Extension
It Starts With Us
Enhancing communication skills through public speaking and expressive arts.
Youth Discovery, Communication and Stewardship
Danielle Hagler and Luke Fries
Communications and Expressive Arts 4-H Core Curriculum
Research consistently shows a correlation between involvement in the arts, academic success and civic engagement. Unfortunately, there has been a sharp decrease over the years in Arts programs in our schools. Kentucky 4-H Youth Development has an opportunity to fill this void and inspire future artists across the Commonwealth.
• Youth utilize the skills gained through education and involvement in Extension programs to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations.
• Youth share the elements of the music, dance, drama and visual arts with their community.
• Youth become more comfortable sharing their thoughts with others.
• Youth develop into competent, capable, contributing adults as a result of their participation in 4- H
• Youth construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing.
• Youth present before their family, a group of their peers (such as at a 4-H club meeting), a school or county qualifying event.
• Youth demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups.
• Youth use their communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H or other organizations.
• Youth apply elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts in creating and performing.
• Youth research a presentation topic prior to developing a speech or demonstration.
• Youth write an outline, including an introduction, body and conclusion for their speech or demonstration.
• Youth create a formal presentation, speech or outline using the written outline.
• Youth 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.
• Youth can identify key elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts.
Initial Outcome: Youth feel comfortable speaking in front of groups, and youth that can expressing themselves through the arts.
Indicator:The number of youth indicating that have confidence speaking in front of groups. The number of youth that indicate they can express themselves through the arts.
Method: Observation
Timeline: After communications contests
Intermediate Outcome: Improved communication skills
Indicator:The number of youth that have improved their communication skills.
Method: post evaluation
Timeline: after communications contests
Long-term Outcome: Youth teaching other youth communication skills
Indicator: The number of youth who engage in mentoring, coaching or teaching communication skills to others.
Method: observation
Timeline: ongoing
Method: 4-H Programs will begin implementing the National 4-H Common Measures evaluation tools
Timeline: Gradually phased in over the 2019, 2020 program years
Audience: 4-H youth
Project or Activity: Communications Contests
Content or Curriculum: 4-H core Curriculum Resources
Inputs: Communications workshops, judges, meeting space, feedback sheets
Date: Spring
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Visual and Performing Arts contests (Poetry, poster, Outstanding youth talent, song writing, Holiday card design), Camp Arts projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculum Resources
Inputs: Communications workshops, judges, meeting space, feedback sheets, volunteers, arts supplies
Date: December through April and at camp
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Photography
Content or Curriculum:4-H core Curriculum Resources
Inputs: Club leader, cameras, judges
Date: January through July
Audience: 4-H Teens
Project or Activity: KY 4-H Performing Arts Troupe
Content or Curriculum: Lessons and Activities as determined by the State Specialist involved
Inputs: volunteers, practice space
Date: year round
