Can “education” and “fun” be in the same sentence? Absolutely, especially when it comes to the Adopt a Cow program!
That’s right, Adopt a Cow is almost here!
Adopt a Cow Program
Adopt a Cow is a free educational program that connects classrooms with local dairy farmers. The program is growing in popularity each school year thanks to the connection students make with the farmers and their calves, developing an interest in how farming looks in their communities.
Through the program, students learn about agricultural practices and animal care through updates and a live virtual chat–and teachers love the passion their students have for the best class pet ever.
Each September, teachers announce to their students that there will soon be an addition to the classroom: a calf from a local dairy farm. By October, participating dairy farmers will share with these young students in their community photos and other information about the calf they have “adopted” for the school year.
Students learn about their calf as she grows, like what her name is, when her birthday is, where she lives and how the dairy farmer takes care of her and the other animals. Updates and PowerPoints about the farm and the calf will highlight how local farms play a role in the community. Students will also work through activity sheets and a suggested lesson that follows Common CORE standards and Next Generation Science standards.
Many students write letters to their calf and her dairy farm family, and some of these dairy farms decide to hold special events or crafts for the participating classrooms. The Adopt a Cow program is all about getting students excited about learning where their food originates.
There is still time to join in on the fun! To sign up your classroom, afterschool program, or assisted living group to adopt a cow, register at Discover Dairy.