Idea for Educational Trip

Looking for a fun, educational field trip to take your children on? The Ag Expo in West Monroe, La. has something for everyone, agriculture, commodities, animals and more. There is the Ag Alley, a combination of several "alleys" filled with information about different Louisiana agricultural products and commodities will again be featured at the 29th annual Ag Expo in January.

Taste the flavors of Louisiana at the commodities booth, dairy, beef, rice, egg, poultry, catfish and more. Meet Elsie the dairy cow and little Beauregard. Smoky the Bear will be on hand too! There will be a miniature cow show, working stock dog show, along with livestock shows.

Children can see baby chicks and ducks hatch right before their very eyes. They can pet animals at the mini farm. First-graders will attend “From Farm to Table,” where they will learn money skills and nutrition and watch a puppet show on character education. They also will go through the germ tent and learn the importance of hand-washing.

Admission is free for children under the age of 6. The Ag Expo will be open Friday, Jan. 14,2011, from 2 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please call 318-251-5134.

The North Louisiana Agri-Business Council sponsors Ag Expo, an event that promotes the agribusiness industry and educates the public on the importance of agriculture. The event is attended by 10,000 to 11,000 people. - Mary Van Osdell, Assistant Communications Specialist

Dates and Descriptions of Classes

Date: January 25, 2011
Topic: Cooking with Kids
Description: A fun way to explore nutrition through simple cooking activities for young children.
CDA: Competency Standard 1 - To establish and maintain safe, healthy, learning environment

Date: February 28, 2011
Topic: Character Critters
Description: A character education program developed for pre-school children and their parents; the lesson follows a story and activity approach to teach character to pre-school and kindergarten children.
CDA: Competency Standard 6-Professionalism

Date: March 17, 2011
Topic: Children in the Garden
Description: Garden workshop lesson plan. Ideas for outdoor play.
CDA: Competency Standard 2- To advance physical and intellectual competence.

Date: April 12, 2011
Topic: Children and Stress
Description: Recognizing children in stress after a natural disaster.
CDA: Competency Standard 3 - To support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance.

Date: May 24, 2011
Topic: Record Keeping and Observation
Description: Observation and documentation of children helps plan activities that reflect children’s needs strengths and interest. When you document your observations your parents and you can see the growth and the changes in the child and understand the importance of your program.
CDA: Competency Standard 5-To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participants needs.

How to Register

The prices for the courses are as follow: $10.00 for A and R Centers (3 and 4 hour classes) per person, $42.50 for B Centers per person. We accept ONLY money orders as form of payment. All payments must be received 5 days prior to class in order to be registered. Make money orders out to: LSU AgCenter. Cancellations will not be accepted. However, a substitution of a non-registered participant for a registered participant can be made. Registration is non-refundable.

Any sessions with less than 10 people will be CANCELLED.

Please download registration form below and mail with payment to 201 N. Vienna Street; Ruston, LA 71270, or you may call 318-251-5134 or stop by our office.