Grandma_Gives_You_A_Lemon_Tree_Jamie_Deenihan

A Star in My Orange: Looking for Nature’s Shapes by Dana Rau (2006)

This book explores shapes in the world around you. Ages: 5-8 years.

An Orange in January by Dianna Aston (2007)

This book follows an orange from blossom to ripe fruit, and from tree to truck to market. Ages: 4-8 years.

book_cover_An_Orange_In_January_Dianna_Aston

Oranges to Orange Juice by Inez Snyder (2003)

An introduction to the process of making orange juice from fresh oranges. Nonfiction. Ages: 5-7 years.

book_cover_Oranges_To_Orange_Juice_Inez_Snyder

Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex (2017)

We all know nothing rhymes with orange, but how does that make Orange feel? Well, left out, obviously! When a fruit parade gets together to sing a song about how wonderful they are — and the song happens to rhyme — Orange can't help but feel like it's impossible to ever fit in. But when one particularly intuitive Apple notices how Orange is feeling, the entire English language begins to become a bit more inclusive. Beloved author-illustrator Adam Rex has created a hilarious yet poignant parable about feeling left out, celebrating difference, and the irrefutable fact that nothing rhymes with orange. Grade Level: K-3.

book_cover_Nothing_Rhymes_With_Orange_Adam_Rex

Crawfish:

Lessons and Activities

Seeds to Success: Crawfish Syllable Count

Students learn the various names used for crawfish. Students will clap out the syllables of these names and record the number of syllables in each word.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		RF.K.2.b RF.K.1.c RF.1.2 RF.1.3 RF.2.3

Seeds to Success: History of Crawfishing

Have students collaborate and use their investigation skills to research and create a timeline of the history of crawfishing in Louisiana over the years. In this lesson, students are challenged to create a timeline for the Louisiana Association of Crawfish to communicate to the public the long history of crawfishing within the state. Groups will create their timelines and then vote as a class on whose timeline should be the representative sent to the LAC. This lesson would be better for 1st grade and above!

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		RI.1.7 W.1.2 W.1.7 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.4 RI.2.3 W.2.2 W.2.7 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.4	1.1 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.8 1.9 1.23 2.1 2.2 2.4 2.5

Crawfish:

Videos and Other Resources

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Crawfish (13:05)

This Harvest of the Month never backs down from a fight, always raising its claws, holding its ground instead. For Louisianans, this savory crustacean is woven into our culture and traditions...it’s crawfish! Join us as Burt Tietje of Tallgrass Farms shows us how crawfish are harvested from the farm to your dinner table! Learn more about how this tiny creature makes a big splash in Louisiana aquaculture.

Moby Pincher’s Place

A former educator, Dee Scallan has always been passionate about knowledge and strives to inspire a love of learning in children across the state. Through her tales of Moby Pincher, illustrated by one of her students when he was 8 years old, Dee teaches children about the geography and science of Louisiana. She encourages children to create and illustrate their own stories.

Ag in the Classroom: Crawfish Color Page

Crawfish:

Books

Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud by Johnette Downing (2009)

A long time ago, when Crab and Crawfish were still best friends, Crawfish was feeling particularly lazy--and particularly hungry-as he loafed around the muggy bayou. When Crab arrived with a fish, Crawfish took one listen to his empty belly and decided to trick his good-natured friend. After Crab realizes Crawfish has made a fool of him again, he isn't happy, and before he knows it, Crawfish gets exactly what he deserves. A charming tale cautioning children about the consequences of cheating your friends, this colorful picture book from the critically acclaimed Johnette Downing will delight readers of all ages with its timeless and gentle lesson about integrity.

The Life Cycle of a Crayfish by Bobbie Kalman (2006)

Discusses the physical characteristics, behavior, and development of crayfish, and explains how they are threatened by habitat loss and the use of pesticides.

Cucumber:

Lessons and Activities

Arizona Department of Education: Cucumbers

Through this lesson, students will identify cucumbers as member of the vegetable food group.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.2.5		Kindergarten: 1-E-1.6

Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom: Cool Cucurbits

Students will learn about the group of vegetables known as cucurbits and use cucurbits in a variety of creative activities

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K.CC.A.1-3 K.CC.C.6 K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 1.MD.A.1 1.MD.A.2 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.A1 2.MD.A2 2.MD.A3 2.MD.A4 2.MD.D.9 2.MD.D.10	W.K.1 W.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.4 SL.K.5 L.K.1,2 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 W.1.1 W.1.2 L.1.1 L.1.2 W.2.2 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6 L.2.1 L.2. 2

Seeds to Success: Growing Seeds Experiment

Growing plants from seeds is a seamless way to allow students to explore their curiosity about the how the world works while connecting with nature and implementing their scientific inquiry skills. This lesson is intended to be student-driven. Depending on resources, this can be a whole-class experiment or different groups can investigate the various predicted needs of plants. Teacher page and student pages are embedded in the PowerPoint and are set to print on regular-size paper.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
2.MD.A.1 2.MD.D.9 2.MD.D.10 3.MD.A.2 3.MD.B.3 3.MD.B.4	2-PS1-2 2-LS2-1 3-LS3-2 3-LS4-3 5-LS1-1	W.2.8 SL.2.1 SL.2.4 SL.2.6 W.3.8 SL.3.1 SL.3.4 SL.3.6 W.4.8 SL.4.1 SL.4.4 SL.4.6 W.5.8 SL.5.1 SL.5.4 SL.5.6

Scholastic: Teaching the Senses with Refrigerator Pickles

A sequence of five lessons that revolve around the book, "I Hear a Pickle: and Smell, See, Touch, & Taste It, Too! by Rachel Isadora (2016). Students learn about dill, and then make refrigerator pickles. Students use their five senses to describe their dill pickles. Scholastic Classroom Activity

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	2-PS1-1	W.K.2 W.K.3 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5 SL.2.6 L.K.5 L.1.5 L.2.5

Growing Minds Farm to School: Cucumber Explorations

This lesson introduces students to cucumbers and how they grow. Students will also read the book "The Pickle Patch Bathtub" and participate in a cucumber taste test.

A good extension for this lesson would be to conduct an investigation on the effects of light or lack of light on plants and/or seed germination using cucumber seeds or plants. The following link is for a lesson on the effects of light or lack of light on basil plants: Measuring Plant Growth with Sunlight.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1 1-LS1-1 2-LS2-1 2-LS4-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6

Cucumber:

Videos and Other Resources

Food Hero Food in Focus: Cucumbers (2:30)

Did you know that a cucumber is actually classified as a fruit because it has seeds and grows from flowers? Learn more about cucumbers today with this episode of Food in Focus!

FoodHero Featured Food: Cucumber (3:57)

Join us today for a lesson on cucumbers, there is so much we have to teach you! For example, did you know that cucumbers are over 90% water. Also learn about cucumber nutrition and new cucumber recipes.

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Cucumbers (11:13)

This month's Louisiana Harvest of the Month is not only refreshing to eat, but people have been relying on them for centuries for things like soothing sunburns, hydrating skin, and even curing bad breath. It's cucumbers! These crispy fruits add crunch to salads and sandwiches, and they're often enjoyed preserved as pickles. Let's head to the farm to learn a little bit more about what makes a cucumber such a big deal!

Disco Cucumber Time-Lapse (1:46)

Time-lapse video of a cucumber’s tendrils supporting the vine.

Pickle Time-Lapse (2:39)

Time-lapse video of a cucumber growing from flower to picking size.

True Food TV: Cucumber | How Does It Grow? (7:52)

This video discusses the origin of cucumbers, explains why cucumbers sometimes have a bitter taste, and takes you to a commercial farm to demonstrate how they grow cucumbers.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Cucumber Brochure

Brochure containing cucumber facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Cucumber Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Cucumber:

Books

A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards (2006)

Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres (2008)

This rhyming story is perfect for introducing young children to fruits and vegetables that grow up (like corn and peppers), down (like potatoes and carrots), and around (like cucumber and pumpkin vines).

book_cover_Up_Down_And_Around_Katherien_Ayers

The Pickle Patch Bathtub by Frances Kennedy (2004)

One day, Donna tries to bathe in the farmhouse washtub and realizes that her legs are too long. She decides that she will grow pickling cucumbers to sell until she saves up enough money for a new bathtub. How many cucumbers will she have to grow and how long will it take for her to save enough money? Grade Level: Preschool – 2. Lexile Measure: AD830L.

book_cover_The_Pickle_Patch_Bathtub_Frances_Kennedy

Cool as a Cucumber by Sally Smallwood (2005)

A "lift the flap" book featuring a variety of vegetables, their different parts, and things that they are similar to. Reading level: Pre-K.

book_cover_Cool_As_A_Cucumber_Sally_Smallwood

The Spider and the Cucumber by Catina Harris (2018)

The spider thinks that the cucumber must feel awful that it isn’t the same color on the inside as on its outside. This book teaches that something different can also be nice. Reading level: Elementary.

book_cover_The_Spider_And_The_Cucumber_Catina_Harris

I Hear a Pickle: and Smell, See, Touch, & Taste It, Too! by Rachel Isadora (2016)

A simple introduction to the five senses. Grade level: Pre-K to K.

book_cover_I_Hear_A_Pickle_Rachel_Isadora

Cool as a Cucumber: And Other Expressions about Food (It’s Just an Expression) by Bridget Heos (2012)

This book explores a variety of food-related sayings and helps readers figure out what people really mean when they use them. Reading level: Elementary.

book_cover_Cool_As_A_Cucumber_Bridget_Heos

Cucumber Soup by Vickie Krudwig (1998)

A big cucumber falls onto an ant mound. Together the ants and their friends work together to lift the cucumber. As each insect is introduced in the story, true facts are given on the opposite page. Numbers 1-10 are also used throughout the text. Reading level: Pre-K to 2.

Eggplant:

Lessons and Activities

National Ag in the Classroom: Plant Tops and Bottoms

Students will identify where fruits and vegetables belong on a MyPlate diagram and describe the major parts of plants — roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits — according to whether they are produced on the top or bottom of a plant. This lesson includes the eggplant. A recommended companion resource for this lesson is the Edible Plant Game. This game combines the knowledge students have gained about plant parts with the fact that plants provide people with the nutrients and energy needed for a healthy lifestyle. This activity will be most beneficial if conducted with students after they have been taught the individual plant parts. Edible Plant Game Instructions Edible Plant Game Slides

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS-1-1 1-LS-1-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6		Grade 1 7-E-1.1 Kindergarten 1-E-1.6

Eggplant:

Videos and Other Resources

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Eggplants (11:26)

This month's Louisiana Harvest of the Month just might be the most mysterious of all the vegetables. In many parts of the world it's called an Aubergine but it's even known as the king of vegetables. It's eggplant! Early varieties were white oval fruits that looked a lot like chicken eggs, which is how the eggplant originally got its name. What else is this mystery vegetable hiding? Let's head to the farm to find out what other secrets we can reveal about this ancient plant.

Harvesting and Saving Eggplant Seeds (7:31)

Saving eggplant seeds is very easy, and doesn't require fermenting. It literally only takes minutes to do. A couple of eggplants will produce many more seeds than you need.

Eggplant:

Books

Cheers for a Dozen Ears by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky (2014

A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards (2006)

The World of Vegetables by Alexandra Lopatina (2011)

Each story, like "How Senior Aubergine Made Teeth Better," is delivered in an entertaining, fairy-tale representational form and tells about a particular vegetable, its values, and its importance in daily diet, and concludes with a healthy recipe for students to make. Ages: 4-10 years.

book_cover_The_World_of_Vegetables_Alexandra_Lopatina

Violet and the Eggplant Painting Problem by Cynthia Wylie (2018)

Violet, a young painter, chooses to grow eggplants because she loves the color purple, and decides to make paintings of them to track their progress. Alas, she discovers there is no more purple paint. She solves her problem in an interesting way! Ages: 4-8 years.

book_cover_Violet_and_the_Purple_Painting_Problem_Cynthia_Wiley

Our Community Garden by Barbara Pollak (2004)

If you could plant a garden that represented your personality, what would it include? Maybe cherry tomatoes, green peppers, and delicious strawberries? Audrey Aubergine and her friends do just that in their neighborhood’s community garden, where they play hide-and-seek, tend giant sunflowers, and discover nature’s possibilities.

book_cover_Our_Community_Garden_Barbra_Pollak

Leafy Greens:

Lessons and Activities

National Agriculture in the Classroom: Eat ‘Em Up

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	1-LS1-1	SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1		1-E-1.3

Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program: Spinach Worksheets

Taste-test worksheets for spinach along with coloring sheets and other lessons organized by grade level.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
1.NBT.C.4.a		SL.K.1 SL.K.4 SL.K.5 SL.1.1 SL.1.5 SL.2.1 L.2.1 L.2.5		Grade 1 7-E-1.1 Kindergarten 1-E-1.6	VA-CE-E5

Vermont Harvest of the Month: Kale

Includes two lessons: The Autobiography of Kale (English) and Parts of a Leaf (Science). Have students imagine they are a kale plant and describe their life from seed to plate. This is a great opportunity to discuss the life cycle of a plant, as it lives through the seasons. Then have students draw and label a kale leaf through observation. On the board, you can draw the parts along with the students and discuss the role of each part as you go.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 1-LS1-1 2-LS2-1 2-LS4-1 K-ESS3-1	SL.K. SL.K.4 SL.K.5 SL.1.1 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 SL.2.1 SL.2.4 W.1.3 W.2.3

New Hampshire Harvest of the Month: Kale

A variety of lessons to explore, taste, and learn about kale. Activities include learning about plant parts, making a massaged kale salad, and mapping the history of kale.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.2 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10	K-LS1-1 1-LS1-1 2-LS2-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.4 SL.K.5 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.5 SL.2.1 RL.K.1 RL.K.10 RL.1.1 RL.1.7 RL.2.1 RL.2.3		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.6 5-E-1.1 8-E-2.1 1st Grade 1-E-2.3 1-E-3.5 7-E-1.1 2nd Grade 7-E-2.1 7-E-2.3	VA-CE-E5

USDA Team Nutrition: Spinach Lane

In this unit, children learn that spinach is a vegetable. They experience the look, feel, smell, and taste of spinach leaves. Spinach grows quickly, and hands-on planting activities help children see how seeds produce these flavorful plants. Grow some spinach and have a harvest. See how bunches of spinach go from the farm to the store and farmers markets. Leave time to tempt the taste buds with spinach dips, salads, and more tasty options. "Growing at Home" materials encourage families to include spinach often in cooking, conversations, and fun and games. The resources for these lessons can be found in The Basics Book.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.G.A.1 K.G.A.2	K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1 2-PS1-1 2-LS2-1	W.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.6 5-E-1.1 8-E-2.1 1st Grade 1-E-2.3 1-E-3.5 7-E-1.1 2nd Grade 7-E-2.1 7-E-2.3

North Carolina Ag In the Classroom: Sylvia’s Spinach

In this lesson students explore spinach through a mystery bag activity and a smoothie taste-test, all while reading Sylvia’s Spinach. This group of activities will challenge even the pickiest eater to try something new!

