Incorporating “Doing to Learn” in Our Schools
FFA members read to students about agricultural footwear.
The FFA motto is a staple in the National FFA Organization. “Doing to Learn” is a small but impactful statement that we try to put into practice every day.
During March 23-27, 2026, National Ag Literacy Week was celebrated nationwide. During this week, schools around the country partnered to educate the public about farm safety, consumer awareness and natural resources. This nationwide endeavor greatly benefits communities by giving them knowledge that is essential to their health and well-being. Individuals learn about where their food is grown and the extensive measures that must be taken when raising, growing and harvesting livestock and produce.
Community Partnership
Eastern View FFA partnered with Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance to teach kids from local elementary schools about appropriate agricultural practices. This year, Virginia Farm Bureau provided the chapter with the resources needed to make this event possible.
Six Eastern View FFA members were chosen to visit two different local elementary schools, A.G. Richardson and Farmington Elementary. The activity’s topic was appropriate agricultural footwear, which consisted of reading a book read directly to the children that explained what footwear is appropriate for each agricultural setting. For example, snow boots for icy conditions, work boots for agricultural construction, hip boots for harvesting fish and riding boots for horseback riding.
Members and students participate in the Ag Literacy Week book reading.
Reinforcing Interactive Learning
To solidify all of the children’s understanding and comprehension of the lesson, the next activity involved an entertaining matching game. Students were given a series of descriptions corresponding with pictures of the different types of footwear and were tasked with matching the correct pairs.
The last portion was a coloring sheet with the different types of boots to help reinforce what was learned. Each worksheet posed the question “Where is this boot appropriate?” and the children were asked to fill in the correct answer after finishing their coloring.
Building Connections and Lasting Impacts
The students responded to this event with bright smiles, excitement and enthusiasm. The goal Eastern View FFA always sets for itself is to create a strong bond with the community and promote a positive attitude toward agriculture. Members wanted to show their knowledge of agriculture and teach the public about all that goes into a farm-to-table experience. This experience not only benefits the community, but is also beneficial for creating the future leaders in agriculture.
National Ag Literacy Week leaves a lasting impression not only on the children who are involved in the events that FFA chapters hold throughout the week, but also on the FFA members who benefit from giving back and gain valuable leadership skills. All in all, this day was a perfect example of “Doing to Learn.”
