This week, Mary Schilling, a representative from the Texas Farm Bureau and 2018 Frenship Alumnus, visited Legacy Elementary to teach kindergarten students about the seasons through a dynamic and interactive lesson. Using the book Farm Boots by Lisl H. Detlefsen, Schilling guided students through a colorful journey of seasonal changes on a farm, illustrating how different boots are used for various farming tasks throughout the year.
To deepen students’ understanding, Schilling had them close their eyes and visualize different seasons while she reread selected passages from the book. After forming mental images, students identified the season being described and selected corresponding-colored beads. These beads were then strung onto pipe cleaners, creating seasonal bracelets that visually reinforced the cycle of seasons.
“This was an important lesson because the seasons are a part of our everyday life,” said Rio Judice, Legacy kindergarten teacher. “The beads representing the colors of the seasons provide a concrete visual for an abstract idea, helping students see how one season transitions into the next in a continuous cycle.”
Beyond the bracelet activity, students also had the opportunity to design their own farm boots to match their favorite season. This creative exercise allowed them to personalize their learning and make meaningful connections between weather, seasons, and the role of farmers.
“The students’ favorite part of the lesson was making the bracelets and designing their boots,” said Judice.
The lesson complemented the kindergarten curriculum, which includes learning about daily weather patterns and their connection to the seasons. Teachers noted that students had previously struggled with understanding the sequential nature of the seasons, but the hands-on activities provided clarity.
In addition to teaching students about the four seasons, the lesson helped them recognize the vital role of farmers and how weather conditions impact agricultural work. Schilling explained how different farming tasks, such as planting in the spring, harvesting in the fall, collecting eggs in the summer, and tending to animals in the winter, require specific gear and preparation.
“One of the most common misconceptions I most often hear about farming is that many students believe food simply appears in stores and don’t understand the process of farming and ranching,” said Mary Schilling. “The Texas Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom program’s mission is to grow students’ understanding of where our food, fiber, and fuel comes from and how it connects to what they are learning in the classroom.”
Schilling enjoyed spending the day with the Legacy kindergarten students and seeing them make connections and deepen their understanding of how seasons impact farming.
“My favorite part of being invited into classrooms is seeing the light bulbs turn on in each child’s mind as they make connections to the world around them,” said Schilling
For educators interested in incorporating agricultural education into their curriculum, the Texas Farm Bureau provides over 300 free TEKS-aligned lesson plans for grades K-12. Additional resources and classroom visit opportunities can be found at Texas Farm Bureau’s website.
Through interactive lessons like this, Legacy Elementary continues to provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that make complex topics accessible and engaging for young students.