Agricultural Literacy Week 2016

The selected book for 2016 is The Apple Orchard Riddle by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by G. Brian Karas. This fun and exciting story shares the journey of Mr. Tiffin's class on a field trip to an apple orchard. The students learn about every aspect of the farm from how apples are harvested, the process of making cider, and the many different varieties of apples. While the class picks their apples and experiences the farm, Mr. Tiffin gives them all a riddle to ponder. This book was selected as the 2015 American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education's Book of the Year.

This year's focus on apple production is exciting because of the importance of the apple industry in New York State, as we are ranked second nationally in production. Apples provide over 17,000 direct and indirect jobs, and there are over 680 apple producers on 55,000 acres across the state. Through the Agricultural Literacy Week program teachers, students, and parents can learn more about this nutritionally and economically healthy and essential industry. All lessons, activities, and companion materials are aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards.

2016 Teacher Resource Guide

• Educator Resource Guide This guide will provide the hands-on lesson connected to this year's book The Apple Orchard Riddle. Also find Common Core Learning Standard alignment, connections to NYS teaching domains, vocabulary, and companion books and resources.
• Quizlet Cover vocabulary found in the book before your volunteer comes to visit. This quizlet includes vocabulary and photos.
• New York Apple Country Use the educational information from NY's Apple Country to learn more about apple production in New York State, and to find apple orchards near you.
• Newspapers in Education Apple Resources Interviews with apple producers, word searches, and more apple-related learning extensions are available from Newspapers in Education.