4-H Curriculum: A rich set of resources for learning
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4-H Curriculum: A rich set of resources for learning
by: Barbara Dunn Swanson
Extension 4-H Agent
While school is out for the summer, 4-H is in a unique position to connect youth with educational activities that can bridge the learning from one school year to the next. Curriculum written by specialists at Universities all across the United States are the basis for many of the summer adventure classes we implement all summer long. In addition, 4-H clubs have access to the entire set of curriculum offered in 4-H. Some of the titles include: Acres of Adventures: Cultivating Excitement for Science and Agriculture; Creepy Crawlies: Entomology Study; Six Easy Bites: food and nutrition education. As you can tell from the titles, they are written to appeal to the youth audience.
The nutrition project skills are specific to the foods subject matter, such as learning how to bake cookies or freeze leftovers for a TV dinner. The curriculum also emphasizes life skills or the skills a member learns when doing an activity and are useful long after the member completed the project, such as making decisions, managing resources, getting along with others or mastering technology.
The Fantastic Foods curriculum has a much broader focus than skills related to food preparation. The curriculum is designed to help youth develop project skills in six major areas:
* Healthy food selection.
* Smart food purchasing.
* Food safety and science.
* Food preparation.
* Food preservation.
* Careers and foods around the world.
The three entomology activity guides explore the amazing world of insects including their arthropod relatives. Youth use hands-on activities to learn valuable life skills through insects found in the soil, on plants, in homes, on pets and in other secret places! The curriculum also includes a Helper's Guide, which provides practical tips, group activities and additional information.
The national 4-H curriculum can be accessed on line at that following address:
http://www.4-hcurriculum.org/projectsonline.aspx
The National 4-H Directory of Materials is a national database of 4-H materials designed to share national and state 4-H resources with educators, 4-H club leaders, youth and volunteers. This first of its kind online National 4-H Directory will allow you to share information about your 4-H projects, programs and more. Visit this directory often as 4-H continues to add new and useful resources to help you. The link follows:
Helping youth stay connected to education and fun during the summer months can be a challenge. 4-H is interested in partnering with you to make this happen.
Stop by our office at 112 West Walker Avenue to learn about how to enroll your child in 4-H! You can call us at: Liberty 218-4000; Archdale / Trinity, 819-3000, and Asheboro, 318-6000. 4H is open to girls and boys ages 5-19 without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability. 4-H is a United Way Agency.