Extension
It Starts With Us
Communications
Youth Development
PJ
Communications and Expressive Arts
Communication Programs are one of the seven core content areas in the Kentucky 4-H Program. Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky. The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. Using age appropriate activities selected from the approved Kentucky 4-H Communications Curriculum, educators can maximize the ability of youth to develop their writing, reading and personal communication capacities. This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006)
Strong writing, reading and presentation skills present youth with the dexterity of being good communicators as well as allowing them to form receptive relationships with peers and adults. When young people are confident and capable in presenting their thoughts and feelings they are more likely to accept roles of responsibility in their communities and enhance their contribution to society. This development of internal and external assets, as researched by the Search Institutes “The 40 Developmental Assets” helps to develop youth into competent, caring and contributing adults. (Jones, K.R. 2006)
Youth will utilize the communications skills gained through education and involvement in Extension programs to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations;
• Youth will gain interpersonal communications skills that allow them to be competitive members of the current and future workforce;
• Youth will feel invested in the 4-H/Extension program that helped them develop their communications skills, thereby, creating a sense of belonging and commitment;
• Youth will develop into competent, capable, contributing adults as important developmental assets are met through their participation in 4-H Communications Programs.
Youth will construct a speech or demonstration that has a clear introduction, body and closing;
Youth will identify an issue, develop an articulate presentation explaining or supporting that issue;
Youth will make a presentation before their family, a group of their peers (such as at a 4-H club meeting), a school or county qualifying event;
Youth will demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups;
Youth will demonstrate approved ability and grades in English/Language Arts through their participation in the 4-H Communications programs.
Use their communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H or other organizations.
As a result of this program, youth will know how to:
Research a presentation topic prior to developing a speech or demonstration;
Write an outline, including an introduction, body and conclusion for their speech or demonstration;
Create a formal presentation, speech or outline using the written outline;
Be prepared to present before their family, a group of their peers (such as at a 4-H club meeting) and a school or county qualifying event.
Initial Outcome: Youth successfully completing a speech or demonstration.
Indicator: Number of youth participating at the school, club, county, area and state levels.
Method: post reflection of how students feel about themselves developing more confidence, poise, voice projection and more
Timeline: 2 months post lessons, and at the end of the 4-H year.
Intermediate Outcome: Youth use their communications skills in leadership roles through extracurricular activities
Indicator: number indicating 4-H speaking helped them develop their confidence
Method: discussion and testimonies
Timeline: september - may
Long-term Outcome: 4-Hers testify as young adults that they developed their public speaking skills, poise and self-confidence through the 4-H Communications program
Indicator: testimonies, commitment to the 4-H program
Method: discussion and documentation of testimonies
Timeline: ongoing
Audience: 4-8 grades
Project or Activity: School enrichment, school and county speech and demo events; written communications participation
Content or Curriculum: Building Bridges Communications Series, Expressing Yourself Series, Speak Up, Would You Like To Do A Project Demonstration.
Inputs: 4-H Agent, Teachers, School, Church and Extension Facilities
Date: fall speeches, spring demonstrations, written lessons throughout the year.
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: Communications and Expressive Arts
Ballard County is excited to have a 600% increase in their communications competition numbers. While speeches have been given in the classroom for several years, seldom did we have 4-Hers come to the county competition. Particularly after two Covid-19 years we were very excited to have 7 4-Hers compete in speech competition this year. One teacher and 4-H leader, Laura Richardson, helped make the difference. Not only did she require speeches in the classroom, she also worked with and
