University of Illinois Extension

Volume 2, Issue 2

Behavior Guidelines for Cloverbud Groups

Cloverbud leaders can prevent many behavior problems from occurring by engaging Cloverbud members in a brainstorming activity to determine their own group rules. Once rules have been determined and then reviewed at each meeting, members become familiar with the expectations of adult leaders.

4-H Cloverbud Group Rules

Each year Cloverbud groups should create a set of rules at one of first meetings of the year.

  1. Cloverbud members should brainstorm rules for their group. Leaders may need to offer a few suggestions to initiate the discussion.

  2. After creating a list from brainstorming, members and leaders should then select 4-6 rules that they think are important to their group. Leaders will need to help members in selecting rules that are:
    • Purposeful — Any rule should be needed and necessary. If there isn’t a good reason for the rule; it probably doesn’t need to exist.
    • Possible — Any rule made should be enforceable. If you can’t enforce the rule, don’t make it.
    • Plain — Rules should be easy to understand for everyone and the same for everyone.
    • Positive — Good behavior should be the result of rules. Try to avoid stating rules in a negative manner.

  3. Cloverbud leaders should have the rules printed on paper and given to each Cloverbud family. Rules should be printed on poster board and displayed at each group meeting. Remember to use simple language or illustrations to assist pre-readers in identifying the rule.

  4. Rules may need to be reviewed periodically throughout the Cloverbud year or as often as every group meeting. Members might be asked to share the rules at the beginning of the meeting after they say the 4-H pledge.

  5. Remember to review the rules at the beginning of each new Cloverbud year. New members will join the group and the needs and behaviors of the group will change as the children grow and mature.

Adapted from materials prepared by Melinda States & Lisa McMurtry.

Suggested Responses to Handling Behavior Problems

Two of the most difficult skills for Cloverbud leaders are to determine the consequences of misbehavior and then to enforce those consequences. Consider the following list of behaviors, possible appropriate consequences and enforcement ideas.

Behavior

Consequence

Enforcement Ideas

Hits other kids

Place child in a time-out area. If hitting continues, the child may need to miss one or two meetings.

Take child by the hand to time-out area. An adult may need to stay with the child. Talk to parents about the problem and the possibility of the child not attending one or two meetings.

Will not share materials with others

Child will not be allowed to use the materials.

Take materials away from the child and tell the child to sit quietly while the other children are using the materials.

Swears, using inappropriate language

Have the child make a list verbally of more appropriate words to use in place of the swear word.

Have an adult sit down with the child individually and have the child think of more appropriate words

Refuses to clean up

The child will not be allowed to participate in next activity.

Take the child by the hand to time-out area.

Will not sit still and listen to others

Child loses turn to talk in the group.

Remind child each time he/she tries to interrupt. Child may be letting you know that the group has been sitting quietly for too long a time.

Plays with toys instead of participating in the group activities

Child will not get to play with toys at the end of the meeting.

Child has to sit quietly in a time-out area or other designated area while other kids play.

Belittles other children

Child has to apologize to the victims. Child could either be sent to the time-out area or could be given the victims "cleanup" duty during the meeting.

Tell the child to make apologies and then direct child to time-out area or make sure child cleans up while the victim gets to do something else.

Will not take turns - always has to get own way

Child loses a turn while everyone gets two turns.

Skip over child while having others take an additional turn.

Written by Sheri Seibold, Extension Educator, Youth Development from University of Illinois Extension, Matteson Center.
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