olorado
Reader
Educator ’ s Guide - 2021-2022 School Year Colorado Grows World-Class Produce
Purpose :
Fruit and vegetable production in Colorado is almost a $ 485 million industry with over 90,000 acres in production . Colorado ’ s unique climate allows growers to produce some of the most flavorful and nutritious produce in the world . In this issue , students will explore some of the produce that is grown in Colorado , the growing regions in the state , growing seasons , and the nutritional benefits .
Cross Curricular Connections and Colorado Academic Standards :
4th & 5th Grade Reading , Writing , and Communicating :
• Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text , including figurative language such as metaphors and similes . ( CCSS : RL . 5.4 )
• Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text . ( CCSS : RL . 4.1 )
• By the end of year , read and comprehend informational texts , including history / social studies , science , and technical texts , in the grades 4 – 5 text complexity band proficiently , with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range . ( CCSS : RI . 4.10 )
4th Grade Comprehensive Health : Physical and Personal Wellness
• Demonstrate the ability to set a goal in order to enhance personal nutrition . ( GLE 1 .)
• Describe the connection between food intake and physical health . ( GLE 2 .)
5th Grade Comprehensive Health : Physical and Personal Wellness
• Demonstrate the ability to make good decisions about healthy eating behaviors . ( GLE 1 .)
4th Grade Social Studies : Geography
• Use geographic tools to research and answer questions about Colorado geography . ( GLE 1 .)
• Connections are developed within and across human and physical systems . ( GLE 2 .) Additional standards can be easily met by utilizing the complementary lesson plans from the National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix , identified to the right .
How to use :
Pass out one copy of the Colorado Reader to each student . Another option is to send these items home with your students ( or include in homework / enrichment packets ) to complete at home on virtual learning days . Or use during substitute days . Ask students to read the Colorado Reader , completing the activities within the Reader as they go . Answers to the activities in the Reader are included , should you desire to collect and score responses . An additional enriching writing activity has been included on the back of this page . To further enhance learning , incorporate any of the additional lessons from the Curriculum Matrix that are identified below .
Lesson Plans to go with this Reader
The Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix is an online , searchable , and standards-based database for K-12 teachers . The Matrix contextualizes national education standards in science , social studies , and nutritional education with relevant instructional resources linked to Common Core Standards . Below are a few lesson plans that could be used in conjunction with this Colorado Reader . Go to www . GrowingYourFuture . com and click on Curriculum Matrix ( on the Home Page or under the Educator ’ s Tab ), search each title within the Curriculum Matrix to find these lesson plans .
Grocery Store Problem Solving ( 3-8 ): Students will use basic mathematical skills to solve problems related to the cost of food while integrating geography and nutrition to enhance learning . Activities include analyzing grocery ads , assessing the nutrition and cost of meals , and exploring diets around the world . https :// agclassroom . org / matrix / lesson / 18 /
Let ’ s Go Shopping ( K-5 ): Students will learn the differences between needs and wants , goods and services , and producers and consumers by participating in a grocery store simulation , exploring the source of grocery store items , and designing their own products to sell . https :// agclassroom . org / matrix / lesson / 526 /
Nutritional Value of Fresh Produce ( 3-5 ): In this lesson students will learn that fresh produce is a good source of vitamin A , vitamin C , and fiber , and that all fruits and vegetables do not contain the same quantities of each nutrient . https :// agclassroom . org / matrix / lesson / 335 /
Use the search word “ produce ” at www . AgClassroom . org / Matrix for additional free lessons and classroom activities ( or scan the QR code ).
Colorado Foundation for Agriculture • 10343 Federal Blvd Unit J Box 224 • Westminster , CO 80260 • Info @ GrowingYourFuture . com • 970-818-3308