Part of Lesson Plan: FFA: The Benefits to Involvement (Lesson 1 of 4)

Activity Overview / Details

Room set up is important for setting the tone for the lesson. Clear room of all items (as possible), and set out as much FFA materials as avaiable, including posters, chapter paraphernalia, chapter banner and flag, chapter pictures and scrapbooks, etc. These items can be displayed around the room or may be covered up and unveiled at a later time to make a point to students. As students enter the room, have music playing that represents being part of a club or organization (YMCA, Me and my Gang by Rascal Flats, All the Single Ladies by Beyonce, etc). As students are finding their seats, ask them (either verbally or on the writing surface) to answer two questions: 1. List as many groups/clubs that they know of, and 2. List the clubs that they have been a part of. It would be a good idea to list some examples, possibly clubs you were a member of (CSF, Band, Football Team, 4-H, etc). When the bell rings give them a couple of minutes to create their lists. After most students have finished, ask them to share and combine their lists with a partner and be ready to share with the class in 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, randomly call on students to share a couple of the clubs they were members of. If students share "FFA", simply respond with "hmmmmm..." or "That's one..." and move on, not focusing too much on FFA just yet in the lesson. As students share, record clubs on writing surface (or you may choose student scribe to assist you). Thank the students for sharing. Asks students to share why there are so many different clubs? Who can join them? How do you join? What are the benefits to joining a club? Ask specific students why they joined the clubs they listed. At this point, unveil the FFA paraphernalia (if you had it hidden) and tell students that you would like to share with them another very exclusive club that only certain people are eligible for. Play National FFA Video. Upon completion of the video, ask students to think about reasons that they should be involved in the FFA. See next activity "A list of benefits!"