Adopt a Cow

Hi, friends!  Hope you're well and that your year is off to a fantastic start!  We start after Labor Day so I am knee-deep in prep mode as we speak!  We've been receiving many emails with updates, meeting invites, etc...

One of our most recent emails contained information notifying us that there won't be any field trips yet again this year.  It was disappointing to hear, because children love the opportunity to get out and see the community!  I'm sure the "no field trips" rule is still in place for many districts.  I was thinking back on field trips of the past, and our annual dairy farm field trip came to mind.  It's always been a favorite for students.  Kids love farms!  

Although I'm saddened by the fact we can't attend our annual dairy farm field trip this year, I've found an alternative!  The Adopt a Cow Program by Discovery Dairy is a highly engaging year-long program that gives students an inside look at dairy farming and brings agriculture into the classroom.  Students and teachers "adopt" a dairy cow for their classroom.  Throughout the program, updates on the cow's growth, as well as photos, activity sheets, and suggested lessons that align with the Common Core Standards will be sent.  Students will also have the opportunity to write friendly letters to their cow!  Live virtual chats and farm tours are also available.  Students can talk directly to a dairy farmer to ask questions and meet their calf.   

Adopt a Cow was designed specifically for grades 3-5 but younger and older grades can enjoy the program as well.   

The best part of all of this is that it's FREE for teachers!  This program is available to classroom teachers in the US (as well as teachers anywhere in the world!), homeschool teachers, those managing an after-school care program, those managing a library program, or those managing an agriculture program.   

*Teachers in Ohio and West Virginia will be virtually paired with a calf from an Ohio dairy farm.  Students will learn the calf's name, where she lives, and learn about how her farmer takes care of her.  

If you're looking to bring a 1,500 lb friend into your classroom this year, head over to the Adopt a Cow page and sign up.  A dairy cow would make a fantastic class mascot!  Hurry, because registration ends September 15th!  The first 100,000 to sign up receive a mailed kit via snail-mail with information about their calf.  Check out a sample introductory kit here.  

*The introductory kit will arrive in November once your calf is born.*

Moo!

xo,

Megan 

Adopt a Cow is a national program made possible in Ohio and West Virginia by the American Dairy Association Mideast through a partnership with the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania, who developed and manages the program as part of its Discover Dairy education series.

I received compensation for this post, however all thoughts on the program are my own.  I personally signed up for the program, as well.