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		RL.K.1 RL.K.10 RL.1.1 RL.1.3 RL.2.1 RL.2.3		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.6 5-E-2.2 8-E-2.1 1st Grade 1-E-3.1 1-E-3-5

Iowa Team Nutrition: Spinach

Students will gain knowledge of spinach (how to recognize, how to eat, how it grows). Students will plant spinach and observe its growth, then conduct a taste test.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 1-LS1-1 2-LS4-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.6 5-E-2.2 8-E-2.1 1st Grade 1-E-3.1 1-E-3-5

Growing Minds Farm to School: Spinach Smoothies

This lesson uses use hands-on cooking classes as a mechanism for teaching curriculum concepts. The lesson plan includes step-by-step instructions for cooking this recipe in the classroom; curriculum connections; and related books to read.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.6 5-E-2.2 8-E-2.1 1st Grade 1-E-3.1 1-E-3-5

Growing Minds Farm to School: Swiss Chard Smoothies

This lesson uses use hands-on cooking classes as a mechanism for teaching curriculum concepts. The lesson plan includes step-by-step instructions for cooking this recipe in the classroom, curriculum connections, and related books to read.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.6 5-E-2.2 8-E-2.1 1st Grade 1-E-3.1 1-E-3-5

Leafy Greens:

Videos and Other Resources

Growing Lettuce: Easy steps with The Gardening Kid (5:46)

Do you want to grow your own tasty lettuce? Eating salad with your very own homegrown lettuce is the tastiest! This is one of the easiest green leaf you can grow!

Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month: Leafy Greens Activity Sheet

Students add leafy greens together and then practice tracing the number of greens counted.

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Greens (10:53)

This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month is a staple in southern cooking. It's greens! Check out our video to learn a little more about what makes greens so special!

Spinach 40-day Time-Lapse (2:34)

A time-lapse video that shows how both leaves and roots grow on spinach plants.

Growing Kale and Collard Greens (5:49)

A suburban homesteader gives tips on growing collards and kale.

Growing Swiss Chard from Seeds, Days 0-31 (13:13)

A home gardener describes the process of growing Swiss chard from seeds in a container.

True Food TV: Hydroponic Spinach | How Does It Grow? (5:40)

Very informative video on spinach and how it is grown hydroponically.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Best Way to Wash Fruits and Vegetables

This bulletin explains the best ways to wash fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens, to remove pesticides, pests, bacteria, and soil.

Leafy Greens:

Books

Now I Will Never Leave the Dinner Table by Jane Read Martin (1996)

When her perfect older sister forces her to finish her spinach, a young girl devises a plan to get rid of her sister

A Feast for Joseph by Terry Farish and OD Bonny (2021)

Joseph misses sharing meals with lots of people like he did back in the refugee camp, so when the neighbors finally come over, it’s a feast! A touching story about adjusting to a new home and the pleasure of cooking and sharing food with friends.

I Love Greens by Victoria Boutenko (2012)

I Love Greens is an elegantly illustrated book that tenderly teaches toddlers about the importance of eating healthy.

Captain Kale and the Superfoods by Amy Roth (2013)

This story is about a boy who is very unhealthy and one night he witnesses Captain Kale and the Superfoods battling with Sneaky Snack Cake and all the junk food in his pantry. They are in a battle over his health! He learns how important it is to eat healthy nutritious fruits and vegetables and how much it improves his health

Mimi’s Strategy: What to do when the vegetables are green by Linda Goudsmit (2020)

Hildy does NOT like green vegetables, and every night at dinnertime she is expected to eat the green vegetables on her plate. What is Hildy supposed to do?

The Marvelous Mustard Seed by Amy-Jill Levine (2018)

Discover the surprising potential of one small seed in The Marvelous Mustard Seed. Based on Jesus’ parable of the Mustard Seed, this inspiring children’s book shows young readers that one tiny seed—just like one small child—carries a world of potential. The Marvelous Mustard Seed features ethnically diverse characters, and it is ideal for children ages 4-8. A special note for parents and teachers is included.

Oliver’s Vegetables by Vivian French (1995)

Sylvia’s Spinach by Katherine Pryor and Anna Raff (2014)

A picky eater discovers the joy of growing food and the pleasure of tasting something new. Sylvia Spivens always says no to spinach. But one day Sylvia's teacher gives her a packet of spinach seeds to plant for the school garden. Overcoming her initial reluctance and giving the seeds a little love and patience, Sylvia discovers the joy of growing food and the pleasure of tasting something new.

book_cover_Sylvias_spinach_Katherine_Pryor_Anna_Raff

Sneaky Spinach by Alexis Schulze and Sophie Hanton (2016)

This is a story about a boy named Nick who refuses to eat his vegetables. He doesn't know how important fruits and vegetables are for his brain and body, so a group of Super Spinach leaves comes up with a clever little scheme.

book_cover_Sneaky_spinach_Alexis_Schulze_Sophia_Hanton

Pete Moss and the Super Strong Spinach: Bloomers Island Garden of Stories #1 by Cynthia Wylie and Courtney Carbone (2018)

Follow Pete Moss in this magical, beautifully illustrated story as he attends boarding school on Bloomers Island to learn about gardening and growing his own vegetables.

book_cover_Pete_Moss_and_the_Super_Strong_Spinach_Cynthia_Wylie

Lettuce:

Lessons and Activities

National Agriculture in the Classroom: Eat ‘Em Up

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	1-LS1-1	SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1		1-E-1.3

Seeds to Success: Growing Seeds Experiment

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
2.MD.A.1 2.MD.D.9 2.MD.D.10 3.MD.A.2 3.MD.B.3 3.MD.B.4	2-PS1-2 2-LS2-1 3-LS3-2 3-LS4-3 5-LS1-1	W.2.8 SL.2.1 SL.2.4 SL.2.6 W.3.8 SL.3.1 SL.3.4 SL.3.6 W.4.8 SL.4.1 SL.4.4 SL.4.6 W.5.8 SL.5.1 SL.5.4 SL.5.6

Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program: Salad Greens Worksheets

Taste-test worksheets for salad greens along with coloring sheets and other lessons organized by grade level.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		RF.K.1 RF.K.2 RF.1.3 RF.1.4 RF.2.3 RF.24 SL.K.1 SL.K.4 SL.K.5 SL.1.1 SL.1.5 SL.2.1 L.K.5.a L.K.5.c L.1.5 L.2.5a W.K.2 W.1.2 W.2.2		K 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.7 5-E-1.1 5-E-2.1 6-E-1.2 6-E-2.1 7-E-1.1 8-E-2.1 1st grade 1-E-2.3 5-E-2.2 5-E-3.1,2 6-E-1/1 6-E-2.1 7-E-1.1 7-E-1.2 8-E-3.1 2nd grade 1-E-1.3 6-E-1.2 7-E-1.4	VA-CE-E5

Kids Gardening: Edible Landscaping

Interested in starting a food garden with your students, but can’t find space for a traditional vegetable garden or fruit orchard? Try edible landscaping! Students will investigate the ornamental properties of lettuce to expand their perceptions of plant material that can be used in landscapes.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.A.1 1.MD.A.2 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.A.1 2.MD.A.2 2.MD.A.4	K-ESS3-1 K-ESS3-3 K-LS1-1 2-LS2-1 2-LS4-1	SL.K. SL.K.4 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 W.K.7 W.K.78 W.1.2 W.1.7 W.2.1 W.2.2 W.2.5 W.2.6 W.2.7 W.2.8		K 1-E-1.6 5-E-2.1 6-E-2.1 8-E-2.1 8-E-3.1 1st grade 1-E-3.5 7-E-1.1 2nd grade 1-E-1.3 5-E-1.1 5-E-3.1 7-E-1.4 8-E-1.1 8-E-1.2 8-E-2.1 8-E-3.1	VA-AP-E1 VA-AP-E2 VA-AP-E3 VA-AP-E4 VA-AP-E6 VA-CE-E3 VA-CE-E5 VA-CE-E6

Florida Harvest of the Month: Lettuce Classroom Guide

A variety of lettuce lessons and activities focused on math, science, language arts, and social studies. Lettuce Find the Lettuce: Students will create a “wanted” poster to find the missing lettuce (Language Arts) Salad on MyPlate: Students will identify their favorite salad ingredients and complete a MyPlate food group calculation (Math) Lettuce Grow: Students will complete this activity after they learn the stages of the plant cycle (Science) Tools of the Trade: Students will match the worker to the tools they use and the equipment they need to do their job (Social Studies)

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.CC.A.2 K.OA.A.2 K.OA.A.5 1.OA.A.1 1.OA.A.2 1.OA.C.5 1.OA.C.6 2.OA.A.1 2.OA.B.2 2.OA.C.4	K-LS1-1	W.K.1 W.K.2 SL.K. SL.K.4 SL.K.5 SL.1.1 SL.1.5 SL.2.1	K.16 1.20		VA-CE-E5

National Ag in the Classroom: A Garden Plot

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10	K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1	SL.K.1 SL.K. 2 SL.K. 3 SL.K. 5 SL.K. 6 SL.1.1 SL.1. 2 SL.1. 3 SL.1. 5 SL.1. 6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.6

Vermont Harvest of the Month: Mixed Greens

A variety of lessons to explore, taste, and learn about mixed greens. Activities include growing greens in a plastic bottle greenhouse, conducting taste tests, and mapping the history of salad.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10	K-LS1-1 1-LS3-1 2-PS1-1	RL.K.10 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5	K.3.1 1.3.1 1.3.6 2.2.8	Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 Grade 2 1-E-1.3

Kids Gardening: Lettuce Be Healthy

Growing the makings of your own salad indoors is a fun and easy way to bring greenery into your classroom and your diet. First, students research different varieties of lettuce from seed catalogs (online or request catalogs). Students will learn that different varieties of lettuce have different vitamins and minerals and look different (e.g., color, head, or leaf). Students will track the growth of their plants using the Lettuce Growth Chart. If you want to add an experimental element, students can grow the plants in different locations and compare the height, rate of growth, and color of their plants. Lettuce Growth Chart pdf KWL Chart pdf

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS-1-1 1-LS3-1 1-ESS1-2 2-LS2-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 7-E-1.1 7-E-1.2

Growing Minds Farm to School: Lettuce Exploration and Lettuce Wraps

The Lettuce Exploration lesson guides students in using scientific inquiry to observe and learn about several varieties of lettuce. Create a line plot to record the results of a class tasting and interpret the data collected on the line plot. The Lettuce Wrap lesson plan includes step-by-step instructions for cooking this recipe in the classroom, curriculum connections, and related books to read. Lettuce Exploration Lesson Plan

- Lettuce Seed Packet
- Images of Lettuce Types

Lettuce Wrap Lesson Plan

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.A.1 1.MD.A.2 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.A.1 2.MD.A.2 2.MD.A.3 2.MD.A.4 2.MD.D.9 2.MD.D.10	K-LS1-1	RF.K.2 RL.K.5 RL.K.10 RL.1.4 RL.1.10 RL.2.4 RL.2.10 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.4 1-E-1.6 5-E-1.1 5-E-2.2 8-E-2.1 1st Grade 7-E-1.1 2nd Grade 1-E-1.2 1-E-4.7

Lettuce:

Videos and Other Resources

Regrowing Supermarket Lettuce Experiment: Soil vs. Water vs. Hydroponic Nutrients (7:42)

3 different grow methods were used to regrow supermarket lettuce. Soil, plain water, and water with hydroponic nutrients. Which did best?

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Lettuce (13:04)

This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month is made up of 95% water and is used as toppings on things as tacos and sandwiches but it also tasty on its own. It’s lettuce! Let us learn a little bit more about the second most popular vegetable in the United States.

How to Make a Mini Kratky Hydroponic System for Lettuce (10:42)

A video on growing lettuce from seed to harvest by a home gardener.

How to Grow Lettuce from Seed to Harvest (9:18)

A video on growing lettuce from seed to harvest by a home gardener.

True Food TV: 6 Amazing Heirloom Lettuces to Plant Now for Fall/Home Gardening (10:03)

Along with introducing her top picks for easy-to-grow, delicious lettuce, kale, and mustard greens, Nicole Jolly of True Food TV explains the history of lettuce.

PlantPonics: Lettuce Time-Lapsed (2:12)

This is a time-lapse video of lettuce being grown using hydroponics.

Lettuce:

Books

Do Lions Like Lettuce? by Moira Butterfield (2007)

Everybody knows that lions don't like lettuce. Kids lift a "head-of-lettuce flap" on one of this book's funny illustrations and discover an animal that does like lettuce: a rabbit. The surprise flap hides a grinning caterpillar. He likes lettuce, too! Do frogs like fish? Do bats like bamboo? These and more funny questions are posed on succeeding pages. With bright, cheerful illustrations, a lively text, and laugh-producing flaps for toddlers to lift, Animal Flappers Books ask questions and reveal answers behind each illustration's amusing flaps.

Oliver’s Fruit Salad by Vivian French (1998)

Oliver is off to stay with Grandpa, who grows his own vegetables. But Oliver doesn't eat vegetables—only chips. How will Grandpa persuade him into a week of healthy eating?

Lettuce Grows on the Ground by Mari Schuh and Gail Saunders-Smith (2007)

Simple text and photographs describe how lettuce grows on the ground.

book_cover_Lettuce_Grows_on_the_Ground_Mari_Schuc_Gail_Saunders-Smith

Lettuce! by Diana Kizlauskas (2015)

This thoughtful, fun, and compelling tale focuses on Rabbit, who finds that lettuce he has planted has grown as big as a building... With its complex themes presented in a simple yet delightful story, this will make an excellent addition to any picture-book collection.

Mushrooms:

Lessons and Activities

Mushrooms in Schools: Cooking with Mushrooms

Students will use linking cubes for a measuring activity, then will help the kitchen staff prepare a mushroom avocado quesadilla recipe.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.A.1 1.MD.A.2 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.A.1 2.MD.A.2 2.MD.A.3 2.MD.A.4 2.MD.D.9		RI.K.1 RI.K.4 RF.K.1 W.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 RI.1.1 RI.1.4 RF.1.1 W.1.2 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 RI.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.6 7-E-1.1 8-E-2.1 1st Grade 1-E-3.5 7-E-1.1 2nd Grade 7-E-1.4

Mushrooms in Schools: Classifying Mushrooms

Students will learn about the different types of mushrooms, use the 5 senses to describe their attributes and build a clay model of a mushroom. Students will also explore the health benefits of mushrooms and how they promote environmental sustainability

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	2-LS4-1	RI.K.1 RI.K.4 RF.K.1 W.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 RI.1.1 RI.1.4 RF.1.1 W.1.2 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 RI.2.5 W.2.2 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3			VA-CE-E5

Mushrooms in Schools: Virtual Farm Tour

As part one of a three-lesson series, this lesson has students make inferences and predict what they will be learning about mushrooms. Students then get to explore the steps of the mushroom growing process through a virtual farm tour.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS-1-1	W.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.4 SL.K.6 W.1.2 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.4 SL.1.6 W.2.2 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.4 SL.2.6	K.16 1.22 2.19

Florida Harvest of the Month: Mushroom Classroom Guide

Multiple pdf classroom guides for grades K-8 found at this website

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A 1.MD.A.1 2.MD.D.10 3.MD.3.6 3.MD.3.7 4.MD.A.1 4.MD.A.3	K-LS-1-1 1-LS1-1 2-LS2-1 4-LS1-1 5-LS2-1	RI.3.4 RI.3.7 SL.3.4 RI.4. 4 RI.4. 7 SL.4. 4

Mushrooms:

Videos and Other Resources

SciShow Kids: Fungi- Why Mushrooms Are Awesome (3:48)

What's something that's neither vegetable or meat, digests food on the outside of its body, glows and the dark, and can go on top of your pizza? The amazing mushroom!

WOSU Public Media: Columbus Neighborhoods-Tiger Mushroom Farms (5:10)

When Te’Lario Watkins was 7 years old, he founded Tiger Mushroom Farms. The business quickly grew, and now his entire family is involved.

