Southwestern FFA officers visited Brighton North Primary School during National FFA Week 2025.

A National FFA Week classroom visit gave Southwestern FFA officers the opportunity to promote agriculture while serving younger students in their community. During National FFA Week 2025, Southwestern FFA visited Brighton North Primary School in Illinois to teach second graders about pollinators and share what FFA is all about.

On Feb. 20, 2025, Southwestern FFA officers walked into Brighton North ready to celebrate National FFA Week in a meaningful way. The afternoon began with an icebreaker. Officers introduced themselves by sharing their names, officer positions and a fun fact. Students were then invited to share their own names and fun facts, which immediately made the classroom feel welcoming and interactive. From the start, students were excited and eager to learn.

Teaching About Pollinators

During the National FFA Week classroom visit, officers explained what pollinators are and why they are important to agriculture. Students learned that bees and butterflies transfer pollen from plant to plant, helping fruits, vegetables and other crops grow. Officers asked questions throughout the lesson to keep students involved and thinking. Each classroom also received a bee hotel made by the officers. These bee hotels provide habitats for native bees and other pollinators. Students were encouraged to place them outside and observe pollinators over time, allowing learning to continue even after National FFA Week.

Southwestern FFA officers explain pollination to second-grade students.

Hands-On Learning

Students participated in a hands-on activity by creating plastic bag butterflies. The activity allowed students to connect creativity with agriculture while learning how butterflies also play a role in pollination. After completing their butterflies, students watched a short video clip to reinforce what they had learned.

Sharing What FFA Is

Officers also explained that FFA stands for “Future Farmers of America.” They shared that FFA is an organization students can join in high school to develop leadership skills, compete in events and serve their communities. Officers discussed different officer positions and what involvement in FFA looks like. The visit ended with prize questions to review what students had learned. Students answered questions about pollen, pollinators, how butterflies drink nectar, officer positions and what FFA stands for. The review kept students engaged while reinforcing key concepts.

A Southwestern FFA officer helps a student create a “butterfly in a bag” during the classroom activity.

Through this National FFA Week classroom visit, Southwestern FFA was able to promote agriculture, encourage leadership and connect with younger students in a meaningful way. The experience made National FFA Week both educational and memorable for everyone involved.