Growing Through 4-H – A Journey of Life Skills in Action

Essential life skills include communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management.   These skills are crucial for navigating daily life, achieving personal and professional goals, and maintaining personal wellbeing.  Through the 4-H Communications Program, 942 youth practiced these very life skills through their preparation and delivery of their 4-H How to Demonstration.  For a twelve-year-old student that has always been the quiet one in the classroom — the student who preferred to sit in the back, taking notes and listening intently, but rarely speaking — this program seemed like an impossible mountain to climb.  Through the guidance of their teachers and 4-H leader, students were prepared and motivated to complete the challenge with support.

Public Speaking and Self-Confidence:
 4-Hers practice their demonstration multiple times with friends, family and even their 4-H Agent. With each rehearsal, their voices grow steadier and their presence more assured. Once it comes time to present in class, they stand tall — heart pounding — but with a newfound sense of self-belief. They learn to speak clearly and confidently, classmates lean in with interest and investment. Big mountains, nervous stomachs, but at the end of the presentation, they have grown in self-confidence.

Mastery and Independence:
 Creating a demonstration from scratch gives 4-Hers a sense of control over their learning. They write their own script, make cue cards, design a simple poster, and practice the timing of their steps. Every choice is theirs. Their success doesn’t come from perfection — they will stammer and stumble, forget words, and talk too fast — success comes from knowing they had prepared, grown, and owned every moment.

Belonging and Generosity:
 The reaction from their peers is overwhelmingly positive. Students asked questions about their topic, and are engaged listeners. Students share something of value, and that simple act of giving — their time, their knowledge, their courage — creates a ripple effect in the classroom.

By the end of the presentations, students feel relieved and empowered. They become confident young leaders who discovers the tools to express themselves, connect with others, and believe in their abilities. The 4-H demonstration project gives students more than a moment in the spotlight — it gives them the life skills to shine far beyond it.

4-H: Empowering Youth with the Skills for Life.

This year, the parent of a second-year participant, Karson, gave recognition to the 4-H Communications Program and how it empowered her daughter to perform in her school’s talent show.  Karson’s father gave credit to her participation in the 4-H demonstration by stating it gave her the self-confidence to speak in front of her whole school at their talent show.  It’s program like this that help shape our future leaders.  Karson gave her 4-H demonstration in her classroom, moved on to the county contest, and advanced on to the area level contest.  The county contest participants were invited to give their demonstration in the Exhibit Hall at the Muhlenberg County Fair this year!  In addition, one of our area champions was invited to give her demonstration to the Muhlenberg County Board of Education at their monthly meeting!