How Does it Grow?: Mushroom (3:49)

Get to know mushrooms -- the mysterious food that suffers from a case of mistaken identity.

Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month: Mushroom Activity Sheet

Students can practice tracing the letter M and then color mushrooms!

American Mushroom Institute: Fun with Fungi Coloring Sheets

This coloring book features images of cultivated mushrooms grown in the United States, produced by the American Mushroom Institute for students everywhere.

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Mushrooms (10:22)

This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month is not a plant or an animal. It’s often mistakenly called a vegetable, but it is actually the fruit of a fungus. It’s mushrooms! These tasty toadstools prefer to grow in the dark. In fact, they require no sunlight at all, but today we're going to shed some light on what it takes to get these meaty, nutritious mushrooms from the farm to your fork.

Mushrooms:

Books

Good Mushrooms and Bad Toadstools by Allan Fowler (2001)

Find out how mushrooms grow, which ones we eat, and why mushrooms are good and toadstools are bad.

From Spore to Mushroom by Lisa Owings (2017)

Follow each step in the mushroom’s life cycle - from spores drifting in the wind to fully grown mushrooms.

Melon & Watermelon:

Lessons and Activities

Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom: Cool Cucurbits

Students will learn about the group of vegetables known as cucurbits and use cucurbits in a variety of creative activities

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K.CC.A.1-3 K.CC.C.6 K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 1.MD.A.1 1.MD.A.2 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.A1 2.MD.A2 2.MD.A3 2.MD.A4 2.MD.D.9 2.MD.D.10	W.K.1 W.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.4 SL.K.5 L.K.1,2 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 W.1.1 W.1.2 L.1.1 L.1.2 W.2.2 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6 L.2.1 L.2. 2

USDA Team Nutrition: Cantaloupe Corner

In this activity guide children learn about cantaloupe through hands-on activities. They experience how a cantaloupe looks, feels, tastes, and smells. Cantaloupe Corner connects the cantaloupes grown on the farm to the fruit in the store or farmers market. The children can’t resist the cantaloupe-tasting activities, from plain wedges to soup to salad. "Growing at Home" materials create review options for the daily Cantaloupe Corner activities. The resources for these lessons can be found in The Basics Book.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1	W.K.1 W.K.2 W.K.3 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.2 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.4 1-E-1.6 1-E-1.7 1st grade 1-E-2.3 1-E-3.2 7-E-1.1 7-E-1.2 2nd grade 1-E-1.6	VA-CE-E5

National Ag in the Classroom: Plant and Animal Life Cycles

A series of lessons featuring life cycles of plants (apple, cotton, pea, pumpkin, tomato, and watermelon) and animals (chicken). Students create a model with string and cutouts of the watermelon life cycle including the pollinator. The watermelon life cycle is the last lesson in this resource.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 1-LS3-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5 W.K.2 W.K.3 W.1.2 W.1.3 W.2.2 W.2.3

Learning A-Z: Anansi and the Talking Watermelon

A downloadable book with accompanying Reading/ELA lessons. Anansi is stuck inside a watermelon and tricks his way out. This folktale is also available in Spanish and French. You must be a member of Learning A-Z, but you can sign up for a free trial to download this lesson.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		W.K.1 W.K.2 W.K.3 L.1.5 L.2.5 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 RL.K.1 RL.K.2 RL.K.3 RL.1.1 RL.1.2 RL.1.3 RL.2.1 RL.2.2 RL.2.3

The STEM Laboratory: Watermelon STEM Book

A printable, foldable book on measuring various watermelon attributes. Does a Watermelon Sink or Float? This is the PDF of the watermelon book in this lesson.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10		W.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5

Harvest for Healthy Kids: Melon

Activity plans for melon include lessons centered around circle time, meal time, and activity time along with fast and fun activities. Each kit includes an activity plan, family recipe, teacher bites, and a parent newsletter and picture cards available in both English and Spanish. Melon Activity Plan Melon Family Recipe Melon Parent Newsletter - English Melon Parent Newsletter - Spanish Melon Picture Cards - English Melon Picture Cards - Spanish Melon Teacher Bites

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10	K-LS1-1	RL.K.10 RI.K.10 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1st grade 7-E-1.1

Melon & Watermelon:

Videos and Other Resources

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Watermelon (11:51)

This month's Louisiana Harvest of the Month was so loved by American writer, Mark Twain, that he declared, “when you taste it you know what the angels eat,” and it is a heavenly treat on a hot summer day. It’s watermelon! Louisiana is known to grow some of the sweetest varieties of watermelon, so today we are in Washington Parish at Perry Talley’s farm to learn a little bit more about this angelic fruit.

How to Pick a Ripe Watermelon (2:07)

An informative video on how to know when a watermelon is ripe enough to pick. Some of these tips can also be used to pick a ripe watermelon from the store.

Watermelon from Seed: Time-Lapse (1:05)

A time-lapse video of watermelon growing from germination (Day 8) to first true leaves (Day 39).

True Food TV: SEEDLESS Watermelon – You’ll Never Guess How It’s Grown (3:39)

If seedless watermelons have no seeds, how exactly are they grown? And what about other seedless fruit? Bananas and seedless grapes — how do they grow? Prepare to have your mind blown.

Melon & Watermelon:

Books

Cheers for a Dozen Ears by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky (2014

The Donkey Egg by Janey Stevens (2019)

Bear would rather sleep all day than work on his farm, and Fox knows just the kind of help he needs—a donkey! When Fox tricks Bear into buying a donkey egg, Bear can't wait for it to hatch so he can meet his new friend. But donkeys don't come from eggs! And when the "egg" finally opens, Bear gets a fruity surprise. Luckily, Bear doesn't have to face disappointment alone . . . Hare is there to help!

Alicia’s Fruity Drinks / Las Aguas Frescas De Alicia (English and Spanish Edition) by Lupe Ruiz-Flores (2012)

In this bilingual picture book for children ages 5-8, a young girl discovers a treat from her mother's Mexican-American childhood and becomes her friends' favorite player with her healthy, frothy fruit drinks.

The Fruits We Eat by Gail Gibbons (2016)

A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards (2006)

Genetically Modified Foods by Nigel Hawkes (2000)

Discusses the pros and cons of mass producing modified foods while offering an examination of how these products are made, the specific genes that are altered, and the types of modified food that are in the market today.

Watermelon Day by Kathi Appelt (1996)

There's a watermelon growing in the corner of the patch where the fence posts meet, and Jesse is waiting for it. Waiting for it to fill up with the cool summer rain and the hot summer sun. Waiting until at last it is ripe and ready for eating. Waiting until it is ready for her family's annual Watermelon Day. Reading Level: Elementary.

Watermelon for Everyone by Martha Rose Woodward (2011)

A colorful book geared toward students from kindergarten through college level. This nonfiction book is the winner of a special award as the 2013 Best Cookbook in the World on the Topic of Watermelon from Gourmand Magazine in Madrid, Spain. The Cookbook Section contains recipes for both non-cooked and cooked dishes having watermelon as the primary ingredient. Lesson Plans and teaching activities for teachers and parents are also included as well as historic facts about watermelon. Reading level: K-2.

book_cover_Watermelon_For_Everyone_Martha_Rose_Woodward

Watermelon Wishes by Lisa Moser (2006)

Charlie and his grandfather spend their summer growing a patch of watermelons and waiting for the perfect one to wish on. Reading Level: Elementary.

Watermelon Party by Jasmine Cabanaw (2014)

"Watermelon Party" is based on a real event that happened at Rocky Ridge Refuge. One Fourth of July, Janice put out a watermelon, and one by one the animals gathered around the watermelon, sharing in its juicy sweetness side by side, despite their differences in species and size. It is the perfect story of friendship, love, animal rescue, and good old summertime fun! The writing style is light and fun. The repetitive rhyming scheme will help children with their reading skills and learning action words. Reading Level: Elementary.

book_cover_Watermelon_Party_Jasmine_Cabanaw

Watermelon Madness by Taghreed Najjar (2018)

Noura is crazy about watermelon. She wants to eat nothing else, every day, at every meal. In fact, Noura thinks there is no such thing as too much watermelon — until one night, when the watermelon she has hidden in her room to eat all by herself begins to grow and Noura gets taken on a wild watermelon adventure! A story that can be the springboard for a discussion on favorite foods, eating a balanced diet, sharing with others, and trying new foods. Reading level: Elementary.

book_cover_Watermelon_Madness_Taghreed_Najjar

One Watermelon Seed by Celia Barker Lottridge (2012)

Max and Josephine tend their garden, counting as they plant their garden from 1 to 10. As the harvest comes in, they count by groups of 10. Engaging illustrations with hidden animals. Ages: 3-6 years.

book_cover_One_Watermelon_Seed_Celia_Barker_Lottridge

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli (2013)

A crocodile has one big fear: swallowing a watermelon seed. Winner of the 2014 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. Lexile: 180L. Grade level: Pre-K.

book_cover_The_Watermelon_Seed_Greg_Pizzoli

Radish:

Lessons and Activities

Arizona Department of Education: Watermelon Radish

Through this lesson, students will identify watermelon radish as member of the vegetable food group.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1		Kindergarten: 1-E-1.6	VA-CE-E4

National Agriculture in the Classroom: Eat ‘Em Up

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	1-LS1-1	SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1		1-E-1.3

Seeds to Success: Growing Seeds Experiment

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
2.MD.A.1 2.MD.D.9 2.MD.D.10 3.MD.A.2 3.MD.B.3 3.MD.B.4	2-PS1-2 2-LS2-1 3-LS3-2 3-LS4-3 5-LS1-1	W.2.8 SL.2.1 SL.2.4 SL.2.6 W.3.8 SL.3.1 SL.3.4 SL.3.6 W.4.8 SL.4.1 SL.4.4 SL.4.6 W.5.8 SL.5.1 SL.5.4 SL.5.6

Kids Gardening: Vegetable Carving

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
					k-4 VA-CE-E4 VA-AP-E2 VA-AP-E4 VA-HP-E1 VA-HP-E4 5-8 VA-CE-M4 VA-CE-M5 VA-AP-M2 VA-AP-M3 VA-AP-M6 VA-HP-M1 VA-HP-M2 VA-HP-M4 VA-HP-M5 9-12 VA-CE-H3 VA-CE-H4 VA-CE-H5 VA-AP-H2 VA-AP-H4 VA-AP-H6 VA-HP-H1 VA-HP-H2 VA-HP-H4

National Ag in the Classroom: A Garden Plot

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10	K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1	SL.K.1 SL.K. 2 SL.K. 3 SL.K. 5 SL.K. 6 SL.1.1 SL.1. 2 SL.1. 3 SL.1. 5 SL.1. 6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.6

National Ag in the Classroom: Dig ‘Em Up (Radish)

In this lesson students will investigate the functions of roots, recognize the difference between a tap and fibrous root system, and identify the roots of some plants as edible.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 1.MD.A.1 1.MD.A.2 2.MD.A.1 2.MD.A.2 2.MD.A.3 2.MD.A.4	K-LS1-1 1-LS1-1 1-LS3-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5

Oregon Harvest for Schools: Mystery Veggie

For this lesson, students will rely on their sense of touch to make and record observations about a mystery vegetable. Once students have either worked as a class or individually to describe their sense of the veggie, have students draw their impression of the veggie and label it with any descriptions needed. Once students have completed the task, provide students the opportunity to guess what the veggie might be and then show them the mystery veggie. Comparisons between what the students wrote and/or drew can then be done to see how well our sense of touch can help us “see” the world.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		W.K.1 W.K.2 W.1.1 W.1.2 W.2.1 W.2.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5

Radish:

Videos and Other Resources

Times of Nature: Growing Radish Time Lapse (3:09)

) Timelapse of radish growing out of seed over 38 days.

Burpee: Growing Radishes (2:44)

Radishes are one of the quickest and tastiest crops to grow in early spring and again in fall. See how easy it is to grow them in your garden.

Mortrek: Radish Time-Lapse (0:51)

This is a time-lapse video of a radish seed growing into a harvestable plant with a fairly well-developed taproot. The plants were intentionally deprived of sufficient nutrients until about 38 seconds in, when liquid nutrients were added to the top. The taproot-growth part of the video was accelerated relative to the primary shoot-growth part. The total time-lapse length was 49 days.

Radish:

Books

Rosita and the Night of the Radishes by Dorothy Thurgood Manning (2016)

Young Rosita competes in Oaxaca, Mexico's radish carving contest which is held every December 23rd. She hopes to win first prize and use the money to help her family's failing farm.

Rosie Plants a Radish (2000)

This lift-the-flat picture book tells the story of Rosie, a rabbit who loves radishes. Children can read about how she plants her radish seeds, watches the plants grow and finally pulls the radishes up. They can see what is actually happening to the plant under the ground.

Rosey Posey and the Perfectly Pink Radish: Bloomers Island Garden of Stories #2 by Cynthia Wylie and Courtney Carbone (2018)

Follow young Rosey Posey in a magical, beautifully illustrated story as she attends boarding school on Bloomers Island to learn about gardening and growing her own vegetables. When Professor Sage announces the Very Very Veggie Challenge, Rosey isn’t sure she wants to participate.

book_cover_Rosey_Posey_and_the_Perfectly_Pink_Raddish

The Red Radish by Twiggle Books

Working together and helping friends are the focuses of this Twiggle Book. When a rabbit has trouble pulling out a radish from the ground, one by one his friends — big and small — come to his rescue. They pull and pull together until the radish pops out of the ground. Then they all share eating it.

Rah, Rah, Radishes!: A Vegetable Chant by April Pulley Sayre (2020)

Veggies take the stage in a rollicking ode to healthy eating in this Classic Board Book edition of "Rah, Rah, Radishes!"

book_cover_Rah_Rah_Radishes_April_Pulley_Sayre

Rice:

Lessons and Activities

Seeds to Success: My Family’s Food Traditions

This lesson, modified from Nourish’s Food Traditions Lesson challenges students to work with their families to conduct an interview and then create a display celebrating the food traditions of their homes. Through research and presentation, students will explore all the different ways in which food nourishes families and communities. While this lesson is generically written, it can easily be modified to ask about the families’ specific food traditions related to rice or other ingredients.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 W.K.7 W.1.7 W.2.7 W.3.4 W.3.6 SL.3.1 SL.3.3 SL.3.4 W.4.4 W.4.6 SL.4.1 SL.4.3 SL.4.4 W.5.4 W.5.6 W.5.7	1.3.6	2-E-1.1

Pilot Light: Growing and Eating Food Around the World- The Story of Rice

Students will learn about food sources and origins by investigating how rice is grown around the world and eaten in different ways in various locations and cultures and identifying a rice dish that they have eaten before and where they ate it.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		RI.K.1 RI.1.1 RI.2.1

Focus on the Family: Rice Art Mosaics

Have you ever seen a mosaic at a museum? Artists take small pieces of broken tile and arrange them to make beautiful designs. With a little imagination, you can create your own mosaics using materials from your kitchen.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
					VA-CE-E4

Rice:

Videos and Other Resources

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Rice (12:27)

This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month has a long history in Louisiana, although it is not native here. It is actually one of several contributions brought from West Africa to the Southern table. It’s rice! Rice is an essential ingredient in Cajun cuisine, such as gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, and boudin. Join me, here in Acadia Parish, as we uncover the grains of truth behind this simple, hearty dish.

MN Ag in the Classroom Harvest of the Month: Wild Rice (4:56)

Wild rice is a staple in Minnesota. Watch how the White Earth Reservation in Naytahwuash, Minnesota shows how important wild rice is to the Ojibwe tribe. Logan Cloud shows the process of rice parching and finishing.

