Extension
It Starts With Us
Building Stronger Families
Developing Youth & Nurturing Families
Christy Ramey, Catherine Webster, Jason Phillips
4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Mold and Moisture Module
How we live life is ever changing but learning basic life skills is still as important as ever. Whether we are creating a pleasant home environment for our family, nurturing children, practicing common courtesies, or forming relationships with others – these skills are all basic to everyday life. Many schools no longer teach FCS classes and families today are busier than ever before. Which means, basic life skills for positive youth development and nurturing families are not consistently being taught in schools or in our homes. Hands-on extension programming equip youth and families with these much necessary life skills! Nurturing homes are built around the science of caring & respectful relationships.
4-H offers basic learning activities in seven core areas of interest to youth, however it’s the unlimited addition of 4-H activities where members report the influence 4-H has on their life. Most youth report that participating in one or two educational opportunities influenced their critical thinking and decision making skills. However for those 4-H members that participate in six-eight they say the program influenced them by adding the development of life skills in leadership, organization, wise use of resources, useful/marketable skills, and accepting differences.
Long-term Outcomes:
-Be responsible and contributing individuals and family members
-Contribute to a safe, pleasant and productive home and family
-Gain and maintain employment through life skill development
-Youth develop into competent, capable, contributing adults as a result of their participation in 4-H Communications, Science/Engineering/Technology, Camp, etc.
Intermediate Outcomes:
-Youth write and deliver a speech with a clear introduction, body, and closing
-Demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of a group
-Use communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H & other organizations
-Project a positive image and self-confidence
-Make choices that lead to responsible and beneficial results within the home, family, and workplace
-Apply & practice the skills gained from Extension and share new abilities with others
Initial Outcome:
-Youth research a presentation topic, write an outline, and create/present a formal presentation
-Understand decision-making process
-Gain skills in setting a goal and developing a plan of action
-Report an increase in routine use of life skills learned through Extension & 4-H programs like Love & Logic, Homemakers, Communications, SET, & Camp
Evaluation:
Outcome: Be responsible and contributing individuals and family members that contribute to a safe, pleasant and productive home & family. Individuals maintain employment through life skill development. Youth develop into competent, capable, contributing adults as a result of their participation in 4-H.
Indicator: Youth document improving their communication skills and have confidence speaking in front of a group. Parents report a change in family & home dynamics after participation in Extension programs.
Method: Written evaluation given to program participants, following program as well as up to one year later.
Timeline: July 2019-May 2020
Learning Opportunities (repeat as needed):
Audience: School Children and Families
Activity: Back to School Bash
Curriculum: Nutrition and Family Health
Inputs: Community partners, Agents, Staff, donations from businesses, volunteers
Date: August 2019
Audience: Parents
Activity: Parenting Classes
Curriculum: Parenting with Love and Logic
Inputs: Community Ed, Extension Homemakers, agent taught, volunteers, churches
Date: Fall 2019
Audience: Teachers/Child Care Providers
Activity: Teaching with Love and Logic In-services
Curriculum: Teaching with Love and Logic-Nine Essential Skills
Inputs: Parents of preschoolers, daycare providers, child agencies, head start, schools, Family Resource Centers, Community Education, FCS agent
Date: Fall and Spring 2019-20
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Activity: Family Time/Bridging Generations
Curriculum: Extension resources
Inputs: Agent led, train-the-trainer, computers, internet access
Date: July 2019
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Sewing, Foods, Shooting Sports, Art, SET, Photography Clubs
Content or Curriculum: State & National 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Club Leaders, School District, Homemakers, Extension Office, City of Franklin Police Range, Masonic Lodge, Gallery on the Square
Date: July 2019-June 2020
Audience: Ages 9-18
Project or Activity: 4-H Talk Meet & Demonstrations
Content or Curriculum: Building Bridges
Inputs: Community Volunteers, School District, Extension Office
Date: February – April 2020
Audience: Ages 5-15
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp & Cloverbud Camp
Content or Curriculum: Camp Classes, Vary by Year
Inputs: Volunteer Leaders as chaperones, West KY 4-H Camp, School District Bus, Community Donors for scholarships, 4-H Volunteers to fundraise, Piggly Wiggly
Date: June-July 2020
Audience: 6th Grade
Project or Activity: Lego Robotics
Content or Curriculum: Lego Educational Kits & Lesson plans written by School District
Inputs: School District
Date: November 2019-April 2020
Audience: 8th-12th Grades
Project or Activity: Teen Conference, Teen Summit, Exchange Trip
Content or Curriculum: Leadership
Inputs: 4-H Volunteers as chaperones & to fundraiser, Community to support fundraisers, Montana
Date: July 2019, March & June 2020
Audience: 4-H Families
Project or Activity: 4-H Banquet
Content or Curriculum: Simpson County 4-H Award Guidelines, KY 4-H Achievement Applications
Inputs: Community donors (silent auction, meal & award sponsors), 4-H Volunteers, Members & Parents, Trophy Shop & National 4-H Supply, SKYCTC
Date: October-November 2019
