Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology

Advisor/Mentor

Miller, Jefferson D.

Committee Member/Reader

Rucker, K. Jill

Committee Member/Second Reader

Cox, Casandra

Abstract

But, Mom?!, the illustrated children's book manuscript was the result of this thesis project, which explored the utilization of storybooks to increase agricultural literacy among early elementary students. With a decline in farms across America and an aging farmer population, the need for agricultural literacy among Americans is urgent. This study portrays the significance of agricultural literacy and its role in bridging the gap between producers and consumers. Drawing upon Piaget's cognitive development framework and educational theories, current research literature calls for the creation of more agriculturally accurate children's storybooks. Through interviews with farmers and industry leaders, a narrative centered around an Arkansas strawberry farm and a female farmers' farm-to-table journey emerges, with a special emphasis on labor issues facing some small farmers. The design process involved crafting an agriculturally accurate, non-stereotypical depiction of an Arkansas farm with engaging visuals. The manuscript draft serves as a tool for increasing agricultural literacy, in alignment with National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes and educational benchmarks. Recommendations include pilot testing the storybook in schools, collaborating with illustrators for publication, and further research on the impact of agriculturally accurate children's literature. By harnessing the power of storytelling, this study proposes an innovative approach to cultivating agricultural literacy among young learners, fostering a deeper understanding of agriculture's role in society.

Keywords

Agricultural Literacy; Children's Literacy; Agricultural Education; Agricultural Accuracy; Storybooks; Elementary Education

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Available for download on Thursday, April 15, 2027

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