Think Rice Coloring Book

Appropriate for ages 2 – 6, this coloring activity tells the farm-to-table story of U.S.-grown rice. Kids are able to color different scenes from the rice farm and learn about the lifecycle of rice by season. They also learn where rice is grown and how rice makes its way table where they can color in a family making dinner and draw a healthy MyPlate dish with rice.

Rice:

Books

Let’s go Nuts (Seeds We Eat) by April Sayre (2013)

What do nuts, beans, grains, and even some spices have in common? They’re all seeds—seeds we can eat! So get ready to greet lentils and limas, take a crack at coconuts and cashews, and say hi to rye and buckwheat. You’ll soon be seeing seeds in a whole new way!

Chef Creole by Johnette Downing(2008)

There was a man from New Orleans and his name was Chef Creole. His hair was made of rice, his eyes of red beans, and his feet of beignets. Young readers will delight in this Louisiana picture-book adaptation of the song Aiken Drum.

The Road to Rice (Drive Thru) by Shalini Vallepur (2020)

Hop aboard the Rice Bowl food truck with your rice-loving guide Mina as you drive along the road to rice. From the rice paddies, to the rice dishes on tables around the globe, you'll see it all!

The Rice in the Pot Goes Round and Round by Wendy Wan-Long Shang (2021)

Sing along to this delicious twist on "The Wheels on the Bus" and celebrate the food, laughter, and love of a multigenerational family meal!

Thomas Jefferson Grows a Nation by Peggy Thomas (2015)

Thomas Jefferson was more than a president and patriot. He was also a planter and gardener who loved to watch things grow—everything from plants and crops to even his brand-new nation. As minister to France, Jefferson promoted all things American, sharing corn and pecans with his Parisian neighbors. As secretary of state, he encouraged his fellow farmers to grow olives, rice, and maple trees. In this meticulously researched picture book for older readers, author Peggy Thomas uncovers Jefferson’s passion for agriculture and his country. And Stacy Innerst’s incredibly original illustrations offer the right balance of reverence and whimsy. Back matter includes an author’s note on Jefferson’s legacy today; timeline, bibliography; place to visit (Monticello); and source notes.

The Kid Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews (2014)

This book tells the story of Nobel Laureate, Norman Borlaug. Norman grew up as an average farm boy in Iowa, but later his work as a plant scientist reached far and wide to help improve the growth of wheat, rice, and corn all over the world. This book highlights the benefits of emerging science, but also has an underlying message to teach kids that, "Every choice you make, good or bad, can make a difference."

One Grain of Rice by Demi (1997)

A mathematical folktale illustrating the concept of doubling using rice as the example.

Red Beans & Rice by Jeanette Weiland (2020)

Red Beans & Rice is a lively read, encompassing multiple characters, with hand-drawn typography highlighting the children’s voices. Young readers will enjoy spotting hidden treasures throughout the pages along with the creatures and critters that share a home in this delicious region of Louisiana. Aspiring chefs will appreciate the extras, including a kid-friendly red beans and rice recipe from restauranteur Dickie Brennan and a vegan version of the dish by Sweet Potato Soul author and blogger, Jenné Claiborne, among others.

Everybody Cooks Rice by Norah Dooley (1991)

In this multicultural picture book, Carrie goes from one neighbor's house to the next looking for her brother, who is late for dinner. She discovers that although each family is from a different country, everyone makes a rice dish at dinnertime. Readers will enjoy trying the simple recipes that correspond to each family's unique rice dish.

Shrimp:

Lessons and Activities

Salt Lake Brine Shrimp: Shrimp School

In this lesson, students will identify the environmental conditions that are necessary for brine shrimp to hatch and develop. Students will examine how adding pollutants to the environment can be harmful to living organisms.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	3-LS1-1 3-LS4-3 3-LS4-4 4-LS1-1 4-ESS2-3	1.SL.1 1.SL.2 1.SL.3 1.SL.4 1.SL.5 1.SL.6 2.SL.1 2.SL.2 2.SL.3 2.SL.4 2.SL.6 3.SL.1 3.SL.3 3.SL.4 3.SL.6 4.SL.1 4.SL.4

Shrimp:

Videos and Other Resources

Outside the Levees: Shrimping Catch and Cook (20:42)

In this video we go to St. Bernard Parish for a night time shrimping trip. After that we’ll go to Rebouche's Cafe in St. Bernard to cook up shrimp benedict.

Nat Geo Kids: Amazing Animals- Shrimp (1:15)

Some adult shrimp can grow to more than 12 inches long! Learn more amazing facts about the shrimp in this video from National Geographic Kids.

Nat Geo Kids: Shrimp (1:15)

Some adult shrimp can grow to more than 12 inches long! Learn more amazing facts about the shrimp in this video from National Geographic Kids.

Shrimp:

Books

Shrimps by Judy Hawes (1966)

Describes the shrimp from the egg and larva to the adult stage with beautiful and simple illustrations.

Giovanni & Scampi by Aaron T. Watene (2010)

This is the story of an incredibly unique shrimp and his experience with a local fisherman who learns an important lesson to be exactly who you are. Scampi also learns to be humble while making a good friend.

The Soapy Shrimp Boat by Kim Dowers (2012)

Come Spend the day with good 'ole Soapy Shrimp Boat on the Bayou! See what happens when one slimy shrimp wiggles his way aboard the glistening clean Cajun crew. Crack up with the chaos that ensues as characters clash in this comic adventure! K

A Shrimp Called Pee Wee by Janis Pacileo (2012)

When a new baby shrimp called Pee Wee is born, there is a hush in the sea. His mom and dad are concerned because he is tiny and his whole backside is shiny. The doctors and nurses work hard to save him. Then one day, they realize that something bigger than all of them has changed their sea, the place where they all live-and that change is responsible for Pee Wee's unusual problems.

The Life of a Shrimp by Samuel F. (2020)

The Life of a Shrimp is a story about a character called Luke, who has certain peculiarities and that great surprises occur along the way.

Three Little Shrimp by J. Steven Spires (2017)

Dive into crystal blue waters to follow three very curious little shrimp as they explore beneath the surface. Dangers surround them--egrets, red fish, and a loggerhead turtle all love eating shrimp! Even the fisherman's net is out to capture them. When the little shrimp venture out of their troupe they find more than they expected in this entertaining and educational adventure for beginning readers. This updated edition provides beginning readers and teachers up-to-date information on this curious crustacean in "The Amazing Shrimp" page packed with definitions, statistics, and "you won't believe it" facts about shrimp.

Sammy Shrimp: A Tale of a Little Shrimp by Suzanne Tate (1990)

Exciting tale of a little shrimp and his big sister. Facts about shrimp in simple and entertaining format. Illustrated by James Melvin.

Snap Beans:

Lessons and Activities

National Agriculture in the Classroom: Eat ‘Em Up

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	1-LS1-1	SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1		1-E-1.3

Seeds to Success: Growing Seeds Experiment

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
2.MD.A.1 2.MD.D.9 2.MD.D.10 3.MD.A.2 3.MD.B.3 3.MD.B.4	2-PS1-2 2-LS2-1 3-LS3-2 3-LS4-3 5-LS1-1	W.2.8 SL.2.1 SL.2.4 SL.2.6 W.3.8 SL.3.1 SL.3.4 SL.3.6 W.4.8 SL.4.1 SL.4.4 SL.4.6 W.5.8 SL.5.1 SL.5.4 SL.5.6

Kids Gardening: Three Sisters Garden

Students will explore the benefits of companion planting by investigating the historical Native American planting of Three Sisters Gardens. Students will also learn how the growth habits and biology of certain plants can complement each other to form a symbiotic or mutually beneficial relationship.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1 2-LS2-1 3-LS1-1 3-LS4-3 4-LS1-1 4-ESS2-3 5-PS3-1 5-LS1-1 5-LS2-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 RL.K.1 RL.K.2 RL.K.3 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 RL.1.1 RL.1.2 RL.1.3 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 RL.2.1 SL.3.1 SL.4.1 SL.5.1	1.9 2.8	Kindergarten 1-E-1.4 1-E-1.6 5-E-2.2 1st Grade 2-E-1.1 2-E-2.1 2nd Grade 2-E-1.2 2-E-1.6 4th Grade 1-E-2.4 1-E-4.2

Life Lab: Soil Stories

Students dig into dirt and discover the secrets of the intricate ecosystem living beneath their feet. After discovering soil’s components, students take the next steps to become stewards of the soil. This lesson plan includes a pre- and post-assessment and four lessons on soil, including planting snap bean seeds in three different types of soil to find out which soil type they prefer.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS-1-1 K-ESS2-2 2-PS1-1 2-PS1-2 2-LS4-1	W.K.2 W.1.2 W.2.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5			VA-CE-E1 VA-CE-E5

National Ag in the Classroom: Growing Plants in Science and Literature

Students will use the story of "The Empty Pot" to explore literature and science, practicing story mapping and learning about the needs of plants and the importance of soil and water. Like the characters in the story, students will plant and observe the growth of seeds. Suggested companion book: "Green Bean! Green Bean!" by Patricia Thomas.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1 1-LS1-1 2-LS2-1	W.K.2 W.1.2 W.2.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5

Snap Beans:

Videos and Other Resources

Container Garden Club: Grow Green Beans in Small Containers (3:25)

You can grow delicious green beans in small window box containers. This video takes you through the steps needed to get a productive yield.

Three Sisters Legend

The legend explains the history of this Native American companion planting method.

Green Beans – Growing Step by Step [How To Do It] (5:40)

A step-by-step video on growing and harvesting green beans.

Green Bean Time-Lapse (7:21)

This is a time-lapse video of green beans growing in a hydroponics system.

Snap Beans:

Books

Let’s go Nuts (Seeds We Eat) by April Sayre (2013)

Jody’s Beans by Malachy Doyle (2002)

When Jody’s grandfather comes to visit, he brings along a packet of seeds for them to plant. Through spring, summer, and fall, Jody watches her plants sprout, flower, and grow lots of beans. Soon, as Jody’s parents await a new baby, Grandpa and Jody are picking the beans — and waiting for next spring

First Peas to the Table: How Thomas Jefferson Inspired a School Garden by Susan Grigsby (2012)

Maya loves contests, so she is excited when her teacher announces they will plant a school garden like Thomas Jefferson's garden at Monticello―and they'll have a "First Peas to the Table" contest, just like Jefferson and his neighbors had each spring. Maya plants her pea seeds with a secret head start―found in Jefferson’s Garden Book―and keeps careful notes in her garden journal. But her friend Shakayla has plans of her own for the contest

A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards (2006)

Green Bean! Green Bean! by Patricia Thomas (2016)

Plant it ― water it ― weed it ― protect it ― and under the blossoms is the perfect shady nook to read a book! Pretty soon it's time to pick all those long, lean beans, and to harvest a full season of garden knowledge and experience.

book_cover_Green_Bean_Green_Bean_Patricia_Thomas

Green Bean Dance by Ryan J. Schroeder

Finally, a book that gives children a way to discover the JOY in trying new foods. It's time to do the "Green Bean Dance”! Children will delight in the sounds and actions in the story. They'll go from not wanting to eat their vegetables to dancing at the opportunity. Parents will enjoy the simple words that tell an important message — you always have to try new things to find out if you'll like them. "Green Bean Dance" is the perfect book for kids just beginning to read or for parents to read to their child before dinner or at bedtime.

book_cover_Green_Bean_Dance_Ryan_Schroeder

How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans by David LaRochelle and Mark Fearing (2013)

Martha HATES green beans. When some mean, green bandits stroll into town, anyone who ever said "Eat your green beans" is in big trouble. But when the beans kidnap Martha's parents, Martha is forced to take action. She can think of only one way to stop the villainous veggies from taking over her town, and it’s not pretty...or tasty. Featuring absurdly funny text and illustrations with attitude, this is a hilarious read for everyone — even the pickiest of eaters.

book_cover_How_Martha_Saved_her_Parents_David_LaRochelle

Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert (1987)

Squash:

Lessons and Activities

Louisiana Ag in the Classroom: How to Grow a Monster

Students read How to Grow a Monster, describe the needs of a zucchini plant, identify the structure and function of zucchini plant parts, grow classroom zucchini plants, and experiment with different environments and growing conditions

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-ESS3-1 K-LS1-1 2-LS2-1	RL.K.1 RL.1.1 RL.2.1 SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.K.2 SL.1.2 SL.2.2

Arizona Department of Education: Pumpkins

Through this lesson, students will identify pumpkin as a fruit.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.2.5		Kindergarten: 1-E-1.6

Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom: Cool Cucurbits

Students will learn about the group of vegetables known as cucurbits and use cucurbits in a variety of creative activities

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K.CC.A.1-3 K.CC.C.6 K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 1.MD.A.1 1.MD.A.2 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.A1 2.MD.A2 2.MD.A3 2.MD.A4 2.MD.D.9 2.MD.D.10	W.K.1 W.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.4 SL.K.5 L.K.1,2 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 W.1.1 W.1.2 L.1.1 L.1.2 W.2.2 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6 L.2.1 L.2. 2

National Agriculture in the Classroom: Eat ‘Em Up

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	1-LS1-1	SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1		1-E-1.3

Kids Gardening: Three Sisters Garden

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1 2-LS2-1 3-LS1-1 3-LS4-3 4-LS1-1 4-ESS2-3 5-PS3-1 5-LS1-1 5-LS2-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 RL.K.1 RL.K.2 RL.K.3 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 RL.1.1 RL.1.2 RL.1.3 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 RL.2.1 SL.3.1 SL.4.1 SL.5.1	1.9 2.8	Kindergarten 1-E-1.4 1-E-1.6 5-E-2.2 1st Grade 2-E-1.1 2-E-2.1 2nd Grade 2-E-1.2 2-E-1.6 4th Grade 1-E-2.4 1-E-4.2

California Harvest of the Month: Winter Squash

This Harvest of the Month newsletter has activities that give students the opportunity to explore, taste, and learn about the importance of eating winter squash. It also includes information on its origins and how it grows.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS-1-1 K-ESS3-1	W.K.1 W.K.2 W.K.3 W.1.2 W.2.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.4 1-E-1.6 5-E-1.1 7-E-1.1 8-E-2.1 1st Grade 1-E-1.1 1-E-3.5 5-E-3.2 7-E-1.1 2nd Grade 7-E-1.4 7-E-1.5

Vermont Harvest of the Month: Winter Squash

Students will explore, taste, and learn about eating winter squash. Activities include a squash matching game, mapping the history, and making a squash recipe.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS-1-1 2-PS1-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5	K.18 K.23 1.20 1.22 1.24 2.20 2.23 2.26	Kindergarten 1-E-1.4 1-E-1.6 5-E-1.1 7-E-1.1 8-E-2.1 1st Grade 1-E-1.1 1-E-3.5 5-E-3.2 7-E-1.1 2nd Grade 7-E-1.4 7-E-1.5

USDA Team Nutrition: Crookneck Squash Row

In this free downloadable squash curriculum children explore this unique vegetable, experiencing how a crookneck squash looks, feels, smells, and tastes. Children learn how crookneck squash are grown, harvested, and shipped from the farm to farmers markets and stores. This curriculum extends learning to home with parent letters explaining what their children learned about squash in class and follow-up activities and recipes for home.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.G.A.1 K.G.A.2 K.G.A.3 1.MD.A.1 1.MD.A.2 2.MD.A.1 2.MD.A.3	K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1 2-PS1-1 2-LS2-2 2-LS4-1	W.K.1 W.K.2 W.K.3 W.1.2 W.2.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.4 1-E-1.6 5-E-1.1 7-E-1.1 8-E-2.1 1st Grade 1-E-1.1 1-E-3.5 5-E-3.2 7-E-1.1 2nd Grade 7-E-1.4 7-E-1.5

Squash:

Videos and Other Resources

History: 6 Things You May Not Know About Pumpkins

In two minutes, this video engagingly delivers a host of facts about pumpkins. Students will learn that each pumpkin has about 500 seeds, pumpkins originated in Central America, 19th century New Englanders thought that pumpkins could cure snake bites, and much more.

