Volume 1, Issue 1

Family Involvement in Cloverbuds

Did you know that students do better academically, have fewer discipline problems and become well-rounded adults when their parents are involved in their schools. And since school is more than reading, writing, math and science, children can have even more positive learning experiences when their parents are involved in Cloverbuds.

Most parents want to support their children in their involvement in extra curricular activities. Here are a few suggestions for getting parents involved in your Cloverbud group:

• Extend an invitation to all parents to observe, assist and/or participate in your group's activities.
• Ask parents to take turns hosting the group.
• Ask parents to read a book related to the curriculum.
  
• Ask parents to take turns providing a snack at each meeting. Appoint a snack coordinator.
• Ask parents to help teach topics from the curriculum in which they have personal skills or an interest in.
• Ask parents to help provide supplies for activities at each meeting.
• Ask parents to provide adult supervision on field trips and outings.
• Look for parents who can provide one-on-one attention for any child with special needs.
• Involve parents in helping to answer children's questions.
  
• Ask parents to take turns providing a simple game at each meeting.
  
• Inform parents of each meeting, activity or special event by developing parent notes or newsletters.
  
• Invite each family to participate in the graduation event for each second grader.

Your goal as a Cloverbud leader is to have children enjoy activities and learn positive life skills. When parents are involved and aware of what is going on, both members and leaders can have a positive Cloverbud experience!

Lisa K. McMurtry, Family Life Educator, Manteno Extension Center

Planning to Go on A Field Trip? Plan Well

Know exactly where you're going, how to get there, costs involved, and how long it will take. If possible, make the trip in advance without the children. Check the best days and times to plan a visit - inquire about the least busy times. Locate food and bathroom facilities in advance.

Consider Visiting These Locations

Museums, hospitals, fire and police stations, 4-H Fair, restaurant, nature or forest preserve, recycling center, theatre, 4-H Club, grocery store, pet store, animal hospital, farm, bank, and fitness center.

Explain Your Plans to Children

Keep it simple. Tell them where you are going, how you'll get there, and what you might see. Make no promises in advance. Say instead, "We think we can," "We hope to," or "We expect to."
Plan to have fun with the children. The safety of the children should be the overriding concern. Have everyone dress in comfortable clothes and shoes. If you plan to include a picnic lunch, use a large shoulder bag, durable shopping bag, knapsack, or picnic basket.

Expect Good Behavior

Explain in advance what is expected and praise good behavior. Be positive.

Give Individual Attention

If the club is large, divide it into small groups. Involve as many parents as possible. Give each adult the responsibility for a group. A buddy system, with children in pairs, is helpful. Buddies must stick together and you can easily spot-check for pairs of youngsters. Plan to check with the children and encourage questions.

Stop While It's Fun

Generally, 4-H Cloverbuds members don't have long attention spans. If a long trip is involved, bring along a simple snack and possibly a few small toys or play a travel game.

Follow-Through With Talks About the Trip

Have members draw pictures about their experience to put in their scrapbooks. Encourage them to express their feelings about the trip- "What I liked....," "What I disliked.....," "What I learned....".

Important!

Prior to undertaking the actual group outing, be sure that each child's parents are fully informed of all details for the trip and that they have given written consent for the child to go. This is very important should an accident occur. Discuss insurance with your county 4-H staff member. Contact your local Extension office to request risk management training.

Adapted from Cloverbud Connection, Ohio State University Extension, Winter, 1997