Communication and Expressive Arts
Empowering youth to reach their full potential
Amanda Sublett
Communications and Expressive Arts
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 Communication & Expressive Arts 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) Research also shows a positive association between arts participation and a number of desirable academic and social outcomes, such as school grades, test scores, enrollment in post-secondary education, attainment of a bachelor’s degree, and higher levels of literacy and civic engagement. (Child Trends, 2012) Kentucky 4-H provides communication and expressive arts by engaging youth in hands-on educational experiences that inspire confidence and foster a love for the arts. Programs and projects are offered in the areas of public speaking, visual arts, and performing arts.
Youth will utilize the skills gained 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 will be advocates for the arts
Youth will construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing
Youth will demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups
Youth apply elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts in creating and performing
Youth will gain knowledge in researching, preparing and presenting a speech or demonstration
Youth can identify key elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts
Initial Outcome:
4-H Common Measures Experience Survey
Number of youth who completed a speech or demonstration? (PRACTICE)
Number of youth who completed a state fair arts, photography, or other visual arts project? (PRACTICE)
Number of youth who completed a drama, music, or dance project? (PRACTICE)
Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #6 “Is 4-H A place where you get to figure out things for yourself?” (SEEC)
Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #13 “Is 4-H a place where you have a chance to be a leader?” (SEEC)
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Audience: Youth ages 9-18
Project or Activity: Demonstrations and Speech Contest
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Speak Up and Would You Like to Do a 4-H Project Demonstration? Project Books. Communications Curriculum: Module 1, Communications Curriculum Module 2, Communications Curriculum Module 3
Inputs: Teachers, School Officials, Parents, Community Members
Date: November 2021 - July 2022
Audience: Youth ages 9-18
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Audience: Youth ages 9-18
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Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: Communications and Expressive Arts
Positive youth development researchers theorize that youth who are confident and who have strong communication skills are more likely to make substantial contributions to their family, their community, and society. One way that youth can develop confidence and their communication skills is by completing a speech competition. In the 2022 program year, approximately 260 youth from Marion County completed a speech with thirty youth advancing to the county level. Seven youth advanced to the Lincoln