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Winter Squash (11:08)

This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month was so vital to the early settlers of our country, that they may not have survived without it during those harsh New England winters. Today they are every part of our autumn celebrations. It’s winter squash! The indigenous people of that time taught us all that we know and love about pumpkins, squash and gourds. This is Chenier Farms, where they’re going squash our curiosity on how this crop is grown, harvested, and prepared into a cornucopia of treats!

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Summer Squash (10:41)

This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month comes in all sorts of beautiful sizes and colors and its name celebrates, probably your favorite season. It’s summer squash! There are some many interesting things to know about this amazing group of vegetables. Let’s head out to the farm to find out more!

Three Sisters Legend

The legend explains the history of this Native American companion planting method.

The Rusted Garden: Identifying Male and Female Squash Flowers and How to Hand-Pollinate (2:38)

There are male and female squash, zucchini, and cucumber flowers. The female flowers have little baby squash on them — but if the flower doesn't get pollinated, the squash will grow a bit and die off. Sad. Here is a basic introduction to male and female squash flowers and hand-pollination.

Cook with Class: How Summer Squash Grow (1:26)

Video showing the development of zucchini squash from immature fruit with flower to mature fruit on the plant.

1,223-Pound Giant Pumpkin Time-Lapse (3:40)

This is a time-lapse video of a 1,223-pound giant pumpkin from seed to scale. It was grown from a seed out of the 2,009-pound world record pumpkin grown by Ron Wallace in Rhode Island.

Pumpkin Growth Time-Lapse (4:26)

Time-lapse video showing the growth of a pumpkin from seed to mature fruit — 108 days and nights.

Identifying Male and Female Squash Flowers and How to Hand-Pollinate (2:38)

There are male and female squash, zucchini, and cucumber flowers. The female flowers have little baby squash on them, but if the flower doesn't get pollinated the squash will grow a bit and die off. Sad. Here is a basic introduction to male and female squash flowers and hand-pollination.

Allotment Diary: Zucchini Growing Time-Lapse (1:20)

This video shows a zucchini plant growing and flowering during 5 days of filming.

True Food TV: Zucchini Growing Tips That I Wish I Had Known (6:44)

Prevent powdery mildew with proper spacing. Identify male and female flowers. Learn which ones will produce fruit, and how to get rid of insect pests specific to squash.

Squash:

Books

How to Grow a Monster by Kiki Thorpe (2020)

Last year, Gabe's mom grew way too many zucchinis. This year, Gabe and his sister have a secret plan to take control of the garden. They have to stop the zucchini madness!

Cheers for a Dozen Ears by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky (2014

The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll (1993)

Once there were two mice who fell in love with the same pumpkin....Desmond the field mouse wants to carve the biggest jack-o'-lantern in the neighborhood with his pumpkin. Clayton the house mouse wants to win the Biggest Pumpkin contest with his. But when they discover that their choice pumpkins are actually the same one, Desmond and Clayton decide to work together to grow the biggest pumpkin ever!

A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards (2006)

Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White (1996)

Rebecca Estelle has hated pumpkins ever since she was a girl when pumpkins were often the only food her family had. When an enormous pumpkin falls off a truck and smashes in her yard, she shovels dirt over the pieces and forgets about them. But those slimy pumpkin smithereens sprout up in autumn, and Rebecca Estelle finds a sea of pumpkins in her garden.

Pumpkin Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington (1990)

Jamie plants a pumpkin seed in the spring and, after watching it grow all summer, carves a face in it for Halloween! But best of all, he saves some seeds that he will plant again next spring.

The Pumpkin Book by Gail Gibbons (1999)

In this cheerfully illustrated, simply presented book, children can learn about the growth cycle and many varieties of pumpkins, and even how to plant their own. Award-winning author Gail Gibbons also relates the special role pumpkins played in the first Thanksgiving, the history behind carving pumpkins into jack'o'lanterns, and how pumpkins are still part of our celebrations today.

From Seed to Pumpkin: A Fall Book for Kids by Wendy Pfeffer (2015)

Read and find out about how pumpkins grow from a tiny yellow seed to a pumpkin in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

Pumpkin (Life Cycle of a . . .) by Ron Fridell and Patricia Walsh (2009)

How big can pumpkins grow? Why do pumpkins have very big leaves? What can we make with pumpkins? Explaining concepts through stunning photographs and simple text, 'Life Cycle of a Pumpkin' takes an in-depth look at this familiar but fascinating plant.

Let’s Explore Pumpkins! (Food Field Trips) by Jill Colella (2020)

Many people use pumpkins for fall decorating. But pumpkin is also delicious in soup, pasta, muffins, and of course pies! See how pumpkins grow, learn what is inside of pumpkins, make pumpkin soup, and create a pumpkin squirrel feeder.

Runaway Pumpkins by Teresa Bateman (2020)

The old adage of "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade" is reborn with pumpkins! When a bumpy road and a faulty bus storage lock release a load of handpicked pumpkins back into the wild, the students on a field trip are left with a single pumpkin. Pluckily, they decide to take what they have and do what they can. Together they decorate the only surviving pumpkin for their harvest fair. But good fortune comes knocking the next day when a group of kind neighbors arrives at the school. They found the smashed pumpkins and turned them into celebratory seasonal fare, perfect for sharing: yummy soup, cake, pie, and even fries!

Daniel Visits a Pumpkin Patch by Maggie Testa (2021)

Daniel Tiger is visiting a pumpkin patch with his family and friends. The best part is, Mom and Dad Tiger told him he could pick out a pumpkin to bring home. Once they get to the patch, there are so many pumpkins to choose from—some are very small and some are very large. Will Daniel find the perfect one?

Sophie’s Squash Go to School by Pat Zietlow Miller (2016)

On Sophie’s first day of school, nobody appreciates her two best friends, Bonnie and Baxter, baby squash that she grew in her garden. Even worse, one classmate, Steven Green, won’t leave Sophie alone. He sits by her at circle time. He plays near her during recess. And he breathes on her while she paints. Steven just wants to be friends, but Sophie isn’t interested. Still, Sophie knows that her squash friends won’t last forever. Maybe it would be nice to have some human friends after all. . . .

Benji and the 24 Pound Banana Squash by Alan C. Fox (2017)

Benji has made up his mind: he's going to grow the biggest banana squash ever from the tiny seeds he saved last summer. In spring, when the soil is soft, he plants the seeds, waters them, waits, waters them and waits. Will his dream come true?

Sophie’s Squash (2013) by Pat Zietlow Miller

On a trip to the farmers' market with her parents, Sophie chooses a squash, but instead of letting her mom cook it, she names it Bernice. From then on, Sophie brings Bernice everywhere, despite her parents' gentle warnings that Bernice will begin to rot. As winter nears, Sophie does start to notice changes.... What's a girl to do when the squash she loves is in trouble?

I Heard It from Alice Zucchini: Poems About the Garden (2006) by Juanita Havill

From the still chill of a winter night to the ra-ta-ta, ra-ta-ta, ra-ta-ta-too of a lively vegetable stew, these twenty whimsical poems celebrate the joys of a garden from start to finish. A tour de force of imagination, I Heard It from Alice Zucchini invites you to join in the Pea Pod Chant, wander through the Rhubarb Forest, dance with the Dainty Doily Dill Weed, gossip with Alice Zucchini, and hold your breath on the pumpkin's enchanted evening.

Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie by Jill Esbaum (2007)

Photographs show the life cycle of a pumpkin. Nonfiction. Age range: 4-8 years.

book_cover_Seed_Sprout_Pumpkin_Pie_Jill_Esbaum

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara (2007)

A teacher and his students consider how many seeds might be in the big, medium, and small pumpkins that are sitting on his desk. They make estimates and use skip counting to find out the answer. Age range: 4-8 years.

book_cover_How_many_seeds_Are_in_a_Pumpkin_Margaret_McNamara

Plant Plumbing by Susan Blackaby (2003)

Learn how plants store food during the winter and carry water up to the leaves through their roots and stems. Age range: 4-8 years.

book_cover_Plant_Plumbing_Susan_Blackaby

Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper (2005)

A squabble between friends happens while they are cooking pumpkin soup. Age range: 4-8 years.

The Little Squash Seed by Gayla Seale (2002)

How is it that a dull, dried-up little seed can produce a brightly colored nutritious vegetable? Miraculous things do happen when a seed is planted in the dirt and cared for by an attentive gardener. Kids can put on their garden gloves, grab their tools, and join the little squash seed, the gardener, and his grandchildren for a season of planting, changing, and growing. Reading level: Elementary.

book_cover_the_Little_Squash_Seed_Gayla_Scale

Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres (2008)

A book about plants that grow upright, in the ground, and on the vine. Oversized book available. Grade level: Pre-K to K.

Carlos and the Squash Plant by Jan Stevens (1993)

Carlos’s mother warns Carlos to take a bath each evening after a long day of gardening. See what happens day after day as Carlos refuses to wash the dirt from his body, specifically from inside his ears. Printed in both English and Spanish, this story offers an inside look at Hispanic heritage. Reading level: Elementary.

xbook_cover_Carlos_and_the_Squash_Plant_Jan_Stevens

Mrs. McNosh and the Great Big Squash by Sarah Weeks (2001)

Through humorous, rhyming text, learn how Mrs. McNosh's giant squash creates problems as it grows. Grade level: Pre-K to 2.

book_cover_Ms_Mcnosh_and_the_Great_Big_Squash_Sarah_Weeks

Zora’s Zucchini by Katherine Pryor (2017)

What do you do with too much zucchini? Have a garden swap! Winner of the 2016 Growing Good Kids Book Award. Ages: 4-10 years.

book_cover_Zoras_Zucchini_Katherine_Pryor

Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert (1987)

Strawberries:

Lessons and Activities

Arizona Department of Education: Strawberries

Students will identify strawberries as member of the fruit food group.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.B.3		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.2.5		Kindergarten: 1-E-1.6

Vermont Harvest of the Month: Berries

A variety of lessons to explore, taste, and learn about berries.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
2.MD.10	1-LS1-1

New Hampshire Harvest of the Month: Berries Harvest Lessons

A variety of lessons to explore, taste, and learn about berries.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	2-LS2-2	SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1	K.3.2 1.3.1 2.2.2

National Agriculture in the Classroom: Eat ‘Em Up

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	1-LS1-1	SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1		1-E-1.3

National Ag in the Classroom: Freshest Fruits

In this lesson students will learn about where fruits grow and their nutritional value. They will observe the size, shape, texture, and seeds of various fruits.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
1.OA.C 2.OA.B		W.K.1 W.K.2 W.K.3 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.6

USDA Team Nutrition: The Strawberry Patch

In this activity guide children can explore and discover how strawberries look, feel, taste, and smell. They learn that strawberries come from seeds and plants before appearing in baskets at the market. Children taste and enjoy strawberries in many different ways. "Growing at Home" materials are home activities that sprout from the day’s lessons. The resources for these lessons can be found in the The Basics Book.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS-1-1 1-LS3-1	W.K.1 W.K.2 W.K.3 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1st grade 7-E-1.1,2	VA-CE-E5

Harvest for Healthy Kids: Berries

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.6 Grade 1 7-E-1.1 7-E-1.2	VA-CE-E5

Strawberries:

Videos and Other Resources

Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month: Strawberry Activity Sheet

Students connect the dots from A to Z to complete a picture of a strawberry.

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Strawberries (10:50)

This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month is grown in every U.S. state and every Canadian providence. It became the official Louisiana state fruit in 1980 and it’s celebrated each year at its very own festival in Ponchatoula. It’s strawberries! Join me and let’s learn a little more about what makes this fruit the berry best!

Eat Happy Project: Sweet Strawberries- How Do They Grow? (2:15)

Learn when strawberries are at their juiciest and how they're grown on the farm.

Mortrek:Time-Lapse of Strawberry Plant (1:49)

A time-lapse video of a strawberry ripening and strawberry flowers opening and closing.

TESCO: Sweet Strawberries – How Do They Grow? (2:15)

Find out when strawberries are at their juiciest and learn how they're grown on the farm.

Strawberry Plant Runners (1:56)

Shows runners coming off strawberries in pots and how these runners make new plants.

Strawberries:

Books

Spring is for Strawberries by Katherine Pryor (2023)

There’s nothing like the sounds and smells of the first farmers market of the year. The sweetness of fresh fruits and local vegetables permeates the air and breathes new life into our recipes just as the spring brings new life to the earth. This illustrated tale follows the budding friendship between two girls who meet at their local farmers market and reminds us that food is the great unifier of all humankind.

Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds (2007)

Cook-a-doodle-doo! By Janet Stevens (2005)

Big Brown Rooster is sick of chicken feed. So along with his friends--Turtle, Iguana, and Potbellied Pig--he sets out to make the most magnificent strawberry shortcake in the whole wide world. But there’s one problem: none of his friends knows how to cook! The team bravely forges ahead, and with Rooster’s help, they learn how to measure flour (not with a ruler) and how to beat an egg (not with a baseball bat). But can they keep Pig from gobbling up all the ingredients?

Flicka, Ricka, Dicka, and the Strawberries by Maj Lindman (2013)

Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka are going wild-strawberry picking. Mother is going to pay them for every basket they gather. When they stop at a cottage along the way, they meet Mary, her baby brother, and Mary's mother. Mary and her family are very kind, but have patches on their clothes and no milk to drink. After the girls get home and help Mother make strawberry jam, they think of a special way to spend the money they have earned.

Molly and the Strawberry Day by Pam Conrad (1994)

After a morning of strawberry-picking with her mother and father, Molly spends her day finding new ways to enjoy her favorite fruit.

Strawberry by Jennifer Coldrey (1988)

Photographs, drawings, and text on two levels of difficulty describe how the strawberry plant produces juicy strawberries and sends out runners to start new plants

Let’s Explore Strawberries by Jill Colella (2020)

Did you know that if you pick a green strawberry, it will never ripen and turn red? Visit a berry farm to see how strawberries grow. Then follow simple recipes to make Strawberry Smoothies and Chocolate Covered Fruit Pops.

Alicia’s Fruity Drinks / Las Aguas Frescas De Alicia (English and Spanish Edition) by Lupe Ruiz-Flores (2012)

The Berry Book by Gail Gibbons (2002)

From wild berries to cultivated berries, berries growing in the summer and berries growing in the winter, turn the pages to find out more about the berries we commonly eat.

The Fruits We Eat by Gail Gibbons (2016)

A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards (2006)

Strawberries Are Red by Petr Horacek (2001)

What color are strawberries? Bananas? Grapes? Flip the pages to find out! What happens when you mix these and other wonderful colors together? Peek in the bowl on the last spread for a tasty surprise.

