Volume 4, Issue 4

Positive Youth Development

We are featuring a series of nine articles related to the topic of positive youth development. This issue deals with the fourth of the eight critical elements.

4-H Cloverbud Program Critical Elements – – A Physically and Emotionally Safe Environment

Youth should not fear physical or emotional harm while participating in the 4-H Cloverbud experience whether from the learning environment itself; from adults; or from their contemporaries. The premise is that young people learn better and participate more fully when they are in an environment that encourages honesty, trust and respect among all youth and adults.

The following are a few tips to consider in helping your 4-H Cloverbud members have a physically and emotionally safe environment in which to function.

* 4-H Cloverbud groups should have a low ratio of children to adults at about 6 to 1

4-H Cloverbud groups should provide a nurturing environment for members. Some activities will require fewer children to every adult. Because of the variation in developmental stages, it is important to have a low child-to-adult ratio so that each child receives the individualized attention needed to be successful in learning experiences. Involving parents in working with the group is beneficial and encouraged.

* 4-H Cloverbud volunteers should take into special consideration, the safety of members by planning low risk and safe activities.

4-H Cloverbud groups should prepare and implement a risk management plan for their group meetings and activities. A risk management plan would include strategies to manage risks associated with 4-H Cloverbud members, volunteers, parents; the general public; buildings and equipment; and the image or reputation of the 4-H Cloverbud group. In developing a risk management plan, volunteers will identify the possible risks, analyze those risks according to frequency and severity and then develop strategies to retain, reduce, share, or avoid those risks. The risk management plan should be shared with all 4-H Cloverbud group volunteers and parents.

* 4-H Cloverbud volunteers should consider the emotional, physical, social, and cognitive needs of their members.

Development during the 4-H Cloverbud years is not the same from one child to the next, nor is it consistent within the developmental domains (physical, social, emotional, and cognitive), even within a single child. All children grow and develop at their own rate. Some may acquire many capabilities earlier than their peers. Adults can ensure an emotionally safe learning experience by soliciting children’s ideas, responding to their questions, engaging them in conversations and challenging their thinking.

* Each 4-H Cloverbud group should discuss and create a set of behavior guidelines for members, parents and volunteers.

Children in the early childhood years are learning self-control. Children benefit from adults who use positive approaches to help them behave constructively and solve interpersonal conflicts. Adults can teach social skills such as taking turns, dividing and sharing resources, and working cooperatively.

4-H Cloverbud members should brainstorm rules for their group. After creating a list from brainstorming, members then need to select 4-6 rules that they think are important to their group. Leaders will need to help members in selecting rules that are: needed - if there isn’t a good reason for the rule, it probably shouldn’t be included; enforceable - if a rule can’t be enforced, then it shouldn’t be made; easy to understand - the rule should be for everyone and the same for everyone; and stated in a positive manner - good behavior should be the result of the rules.

The rules need to be verbally reviewed as often as every group meeting. Members might be asked to share the rules at the beginning of their activity. Rules should be written in simple language appropriate for 4-H Cloverbuds. They might also be illustrated to assist pre-readers in identifying the rules.

* 4-H Cloverbud volunteers need to provide structure within their group.

Volunteers and parents need to work together to ensure fair and consistent enforcement of rules and procedures. Group activities need to be structured, yet flexible so that youth will have a firm grasp on what is expected.

In an emotionally safe environment, children express their thoughts and ideas without fear of being laughed at. Youth and adults feel emotionally safe when there are no put-downs or disrespectful behavior. Consistencies in youth programs help youth learn what is to be expected. Structured activities help to ensure that all youth feel included. By implementing and following a well-developed risk management plan, volunteers can help ensure a safe physical environment for youth in which they are free to try new things, make special friends, and grow in knowledge and maturity.
Training on risk management, behavior guidelines and child development are all available through University of Illinois Extension.

Written by: Sheri Seibold, Extension Specialist – 4-H Youth Development, University of Illinois Extension.