Engage Every Student with the National FFA Convention (Free Resources Inside!)
Indianapolis, the home of Caitlin Clark and the largest convention filled with blue corduroy jackets at the end of October every year.
This year, just like the past National FFA Conventions it crept up on me in no time. One second you are rearranging the classroom and doing Back to School night and the next you are hopping on a plane (or car or bus) to The Racing Capital of the World.
If you are a Type B teacher (like I usually am) you might be so frantically making sure all the paperwork and travel arrangements are right that you don’t have a second to spare thinking about activities to do with your students once you get to Indy.
Never fear, we took the time to look at resources that National FFA provides (and us here at G&G) and compiled the best of the best for you to grab and get on your way!
Without further adieu (because I know you have no time to waste)
Here are your TIPS and TRICKS for Engaging with National FFA Convention (in person and virtually)
National FFA Convention Implementation Guide
The National FFA Team did the heavy lifting for you with this year's National FFA Convention Implementation Guide. This 76 page document is a resource for advisors to pre-plan and engage all students and during the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo. That means EVERYONE including those who are staying home this year.
Now, I know you are busy and might not have the time to read the entire 76 page document so I pulled out some highlights for you to focus on that I think are pretty neat!
Highlights:
Choice Activity Board (can be used in-person at Convention or Virtually) Page 20
Choice is a regular option for students in agriculture classrooms. This choice board might be exactly what your students are looking for to engage with Convention. The guide has both an in-person and virtual option. The activities range from designing your own New Horizons magazine cover to virtually visiting the Expo.
If you are taking this choice board to Indy, be prepared with extra copies as the choice board links to other documents!
All About Service (Reading & Worksheet)
One of my favorite things about FFA is its commitment to service. This activity allows students to give this worksheet to your students to learn about past National FFA service projects/events. In this activity, students will research one of the past National FFA Service Projects and learn about FFA’s history of service.
This is a great activity for those not attending Convention in person as you would need to access the internet for the readings.
Making Meaningful Connections (Worksheet)
I know so many students LOVE the challenge of getting a signature from a member from every state. Or maybe even level up the challenge with grabbing a picture with them. This Making Meaningful Connections activity is just that. It also suggests for students at home to use the #SpeakAg State Showcase on the Convention Website.
But, this idea got me thinking… what if we took this a step further? What if we ACTUALLY connected with other chapters through the G&G community during convention?!
Maybe you call up a fellow ag teacher and have a video call with their class to share about agriculture in their state.
Maybe you do a watch party with other chapters in your region for the election of National Officers at the final general session.
The best thing about technology is our ability to connect with people EVERY where! I challenge you to try something like this!
Expo Scavenger Hunt (Free Resource from G&G)
Raise your hand if you are headed to Indy for the Convention this year 🙋
Raise your hand if you are a little nervy about letting teenagers loose for hours in the Expo (raises hand with sweaty palms).
We get it. That’s why we created a simple Convention Scavenger Hunt for you to print and use with your kiddos this year! This super simple one page worksheet can be used to get those kiddos to test our new expo booths (not just the free Culvers). Allow them a little time away from you but still with a purpose to learn and connect.
Retiring Address Reflection Sheet (Free on TPT)
For many (many) years I wasn’t able to attend National Convention with my students. We would watch from afar with major FOMO. Even before the awesome resources (like the implementation guide) I would have my students at least watch a retiring address during convention. The 6 National Officers pour so much of themselves and their learnings from their year of service into those short 15-20 minute addresses.
Use this simple worksheet for any retiring address. Maybe you decide to catch a live one this year or dive into the archives. Allow your students to be inspired!
At the end of the day, the National FFA Convention is all about creating experiences that stick with your students long after the trip (or livestream) ends.
Whether you’re running around Indy in blue corduroy or streaming from your classroom, these resources will help you make it meaningful, manageable, and memorable. And don’t forget that G&G has resources for you all throughout the year (not just during convention). You can check those out here.