I LOVE Strawberries by Shannon Anderson (2022)

Through Jolie’s comical scrapbook-style journal entries, young readers will learn how she convinces the “old people” (aka her parents) to let her grow her own strawberries. Growing strawberries is a lot of work and responsibility, but Jolie is ready with the help of her faithful rabbit Munchy! Together they find out just how delicious, rewarding, and sometimes complicated it can be to grow your own food. Creating a garden calendar and notebook, how strawberries grow, what pests to look out for in a garden, why ladybugs are helpful, and how a good gardener takes care of strawberry plants are all explained in this fun and educational story. Informational backmatter includes tips on growing strawberries, an explanation of integrated pest management for greener, safer gardening - and even tips for how to find a pick your own strawberry patch near you. This story makes a great read before a family trip to a strawberry patch, a garden store, or in a classroom talking about healthy eating and growing your own food.

The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher by Molly Bang (1996)

A wordless picture book about a woman bringing strawberries home from the market who outwits an imp trying to take them. Age: 5-8 years.

The First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac (1998)

A retelling of a Cherokee folktale about how the strawberry came to be. Ages: 3-5 years.

book_cover_The_First_Strawberries_Joseph_Bruchac

Strawberries by Robin Nelson (2008)

Shows the life cycle of a strawberry plant. Nonfiction. Age: 4-7 years.

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood (1987)

The lesson in the Woods' book is designed to introduce predicting as a reading strategy to primary students. Reading level: K-2.

book_cover_The_Little_Mouse_Don_Audrey_Wood

Saving Strawberry Farm by Deborah Hopkinson (2005)

In the hot summer of 1933, a young boy helps rally his town to save the local strawberry farm from a bank auction. Set in the Depression, the book focuses on simple pleasures like homemade lemonade and the importance of community. It also features a description of the Depression era in the back of the book. Age: 5-10 years.

book_cover_Saving_Strawberry_Farm_Deborah_Hopkinson

Sweet Corn:

Lessons and Activities

Kids Gardening: Three Sisters Garden

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1 2-LS2-1 3-LS1-1 3-LS4-3 4-LS1-1 4-ESS2-3 5-PS3-1 5-LS1-1 5-LS2-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 RL.K.1 RL.K.2 RL.K.3 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 RL.1.1 RL.1.2 RL.1.3 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 RL.2.1 SL.3.1 SL.4.1 SL.5.1	1.9 2.8	Kindergarten 1-E-1.4 1-E-1.6 5-E-2.2 1st Grade 2-E-1.1 2-E-2.1 2nd Grade 2-E-1.2 2-E-1.6 4th Grade 1-E-2.4 1-E-4.2

Ag in the Classroom: Seeds, Miraculous Seeds

Students will learn about seeds through dissection, classification, comparison and contrast, and hands-on planting experience.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS-1-1 K-ESS3-1 1-LS1-2 2-LS2-1 3-LS1-1 3-LS3-2 3-LS4-3 4-LS1-1 5-LS1-1	RI.K.1 RI.K.4 W.K.2 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 RI.1.1 RI.1.4 RI.1.7 W.1.2 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 RI.2.4 W.2.8 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.4 RI.3.3 RI.3.4 W.3.4 W.3.8 SL.3.1 SL.3.4 RI.4.3 RI.4.4 W.4.4 W.4.8 SL.4.1 SL.4.4 RI.5.4 W.5.4 W.5.8 SL.5.1 SL.5.4

Sweet Corn:

Videos and Other Resources

TED-Ed: The History of the World According to Corn (5:22)

Trace the 9,000-year-old history of the domestication of corn, or maize, and its effects on global agriculture.

UniCORN: Animated corn growth with titles and music (2:16)

Corn growth animation with titles and music for use with UnICORN (Understanding Inheritance in Corn) curriculum.

Kentucky Farms Feed Me: Visit a Corn Farm (4:25)

Kylie visits with Kentucky farmer Joseph Sisk to learn how he grows corn, then she visits with Dr. Chad Lee, a corn expert at the University of Kentucky, to learn what corn needs to grow.

Three Sisters Legend

The legend explains the history of this Native American companion planting method.

Sweet Corn:

Books

Taste the World! Corn by WorldBook (2020)

Did you know that there are thousands of different kinds of corn? And that corn is a key ingredient in nearly every dish in Mexico? Or that there's corn in fireworks? You'll learn this and more in World Book's Taste the World! Corn. Along the way, you'll find fun food facts and learn how to make some tasty recipes!

Cheers for a Dozen Ears by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky (2014

A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards (2006)

Thomas Jefferson Grows a Nation by Peggy Thomas (2015)

Corn Aplenty by Dana Meachen Rau (2009)

Two children watch a local farmer grow a crop of corn, and as the corn develops—from seed to harvest time—so does the friendship between the children and the farmer. This simple Step 1 Reader features word repetition and patterning and is perfect for emergent readers.

From Kernel to Corncob by Ellen Weiss (2007)

Using simple text and illustrations, describes how a kernel grows into a piece of corn.

The Popcorn Book Paperback by Tomie dePaola (1978)

What popcorn is, how it's stored, and how it's cooked, plus legends and recipes.

Corn Is Maize: The Gift of the Indians by Aliki (1996)

Maize has been an important crop from its beginning as a simple grass plant to its hybridization with teosinte to new protein-rich kinds. Used by both Indians and Pilgrims as food, maize is now also used in medicines, soaps, glues, powders, and other products. Popcorn, corn on the cob, cornbread, tacos, tamales, and tortillas—all of these and many other good things come from one amazing plant: corn!

The Life and Times of Corn by Charles Micucci (2009)

What grain has seeds in all colors of the rainbow, can grow twenty feet high, is often harvested by moonlight, and is more valuable to the United States than gold?

Corn by Gail Gibbons (2009)

Find out everything about this versatile and important grain—its history as a crop, the four main types, and how we grow and use it to make everything from food to paper to medicine!

Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres (2008)

From seeds dropping into soil to corn bursting from its stalks, from children chasing butterflies to ants burrowing underground, everything in this vibrant picture book pulses with life — in all directions! Sprightly illustrations set the mood for a rhythmic text that follows nature’s course to a feast of backyard bounty.

Sweet Peppers:

Lessons and Activities

Seeds to Success: Pepper Problems

These three worksheets walk students through counting and identifying the number of peppers in a group, simple addition, and simple subtraction.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.CC.A.3 K.CC.B.4 K.CC.B5 K.OA.A.1 K.OA.A.5

Kids Gardening: Vegetable Carving

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
					k-4 VA-CE-E4 VA-AP-E2 VA-AP-E4 VA-HP-E1 VA-HP-E4 5-8 VA-CE-M4 VA-CE-M5 VA-AP-M2 VA-AP-M3 VA-AP-M6 VA-HP-M1 VA-HP-M2 VA-HP-M4 VA-HP-M5 9-12 VA-CE-H3 VA-CE-H4 VA-CE-H5 VA-AP-H2 VA-AP-H4 VA-AP-H6 VA-HP-H1 VA-HP-H2 VA-HP-H4

Florida Harvest of the Month: Bell Pepper

A variety of bell pepper lessons and activities. Language Arts: Pepper Poem Math: Pepper Patterns Science: Parts of a Pepper Social Studies: Bell Pepper Harvest

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		RL.K.5 RL.1.4 RL.2.4 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1st grade 7-E-1.1 7-E-1.2

Wisconsin Harvest of the Month: Peppers

A fact sheet about peppers with information on health benefits, cooking tips, biology and ecology facts. Classroom connection activities cover biology, business, and math.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.CC.B.4 1.OA.A.1 2.OA.A.1	1-LS1-2 3-LS3-2	W.K.1 W.K.2 W.K.3 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1st Grade 7-E-1.1,2

Oregon Harvest for Students: Pepper Predictions

This lesson is a taste-test and graphing activity for students on the different colors of sweet peppers.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.CC.A.1 K.CC.C.6 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.C.4	K-LS1-1	W.K.1 W.K.2 W.K.3 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1st Grade 7-E-1.1 7-E-1.2

Sweet Peppers:

Videos and Other Resources

Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month: Peppers Activity Sheet

Students can count the number of peppers in a pyramid before coloring the bell peppers they see!

True Food TV: Bell Peppers | How Does It Grow? (6:05)

Very informative video on how bell peppers are grown commercially.

Ted Ed: The Science of Spiciness (3:54)

When you take a bite of a hot pepper, your body reacts as if your mouth is on fire — because that's essentially what you've told your brain! Rose Eveleth details the science and history behind spicy foods, giving insights into why some people continue to pay the painful price for a little spice.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Bell Pepper Brochure

Brochure containing bell pepper facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Bell Pepper Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Sweet Peppers:

Books

Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds (2007)

A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards (2006)

Green is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors by Roseanne Greenfield Thong (2014)

Featured objects are Latino in origin, and all are universal in appeal. With rich, boisterous illustrations, fun-to-read rhyming text, and an informative glossary, this playful concept book will reinforce the colors found in every child’s day! Reading level: Elementary.

book_cover_Green_is_a_Chile_Pepper_Roseanne_Thong

Grandma’s Gumbo by Deborah Kadair (2003)

Bell peppers, shrimp, oysters, onions, and okra — all have an important place in gumbo. Reading level: Elementary.

book_cover_Grandmas_Gumbo_Deborah_Kadair

Sweet Potatoes:

Lessons and Activities

North Carolina Sweet Potatoes: How Did That Get in My Lunchbox

Students explore the farm to fork life cycle of a sweet potato to truly understand how we go from plants in the ground to fries on a plate.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	K-LS1-1	RI.K.1 RI.K.2 RI.1.1 RI.1.6 RI.1.7 RI.2.1		Kindergarten 1-E-1.4 1-E-1.6 1st Grade 7-E-1.1 2nd Grade 1-E.1.6

Arizona Department of Education: Sweet Potatoes

Students will identify sweet potatoes as member of the vegetable food group.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.1 1.MD.A 2.MD.A		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.2.5		Kindergarten: 1-E-1.6

New Hampshire Harvest of the Month: Sweet Potatoes

Harvest lesson plans for K-4 classrooms that cover a variety of topics and include classroom connections.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.A.2 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.A.1 2.MD.A.3 2.MD.A.4 3.MD.A.2 3.MD.B.4 4.MD.A.1	K-LS-1-1 4-LS1-1	W.K.1 W.K.2 W.K.3 L.1.5 L.2.5 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.3.1 SL.3.2 SL.3.3 SL.4.1 SL.4.2 SL.4.3 SL.5.1 SL.5.2 SL.5.3 RL.K.1 RL.K.2 RL.K.3 RL.1.1 RL.1.2 RL.1.3 RL.21 RL.2.2 RL.2.3 RL.3.1 RL.3.2 RL.3.3 RL.4.1 RL.4.2 RL.4.3 RL.5.1 RL.5.2 RL.5.3 RI.K.1 RI.K.2 RI.K.3 RI.1.1 RI.1.2 RI.1.3 RI.2.1 RI.2.2 RI.2.3 RI.3.1 RI.3.2 RI.3.3 RI.4.1 RI.4.2 RI.4.3 RI.5.1 RI.5.2 RI.5.3

Pre-K Pages: Sprouting Sweet Potatoes

Directions on how to sprout sweet potatoes.

USDA Nutrition Team: Sweet Potatoes

Four lessons for school and three home activities all focus on sweet potatoes.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		W.K.1 W.K.2 W.K.3 L.1.5 L.2.5 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.3.1 SL.3.2 SL.3.3 SL.4.1 SL.4.2 SL.4.3 SL.5.1 SL.5.2 SL.5.3 RL.K.1 RL.K.2 RL.K.3 RL.1.1 RL.1.2 RL.1.3 RL.2.1 RL.2.2 RL.2.3 RL.3.1 RL.3.2 RL.3.3 RL.4.1 RL.4.2 RL.4.3 RL.5.1 RL.5.2 RL.5.3 RI.K.1 RI.K.2 RI.K.3 RI.1.1 RI.1.2 RI.1.3 RI.2.1 RI.2.2 RI.2.3 RI.3.1 RI.3.2 RI.3.3 RI.4.1 RI.4.2 RI.4.3 RI.5.1 RI.5.2 RI.5.3

Sweet Potatoes:

Videos and Other Resources

Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month: Sweet Potatoes Activity Sheet

Have students count and then connect amounts of sweet potatoes to the correct number.

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Sweet Potatoes (10:12)

This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month was grown by our nation’s first president, George Washington. It’s a root but its leaves are also edible. Have you guessed it? It’s sweet potatoes! Now let’s learn a little bit more about the sweet potato, a vegetable with a history as colorful as its bright orange flesh.

P. Allen Smith: How to Harvest Sweet Potatoes (3:15)

Harvesting and storing sweet potatoes.

Amazing Natural World: Harvesting Sweet Potatoes (4:04)

Harvesting Japanese sweet potatoes in a small backyard plot.

South Carolina ETV: Sweet Potato Harvesting (5:43)

Sweet potatoes planting slips to harvesting on a large farm scale.

Sweet Potatoes:

Books

Sweet Potato Pete and the Green Garden Gang, by Art Ehrens (2018)

The theme of the book is about the first solid foods that parents can feed their children. The story features Sweet Potato Pete a young country boy who loves sweet potatoes. He wants to share the sweet potatoes he's grown with the kids in town, but he needs the help of his pals, the Green Garden Gang, Carrot-top Karen, Banana Anna, String Bean Slim, Apple Andy and Sweet Pea Penelope to overcome the obstacles. The book features a link to an original song that makes it more fun as a sing-along. The striking illustrations create an engaging world for everyone. Sweet Potato Pete is the first book in the "Green Garden Gang" series.

The Gigantic Sweet Potato, by Dianne Casas (2010)

After weeks of hard work and tending to her garden, it was finally time for Ma Farmer to harvest her sweet potato and make some sweet potato pie; but when she tried to pull the tasty vegetable from the ground, it wouldn’t budge. With the help of her husband and some friendly farm animals, they finally pull a gigantic sweet potato from the ground and then all enjoy the sweet potato pie Ma Farmer prepares. This story teaches the importance of team work, patience, and eating healthy, local food!

I Yam a Donkey by Cece Bell (2015)

“I yam a donkey!” the donkey proclaims. Unfortunately the donkey’s audience happens to be a yam, and one who is particular about sloppy pronunciation and poor grammar. See the following for ideas that can be used with this book: https://www.floridamediaed.org/uploads/6/1/4/2/61420659/i_yam_a_donkey.pdf ALA Notable Children's Book Award 2016.

In the Garden with Dr. Carver by Susan Grigsby (2008)

Sally tells about a visit by Dr. George Washington Carver to her Alabama town and school. Dr. Carver teaches students about gardening, including the importance of respecting nature, and plant a school “kitchen” garden of their own. At the school picnic, they share Dr. Carver’s sweet-potato-flour bread. Historical-fiction.

Little Chef by Matt Stine & Elisabeth Weinberg (2018)

A little girl prepares to make her grandmother’s favorite meal, which includes “Grandma’s Super Special Smashed Sweet Potatoes.”

Little Sweet Potato by Amy Bloom (2012)

When Little Sweet Potato leaves the potato patch, he has a hard time find a new home that will welcome him.

