New York Agriculture in the Classroom is coordinating the eighteenth annual New York Agricultural Literacy Week to be held from March 17-21, 2025. Community members around the state will be volunteering to read The Pie That Molly Grew by Sue Heavenrich to elementary classrooms, with a focus on second grade.  Beginning with the planting of a single seed, join Molly on the journey of bringing a pumpkin to harvest. Under Molly’s watchful eye and care, each stage of growth – from the seed to the sprout to the leaves to the final fruit on the vine – is showcased. At the end, Molly’s lovely pumpkin is turned into a delicious pie to one and all to share in a celebration of gratitude. All from the seed that Molly sowed.

I hope that your class will participate in this opportunity for students to learn about different types of tomatoes and how what they can be used for. This literacy activity will help you address learning standards in the following areas: ELA (Language for Literacy Response & Expression), Science (Living Environment, Systems Thinking, Technology), Career Development (knowledge about different careers), the Arts (Knowing & Using Arts Materials & Resources), and Social Studies (Geography and Economics).  

Agricultural literacy is understanding and being able to communicate the source and value of agriculture and how it affects our daily lives. Over 20% of our nation’s workforce is in some way involved in food processing, marketing, distribution, and sales – and all of us eat. New York Agriculture in the Classroom envisions a day when all students have the opportunity to understand the economic, social, historical, and scientific significance of agriculture to our society; explore food system career opportunities; and recognizes the connection between agricultural production and the daily need for food and fiber products.

Contact Jennifer Collins at jlr34@cornell.edu with any questions.  We look forward to reading to your class!