Read "ME" Agriculture has been a very successful program since 2008, reaching over 30,000 Maine students. We are pleased to announce its return during Ag Week 2012. Volunteers will read and give books about agriculture to Pre Kindergarten through 4th Grade Classrooms across the state. They will tell the students about their farms, programs or connections to agriculture and leave lessons and information for the teachers to use, all supplied by MAITC. Funding for this project is a direct result of the Maine agricultural specialty license plate and grants from USDA.

Volunteers will read a new book on agriculture, called "Seed, Soil, Sun, Earth's Recipe for Food", an exceptional resource by Cris Peterson and winner of the American Farm Bureau Foundation Book of the Year Award. An extra bonus will be the Educator’s Guide developed especially for elementary educators with lessons and activities. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring additional information on their own farm, program or commodity to share with the students. If teachers request a pre-teach, or you are looking for ideas for activities to use in the classroom, please visit the National Resource Directory at www.agclassroom.org 

All forms must be returned to the MAITC office by November 1, 2011 to ensure that all volunteers and classrooms receive the books and materials. If we do not have the completed forms we will not issue materials. Requests received after that will be filled as long as materials are available, with completed forms. MAITC cannot receive the funding for the program without the necessary data. If you have questions, please contact me at the office. Thank you in advance for your continuing support of Ag education! Sign-up form for teachers and volunteers