Tomatoes:

Lessons and Activities

Arizona Department of Education: Tomatoes

In this lesson, students will identify tomatoes as member of the vegetable food group.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.1.1 SL.2.1 SL.2.5		Kindergarten: 1-E-1.6

National Agriculture in the Classroom: Eat ‘Em Up

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	1-LS1-1	SL-K-1 SL-1-1 SL-2-1		1-E-1.3

National Ag in the Classroom: Tomato Trivia

Using tomatoes as a theme, the students will practice their math and science skills of estimating, measuring, counting, graphing, and sequencing.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.CC.B.5 K.CC.C.6 K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 K.MD.B.3 1.MD.A.1 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10	K-LS1-1 1-LS3-1	W.K.1 W.K.2 W.K.3 SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5

Vermont’s Harvest of the Month: Tomato

Eight activities for K-4 that include a taste test as well as measurement, classification, and map skills focused on tomatoes.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5	K.3.1 K.3.2 1.3.1	Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1st grade 7-E-1.1 7-E-1.2

Harvest for Healthy Kids: Tomatoes

Activity plans for tomatoes include lessons centered around circle time, meal time, and activity time along with fast and fun activities. Each kit includes an activity plan, family recipe, teacher bites, and a parent newsletter and picture cards available in both English and Spanish. Tomato Activity Plan Tomato Family Recipe Tomato Parent Newsletter - English Tomato Parent Newsletter - Spanish Tomato Picture Cards - English Tomato Picture Cards - Spanish Tomato Teacher Bites

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
Art VA-CE-E5		SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1st Grade 7-E-1.1 7-E-1.2	VA-CE-E5

Tomatoes:

Videos and Other Resources

Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month: Tomato Activity Sheet

Students can color a playful tomato scene. How many tomatoes can you find?

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Tomatoes (10:08)

This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month was legally designated as a vegetable over a 100 years ago in the United States; although, it is botanically classified as a fruit. Now it is the third most popular vegetable in the United States. It’s tomatoes! No matter how you slice it, the tomato is a delicious treat and so much fun to grow!

True Food TV: How to Grow Tomatoes that Taste Amazing! (9:31)

Pruning. Trellising. Sucker removal. Pest management... all the things you need to know to grow successful tomato plants.

True Food TV: Heirloom Tomato | How Does It Grow? (11:10)

Heirloom tomatoes are SCIENTIFICALLY sweeter than the round red ones that dominate our supermarkets. So why don't we see more heirlooms? Because they are insanely difficult to grow — and sell! Very informative video on how heirloom tomatoes are grown.

True Food TV: Tomatoes | How Does It Grow? (11:02)

Tomato farming is NOT what you think it is! Meet the farmers behind your pasta sauce, who grow and harvest plum-style processing tomatoes — the source of more vitamins than any other fruit or vegetable consumed in the U.S. The history of the tomato is interwoven into a virtual field trip to a commercial tomato farm.

Super Sprowtz: A Tomato Force Field! (6:50)

Tag along with celebrity guest and former White House Chef Sam Kass on a culinary adventure to Aztec, Mexico, where you'll learn about the superpowers inside every tomato.

Time Lapse – Tomato Plant HD (1:13)

Shows the sprouting of tomato seeds through day 22 (seedlings are about 6 inches tall).

Super Sprowtz: What’s So Special About A Tomato? (5:44)

Todd the Tomato wonders whether his super safe superpowers are just as incredible as the rest of the Sprowtz team.

GroVeg: Ways of Ripening Green Tomatoes (3:31)

Explains multiple ways of ripening green tomatoes.

Center for Ecoliteracy: Nourishing Students: Posters

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Tomato Brochure

Brochure containing tomato facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Tomato Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.

Tomatoes:

Books

Cheers for a Dozen Ears by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky (2014

Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds (2007)

Let’s Explore Tomatoes! by Jill Colella (2021)

Ripe, juicy tomatoes are a delicious summer treat! Young readers will follow how tomatoes are grown and harvested, and they'll learn how to make tomato sauce in this engaging title that promotes food literacy.

Taste the World! Tomato by World Book (2020)

Did you know that many people once believed that tomatoes were poisonous? And that in German folklore certain plants related to tomatoes were believed to be used by witches to produce werewolves? Or that a tomato-throwing festival is held every year in Spain? You'll learn this and more in World Book's Taste the World! Tomato. Along the way, you'll find fun food facts and learn how to make some tasty recipes!

Bear and Bunny Grow Tomatoes by Bruce Koscielniak (1993)

A hard-working bear and a lazy bunny both plant tomatoes in their gardens, with quite different results

A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards (2006)

Little Yellow Pear Tomatoes (2005)

This exquisite offering examines the universal circle of life through the innocent eyes of a young girl, who marvels at all the energy and collaboration it takes to grow her yellow pear tomatoes. She sees that everyone and everything brings something essential to the little fruits she loves so much.

When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano (2016)

A book of free verse poems that follow the seasons, beginning and ending in the spring. Reading level: 5-10 years.

book_cover_When_Green_Becomes_Tomatoes_Julia_foliano

Runaway Tomato by Kim Cooley Reeder (2014)

When a giant tomato breaks loose at the top of a hill, it takes every tractor, fire engine, and helicopter to stop it. Told in catchy rhyme, culminating in a jam-packed gate-fold spread of the town's Tomato Festival. What will happen when it rains on all those giant seeds? One giant surprise. Ages: 3-5 years.

book_cover_Runaway_Tomato_Kim_Cooley_Reeder

Tomatoes Grow on a Vine by Mari Schuh (2011)

A book that explores the life cycle of the tomato. The book features labeled close-up photos. Ages: 4-8 years.

Life Cycles: Tomatoes by Robin Nelson (2009)

A close-up view of the life cycle of a tomato. Nonfiction. Ages: 5-8 years.

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child (2003)

First Tomato by Rosemary Wells (1992)

On a cold winter day, Claire takes a trip to the Bunny Planet where it’s always summer and the tomatoes are just starting to get ripe. Grade level: 1-2.

Big Red and the Terrible Tomato Hornworm by Cynthia Wylie (2018)

Big Red starts planting tomatoes and discovers that he’ll have to battle hornworms to keep his tomatoes healthy and safe. In the end, he has to use his newfound gardening knowledge and peacemaking skills to work with the hornworms and save his tomatoes. Ages: 4-8 years.

book_cover_Big_Red_and_the_Terrible_Tomato_Hornworm_Cynthia_Wylie

Our Community Garden by Barbara Pollak (2004)

General Lessons & Activities:

Lessons and Activities

Berry Ink Painting

Take a step back in time and allow students to create their own watercolor paints using berry juice! This lesson can be used to teach ratios as students mix water and different types of berry juice to create new colors!

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.A.1 3.NF.A.1 3.MD.A.2 6.RP.A.2 6.RP.A.3 7.RP.A.2			2.5		VA-CE-E2 VA-CE-E3 VA-HP-E4 VA-CE-M2 VA-CE-M3 VA-HP-M4 VA-CE-H2 VA-CE-H3 VA-HP-H4

LSU AgCenter: A Guide to Growing a School Butterfly Garden

Do you want to have butterflies in your classroom so your students can observe them on days even when you can’t go out to the garden? Here’s an easy and inexpensive way to make a butterfly house for your classroom. Once finished, place plants from your garden that have butterfly eggs or larvae on them into the butterfly house. Release the butterflies once they become adults.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
	3-LS1-1	S.K.1 S.1.1			VA-CE-E1 VA-CE-E5

Discover MyPlate: Planting the Seeds for Healthier Eating

Once students have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the colorful world of fruits and vegetables (lesson here), it is time to learn where these foods come from. Students will discover that all fruits and vegetables start as seeds and grow into plants. They will also feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when they get a chance to grow something themselves.

All resources for this lesson are also available in Spanish and can be found on the Discover MyPlate website.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.CC.A.1 K.CC.A.3 K.CC.B.4	K-LS-1-1	RF.K.3.c SL.K.1		1-E-1.3 1-E-1.6 4-E-1.3 5-E-1.1 5-E-2.1 7-E-1.1 8-E-2.1

Discover MyPlate: Eat Your Colors!

Students will join Farrah Fruit and Reggie Veggie on additional explorations into the colorful world of fruits and vegetables. During these learning adventures, students will experience new fruits and vegetables through all of their senses, not the least of which is taste. They will discover where a variety of fruits and vegetables come from and that they make great snacks!

All resources for this lesson are also available in Spanish and can be found on the Discover MyPlate website.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.CC.A.1 K.CC.B.5 K.CC.C.6 K.MD.B.3		RI.K.3 RI.K.4 SL.K.1 L.K.1.a		1-E-1.3 1-E-1.6 4-E-1.3 5-E-1.1 5-E-2.1 7-E-1.1 8-E-2.1

FRESHFARM FoodPrints: Measuring in the Garden

The purpose of this lesson is for students to practice measuring skills in the garden. Students will estimate the length of the garden beds and use standard and non-standard units of measurement to compare the sizes of different garden beds. Students will then partition beds into square feet to prepare beds for spring planting.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
1.MD.A.2 1.G.A.3 2.OA.C.4 2.MD.A.1 2.MD.A.2 2.MD.D.3 2.G.A.2 3.MD.A.2 3.MD.B.4 3.MD.C.6 3.MD.C.7 3.G.A.2 4.MD.A.1 4.MD.A.3 5.MD.A.1		RI.1.1 RI.1.5 RI.1.7 RF.1.1 SL.1.1 SL.1.5 RI.2.5 RI.2.7 SL.2.1 RI.3.1 RI.3.7 SL.3.1 RI.4.1 RI.4.7 SL.4.1 RI.5.7 SL5.1

Kids Gardening: Object-Based Storytelling in the Garden

Objects evoke memories, emotions, and ideas and can be used as inspiration to express our thoughts and feelings. In this lesson, young gardeners use objects they find in the garden or in a natural space to help them create a story that shares a lived experience. Consider having students create a gallery walk within the school that showcases the objects and the writing those objects helped to inspire!

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		W.K.3 W,K.8 SL.K.4 SL.K.5 L.K.1 L,K.2 W.1.3 W.1.8 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 L.1.1 L.1.2 W.2.3 W.2.8 SL.2.4 SL.2.6 L.2.1 L.2.2

Kids Gardening: Garden Adjective Adventure

A garden space is full of things (both living and non-living) that engage the senses. In this lesson, students use the garden as a muse for growing their descriptive writing skills.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		L.K.5.b L.1.1.f L.1.5.d L.2.1.e L.2.5.b L.2.6

The Garden Classroom: Bug Census

In this activity, based upon the Bug Census activity outlined in The Garden Classroom, students survey specific areas in the school garden or other outdoor areas. Groups of students record and count the insect biodiversity in the area and then report their findings back to the class. The class is challenged to use their data to generate tally charts, bar graphs, and a tableau illustrating where various types of insects were found. Student Page Data Charts

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.B.3 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.1	K-ESS3-1 2-LS4-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1

California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom: My Healthy Plate

Students categorize the foods they eat, explore healthy eating habits, and investigate the MyPlate food campaign.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.B.3 1.MD.C.4	K-LS-E-A6	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.4 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.5 SL.2.6		Kindergarten 1-E-1.3 1-E-1.4

Seeds to Success: Scribble Stones

Students plan, design, and contribute word rocks to the school rock garden. This very adaptable activity can be adjusted and used across all grade levels and subjects!

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		L.K.1 L.K.2 L.1.1 L.1.2 L.2.1 L.2.2 L.3.1 L.3.2 L.4.1 L.4.2 L.5.1 L.5.2 L.6.1 L.6.2 L.7.1 L.7.2 L.8.1 L.8.2 L.9-10.1 L.9-10.2 L.11-12.1 L.11-12.2			VA-CE-E1 VA-CE-E2 VA-CE-E4 VA-CE-E6 VA-AP-E6 VA-CE-M2 VA-CE-M5 VA-CE-M6 VA-AP-M6 VA-CE-H2 VA-CE-H5 VA-CE-H6 VA-AP-H6

Kids Gardening: Decomposition Activity Pack

Learning about decomposition can be a great way to introduce kids to ecological processes, sustainable practices, and more! These three decomposition-themed activities are designed to jumpstart conversations and inspire curiosity and wonder for our natural world!

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.CC.C.6 K.OA.A.1 K.MD.A.1 K.MD.A.2 1.MD.A.1 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.A.1 2.MD.A.4 2.MD.D.10	K-ESS2-2 K-ESS3-1 K-ESS3-3 2-PS1-1 2-LS4-1	RI.K.1 W.K.2 W.1.2 W.1.7 W.1.8 W.2.7 W.2.8 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.2.6

Seeds to Success: Ripe for the Searching

Louisiana Harvest of the Month word search. Use the word bank to find the hidden names of the harvest of the month items. Words can be going horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

Louisiana Harvest of Month Taste Test Guide

Students are often reluctant to try new foods. Taste tests introduce new menu items in a way that increases familiarity with healthy food choices, involves the school community, and builds a culture of trying new foods. This guide discusses benefits of taste tests and tips for running a successful taste test.

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Compendium of Activities

This collection of lessons, books, and videos connected to Louisiana Student Standards was designed to teach your students about Harvest of the Month items.

Louisiana Harvest of the Month Materials and Resources

Louisiana K-12 schools and after-school programs can register for Louisiana Harvest of the Month free-of-charge at any point during the school year. Registered sites will receive a packet of printed materials including posters, Louisiana-grown produce seasonality charts, and "I Tried It" stickers. Resources for each Harvest of the Month can be found at this site including: posters, recipes, and templates. Just click on the fruit or vegetable link.

Florida Ag in the Classroom Resources

This site gives you links for their three curricula: Gardening for Nutrition, Gardening for Grades, STEMming Up Gardening. You can download these full-color curricula and/or request a hardcopy of these resources. These beautiful teacher guides will arrive at your door in a week totally free of charge. There are links for Make and Take Activities that are quick activities that would be excellent for STEM family nights. At this site you can also search for lessons with a keyword. Also, this site includes links for several Florida Ag in the Classroom Activity Newspapers where you can download and request class sets.

Garden-Based Learning Distance Teaching Resources

This is a growing collection of online resources including lessons, videos, read-alouds, and videos.

Farm Bureau: My American Farm

My American Farm is an educational game platform used to engage students in American agriculture. This free site offers agriculturally-themed games and more than 100 free educator resources such as ag lesson plans, activity sheets and comics. Students will discover the amazing world of agriculture as you build farm equipment, create your own avatar, travel the country, and help organize the barn - and that's just the beginning. You'll enjoy playing these games, which reinforce core academic learning standards. Many games are also available in app form. Including the My American Farm App, the My American Farm - All About Beef App - The Ag Across America App and The My American Farm STEM app. These are all free to download.

OSU Healthy Youth Program: Plant Parts We Eat

Through this lesson, students will sort commonly eaten fruit and vegetables into categories based upon the part of the plant that is eaten. Prior to attempting this lesson, students must have a clear understanding of the parts of a plant (root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit and seeds). It is recommended that you use the attached images below. Extra Plant Parts Pages

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.4 SL.2.6 L.K.5 L.1.5 L.2.5

Growing Minds Farm to School: Veggie Crowns

In this lesson students are introduced to new fruits and vegetables by creating their own veggie crowns. The veggie crowns can be used in a variety of ways to have conversations with students about fruits and vegetables. Using seed catalogs or provided cut-outs, you can have students make crowns with various themes such as favorite fruits and vegetables or fruits and vegetables that they would like to try. If you do taste tests in your classroom, veggie crowns make a great "passport" with students adding a picture of each fruit or vegetable that they taste. Adding a picture to their crown is highly motivating for some students to try something new! Vegetable Cut-Outs — This is a PDF of vegetable line drawing for students to cut out and glue to their crowns, but don’t let this PDF limit students' selections of vegetable and/or fruits. You can draw more or let your students draw or cut pictures from seed catalogs.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
		SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3 SL.2.5		1-E-1.3 7-E-1.1 7-E-1.2	VA-CE-E5

New Hampshire Harvest of the Month: Eat the Rainbow

Harvest lessons provide a fun way for classrooms to explore, taste, and learn about eating more fruits and vegetables. “Eating the rainbow” (a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables) keeps you healthy and strong! Students will learn how different colored foods have different health benefits. They will also learn about the differences between whole and processed foods, and “stop,” “slow,” or “go” snacks. These lessons cover the food groups and MyPlate graphic, the plant parts we eat, and how to make rainbow spring rolls.

