VIDBE-Q 2025 Volume 70 Issue 3
farm. Therefore, these skills are called upon to help the students safely
navigate their environments.
● Recreation and Leisure Skills – some students knit or crochet in Ms.
Mitchell's class and make artistic items for all to enjoy while others
gravitate toward plant propagation, aquaponics, caretaking, animals, or
baking. Students are exploring activities that they like and are advocating
for their interests. They are finding the leisurely activities they enjoy through
this class.
● Self Determination – Ms. Mitchell prides herself on having her students
advocate for their needs on the farm and in the classroom. She puts the
ownership on them to voice what they need for their projects or
individualized learning.
● Sensory Efficiency – this skill is practiced each day when students are
avoiding hazards. Students are taught to use their senses to help them
navigate the farm and hazards that may exist. They are also learning to
identify items by touch such as distinguishing a pepper from a squash, a drill
from an impact power tool, or a silkie chicken from a polish chicken.
● Social Skills – Students who are competing in 4-H or presenting projects to
the class are practicing skills in public speaking. Group projects are used to
guide students to think like a team and practice good social skills.
As you can see, there are many benefits to having an agriculture program. Not
only are science and math embedded into the curriculum that is taught, but students
also have a chance to practice all of the expanded core curriculum areas embedded
