I have two little boys living in my house (and one big guy) who love farm tractors and machinery. They could play with tractors all day.
So why not make the tractor play a little educational too. Here are some free activities that you can do to bring some farm tractor and machines learning to your classroom or home.
Language:
Read Fantastic Farm Machines by Cris Peterson.
If you live in Minnesota, check your library before purchasing. Most Minnesota libraries should have it or you can reserve it through the intra-library system.
This book has beautiful photographs done by David Lundquist (He has taken our family’s pictures for a farming magazine before).
Readers are introduced to twelve machines that help farmers get their work done. Various farm tasks and technologies are shown.
Minnesota Academic Standards reached by reading this book:
- Social Studies-History, Economics
- Science-Life Science
- Language Arts-Reading and Literature
Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom has a great reader’s guide (scroll down to Fantastic Farm Machines)
Mathematics
My boys have a nice sized collection of tractors and other farm machinery.
First, I had Jonnie sort the machines by color.
Can you tell which brand of tractors has done a better job marketing to children?
Then, I had Jonnie line up a few tractors form smallest to largest.
Writing and Letter Recognition
Next, I had Jonnie work on his writing and letter recognition skills.
I used First-School’s Letter T and Tractor Craft page. This worksheet emphasizes letter tracing and tracing of shapes.
Physical Activity
If you have the opportunity, go to a tractor dealership and tour the lots. Check with the sales staff first before you climb up on any machines.
Want more activity ideas?
Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Children’s Books Activities
Make sure to subscribe to our website, follow my Farm Learning Activities, and browse all our farm lesson activities.
What are some activities you would add to this lesson plan?
~Emily
I’ll have to check out that book and add it to my classroom library! I’m always looking for more ag books! Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by Sarah! I tried to include books in all my farm lesson activity posts so make sure to check them all out. https://zweberfarms.com/family-farm-blog/farm-lesson-plans/
Also, Minnesota Ag in the Classroom has a good list of books in their Book Bundle series. American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture also has a very comprehensive list.
PS congrats on getting married!!