Louisiana Student Standards

Math	Science	English Language Arts	Social Studies	Health	Art
K.MD.B.3 1.MD.C.4 2.MD.D.10	3-LS3-1	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.3 SL.K.5 SL.K.6 SL.1.1 SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.5 SL.1.6 SL.2.1 SL.2.2 SL.2.3		Kindergarten 1-E-1.6 1st grade 7-E-1.1 2nd grade 7-E-1.3 7-E.1.4

General Lessons & Activities:

Videos and Other Resources

KidsGardening: Pollinator Pals Activity Book

Meet a pollinator! Pollinators are animals that help many flowering plants produce their seeds. Their important work helps support the continued existence of millions of plant species, and in turn, most animal species, including humans. Download this FREE 39-page activity book now to explore twelve pollinators, including swallowtail butterflies, lesser long-nose bats, bumblebees, chocolate midges, mason bees, sphinx moths, yucca moths, flying fox bats, honeybees, hummingbirds, hoverflies, and monarch butterflies!

Life Lab: Pondering Plants-First Grade Exploration

This first-grade curriculum includes six lessons that teach about the functions of plant parts. Examining the jobs of three different plant parts - roots, stems, and leaves - helps students to understand that all plants need the same fundamental resources: sun, soil, water, and air.

National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes

This free downloadable document outlines benchmarks related to agricultural literacy and academic achievement.

USDA: Fruit and Vegetable Blackline Masters

Blackline masters for students to color and display.

USDA: Fruit and Vegetable Drawings

Beautiful full-color drawings of fruits and vegetables to display on a bulletin board or other places.

General Lessons & Activities:

Books

Vegetables (Foods We Eat) by Susan Wake (1990)

Describes different types of vegetables, their history, how they are grown, and their role in human diet and health. Includes recipes.

Fresh Delicious Poems from the Farmers’ Market by Irene Latham (2016)

In these vivid poems, blueberries are “flavor-filled fireworks,” cucumbers are “a fleet of green submarines in a wicker sea,” lettuce tastes like “butter and pepper and salt,” but sometimes “I crunch into a leaf the very same flavor as rain.” The unexpected, ingenious imagery and enticing artwork in this collection will inspire the imaginations of young readers, and show how poetry can be as fresh and delicious as the farmers’ market produce it celebrates.

Monarch Butterfly by Gail Gibbons (1989)

Follow the transformation from a tiny white egg laid on a leaf to a brilliantly colored butterfly in this kid-friendly introduction to metamorphosis.

Ladybugs by Gail Gibbons (2013)

Follow a ladybug through the four stages of its development from egg to adult, and learn about its behavior and habitat—plus, how little ladybugs help protect crops by eating harmful insects. Bright illustrations and an easy-to-read text make this ideal for young readers studying the natural world.

Ladybugs by Julie Murray (2010)

This book describes a ladybug's body parts, eating habits, and defense mechanisms. Covered in detail is the ladybug's life cycle, as the insect changes from egg to larva to pupa to adult. Readers will learn about a ladybug's unique coloring and markings, as well as ladybug habitats and hibernation. The book concludes with the contribution and importance of ladybugs to the natural world. Labeled diagrams help readers understand a ladybug's body parts and life cycle.

Ladybugs (Little Critters) by Lisa Amstutz (2016)

Ladybugs can be red with black spots. But did you know they can have other colors? Appeal to young children's fascination with nature with delightfully simple, fun text and bright, close-up photos.

Are You A Butterfly? by Judy Allen (2003)

Caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly; follow the metamorphosis of this familiar backyard creature as it evolves into a delicate flying insect.

Are You A Ladybug? by Judy Allen (2003)

This accessible book is perfect for reading aloud and tells young readers how they would experience life if they were a ladybug.

This Year’s Garden by Cynthia Rylant (1987)

Follow the seasons of the year as reflected in the growth, life, and death of the garden of a large rural family. The annual gardening cycle is celebrated in a lovingly illustrated, full-color panorama of fertile scenes that you won't want to miss.

Plants Feed Me! By Lizzy Rockwell (2015)

Sink your teeth into the plants that feed the world—flowers, fruits, seeds, and all! With its simple text and bright, appealing illustrations, this book is perfect for young readers learning about where their food comes from.

Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (2005)

If Little Pea doesn't eat all of his sweets, there will be no vegetables for dessert! What's a young pea to do? A delightful twist on a classic parent predicament, children will enjoy the unique tale and find themselves relating with Little Peamore than expected.

What Grew in Larry’s Garden by Laura Alary (2020)

A girl and her neighbor grow a community from their garden. Grace thinks Larry's garden is one of the wonders of the world. In his tiny backyard next door to hers, Larry grows the most extraordinary vegetables. Grace loves helping him --- watering and weeding, planting and pruning, hoeing and harvesting. And whenever there's a problem --- like bugs burrowing into the carrots or slugs chewing the lettuce --- Grace and Larry solve it together. Grace soon learns that Larry has big plans for the vegetables in his special garden. And when that garden faces its biggest problem yet, Grace follows Larry's example to find the perfect solution

The Garden Classroom: Hands-On Activities in Math, Science, Literacy, and Art by Cathy James (2015)

Packed with garden-based activities that promote science, math, reading, writing, imaginative play, and arts and crafts, The Garden Classroom offers a whole year of outdoor play and learning ideas—however big or small your garden.

And The Good Brown Earth by Kathy Henderson (2008)

Gram and Joe love to spend time together taking care of the vegetable patch, but it takes a lot of patience. There’s digging time, planting time, weeding time, watering time, even thinking time. Meanwhile, the seasons change, and while Gram does things her way, Joe does things his way. But come harvest, each will find wondrous surprises, thanks to the benevolence of the good brown earth.

An Earthworm’s Life by John Himmelman (2000)

Discover that earthworms aren't just yucky but are necessary to keeping soil healthy. Nature Up close series uses beautiful watercolors to depict each creature's world from its unique perspective. Simple text describes the creatures' movements and activities.

Yucky Worms by Vivian French (2012)

Who would want to be friends with a wiggly, slimy worm? You can’t even tell which end is which! But there’s more to these lowly creatures than meets the eye. Kids are invited to find out where worms live, see how they move, and understand why gardeners consider them friends with the help of this humorous and informative look at an unappreciated — and fascinating — creature.

Alice Waters and the Trip to Delicious by Jacqueline Briggs Martin (2014)

Come along with Chef Alice Waters on a wonderful trip to Delicious! She learned as a child, and wants all children to share with her, the joy of tasting real food that begins not in the kitchen, but in the fields with good soil and caring farmers. This lively presentation chronicles Alice’s passion, from her childhood to her travels to France, and back home to establish the landmark restaurant Chez Panisse and the Edible Schoolyard project.

Alice Waters Cooks Up a Food Revolution by Diane Stanley (2022)

A delicious nonfiction picture book biography about pioneering chef Alice Waters who kickstarted the organic food movement.

The Little Gardener: Helping Children Connect with the Natural World by Julie Cerny (2020)

The Little Gardener is an engaging illustrated guide for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and educators who want to help children explore the natural world through gardening. Part how–to, part teaching tool, and part inspiration, The Little Gardener is a thoughtful combination of detailed instructions, tips, anecdotes, and seasonal activities designed to connect gardeners to natural systems.

First Garden: The White House Garden and How it Grew by Robin Gourley (2011)

This book tells the story of Mrs. Obama’s garden, as well as the story of the White House grounds, the other gardens (including Eleanor Roosevelt’s Victory Garden in World War II) that came before, the White House children who have played there, and the teamwork, involving local children as well as the Obama family and White House staff, that led to the garden now flourishing on the South Lawn.

Composting: Nature’s Recyclers by Robin Koontz (2006)

Dead leaves, food scraps, and grass clippings for lunch? Small animals, fungi, and bacteria called decomposers turn trash into a tasty compost treat. Learn more about compost and how you can use it in your garden or yard.

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary Siddals (2014)

Teach kids to compost and help them develop life-long habits to protect the Earth. From apple cores to zinnia heads, readers will discover the best ingredients for a successful compost pile in this fun picture book.

City Green by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan (2019)

Right in the middle of Marcy’s city block is a vacant lot, littered and forlorn. Sometimes just looking at it makes Marcy feel sad. Then one spring, Marcy has a wonderful idea: Instead of a useless lot, why not a green and growing space for everyone to enjoy?

The Big Fat Worm by Nancy Laan (1995)

A rhythmic read-aloud tale describes a chain of events set in motion when a big fat bird tries to eat a big fat worm

Beans, Greens, and Grades by D.S. Venetta (2016)

Lexi and Jason Williams take center stage at school when Principal Gordon enlists their help to establish a school garden at Beacon Academy. The kids are thrilled to be selected as Green Ambassadors for this important project, but quickly learn how challenging it can be to work with others toward a common goal

From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons (1991)

With simple language and bright illustrations, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the processes of pollination, seed formation, and germination. Important vocabulary is reinforced with accessible explanation and colorful, clear diagrams showing the parts of plants, the wide variety of seeds, and how they grow.

Farming by Gail Gibbons (2019)

Farms are busy places throughout the year. Animals are born, fields are plowed and planted, and crops are harvested. The winters are quiet, but there are always chores to be done, and soon spring will come again. This new edition of a popular favorite has been vetted by an agricultural scientist and includes updated farming procedures and shows new safety equipment for family farms.

An Edible Alphabet: 26 Reasons to Love the Farm by Carol Watterson (2011)

Join this lively bunch on an alphabetical tour of today’s farm. With families and schools thinking more than ever about fresh, healthful choices for the table, kids want to know about the foods they see and eat every day: Where does it come from? How is it grown? What’s the difference between a fruit and a veggie? Why don’t chickens have teeth? This entertaining survey of modern farming provides a wealth of farm facts and farm lore, including

A Farmer’s Life for Me by Jan Dobbins (2013)

A busy family and their friends spend a day working and playing on the farm. From milking the cows in the morning to closing the gate at night, learn about a day in the life of a farming family.

A Harvest of Color: Growing a Vegetable Garden by Melanie Eclare (2002)

A group of neighborhood children transform a bare patch of earth into a vegetable garden. They learn simple but important lessons: to plant in straight rows, to thin seedlings, and the value of worms. They make notes on their efforts and compile useful lists of gardening tips. The result is a colorful, graphic scrapbook/diary/photo album

We Gather Together: Celebrating the Harvest Season by Wendy Pfeffer (2014)

Looking at both the science of weather and the history of how the fall equinox has been celebrated by various cultures throughout the world, this book will inspire a new understanding of autumn and the harvest season.

Strega Nona’s Harvest by Tomie dePaola (2012)

In this humorous tale, Strega Nona attempts to teach Big Anthony about gardening and the importance of order. But when Big Anthony does not follow her directions and tries to use her growing spell, his small vegetable patch turns into an unruly jungle! What will they do with all the extra vegetables?

Plant a Little Seed by Bonnie Christensen (2012)

With a little help from a watering can, bright sunlight, and a lot of patience, two friends plant seeds in their community garden and watch how they grow. Slowly, the seeds turn into sprouts, which grow into stems, followed by leaves and buds! The garden will soon be teeming with life and ready for a harvest season celebration. But until then, the children water and wait and dream

It’s Our Garden: From Seeds to Harvest in a School Garden by George Ancona (2015)

Want to grow what you eat and eat what you grow? Visit this lively, flourishing school-and-community garden and be inspired to cultivate your own. Part celebration, part simple how-to, this close-up look at a vibrant garden and its enthusiastic gardeners is blooming with photos that will have readers ready to roll up their sleeves and dig in.

Rah, Rah, Radishes!: A Vegetable Chant by April Pulley Sayre (2014)

Know anyone who doesn’t like veggies? Here is a book that's sure to change their hungry minds! With raucous, rhyming text, Rah, Rah, Radishes! celebrates fresh vegetables, nature’s bright colors, and the joy of healthy eating. The book’s interactive spirit encourages kids to join in on the read-aloud fun, and little ones won't be able to resist the book’s vibrant photographs—they’re a feast for the eyes!

Grow! Raise! Catch!: How We Get Our Food by Shelley Rotner (2017)

Farmers and fishermen show off their bounty in this celebration of agriculture and healthy eating! Bright, enticing photographs of plants, animals, and the people who work to raise them are paired with an accessible text explaining the different kinds of farms that produce our food. Fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, meat, eggs, and fish are represented, with notes on where and how they grow, and what we make from them. Grow! Raise! Catch! offers a breakdown of the farm-to-table process perfect for preschoolers and kindergarten students. Includes a glossary of important terms introduced in the text, and an author's note on how eating fresh foods helps you stay healthy.

Before We Eat: From Farm to Table by Pat Brisson (2014)

Before we eat, many people must work very hard―planting grain, catching fish, tending animals, and filling crates. In this book, vibrantly illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Mary Azarian, readers find out what must happen before food can get to our table to nourish our bodies and spirits.

Math in the garden: Hands-on Activities that Bring Math to Life (2006)

Thirty-six standards-based lessons on math in the garden for ages 5-13. Through experiential learning activities, this book fosters growth in elementary and middle school-aged children.

The Book of Gardening Projects for Kids: 101 Ways to Get Kids Outside, Dirty, and Having Fun (2012)

The book features simple, practical gardening advice, including how to design a play-friendly garden, ideas for fun-filled theme gardens, and how to cook and preserve the garden's bounty.

Keeping a Nature Journal (2003)

Keeping a Nature Journal is full of engaging exercises and stimulating prompts that will help you hone your powers of observation and appreciate new aspects of nature’s endlessly varied beauty.

Gardening Projects for Kids (2012)

Fantastic ideas for making things, growing plants and flowers, and attracting wildlife to the garden, with 60 practical projects and 500 photographs.

Botany on Your Plate: Investigating the Plants We Eat (2008)

Watch children's understanding of our world grow as they partake in hands-on activities that explore edible roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds through observation, dissection, journaling, discussion of findings, and, of course, tasting!

The Garden Classroom: Hands-On Activities in Math, Science, Literacy, and Art (2015)

Packed with garden-based activities that promote science, math, reading, writing, imaginative play, and arts and crafts, The Garden Classroom offers a whole year of outdoor play and learning ideas—however big or small your garden.

Gardening Lab for Kids: 52 Fun Experiments to Learn, Grow, Harvest, Make, Play, and Enjoy Your Garden by Renata Fossen Brown(2014)

This fun and creative book features 52 plant-related activities set into weekly lessons, beginning with learning to read maps to find your heat zone, moving through seeds, soil, composting, and then creating garden art and appreciating your natural surroundings.

Worms Eat Our Garbage: Classroom Activities for a Better Environment (2003)

This book presents 150 worm-related classroom or home activities to help children in grades 4-8 develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Centered around a classroom worm bin, activities integrate science, mathematics, language arts, biology, solid waste issues, ecology, and the environment.

Project Garden: A Month-by-Month Guide to Planting, Growing, and Enjoying ALL Your Backyard Has to Offer (2012)

Ideas to explore, innovate, and cultivate through simple projects that will get a garden growing at any time of year.

The Louisiana Urban Gardener: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Vegetables and Herbs (2017)

This book offers easy guidelines and useful tools to jump-start and maintain small yet bountiful gardens.