Volume 7, Issue 2

New Illinois 4-H Cloverbud Section on 4-H Web Site!

4-H Cloverbud program resources are now located on the Illinois 4-H web site in one handy spot.  The address is http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/staff/cloverbud_vol.html.  The resources are divided into four sections: curricula, program management, volunteer management, and additional resources.  Samples of items included on the web site are the table of contents for OSU Series I and II curricula, recognition certificates, pledge poster, recruitment flyers and role descriptions.

New Helping You Help Youth Fact Sheet Available

A new Helping You Help Youth fact sheet is available on “Transitioning 4-H Cloverbuds to the Community 4-H Club.”  The fact sheet includes transition suggestions for groups and at the county level.  In addition, suggestions for strengthening parental involvement are listed.  The fact sheet is available in print version or on the web at www.4-h.uiuc.edu/opps/L90501l.pdf. 

Planning Lessons for Cloverbuds

It is important to remember the learning level of the members when planning the 4-H Cloverbud activities.  Five-year olds will need more guidance and assistance with the activities. Most five-year olds rely on picture recognition rather than following written instructions. If the group is kindergarten age, many can begin to read short three word sentences. Children at this age are learning to write their name and the alphabet. You may not want to include many written activities, because the children may become easily frustrated. By age seven, however, many of the children can accomplish written tasks as a part of their 4-H Cloverbud activities.

How to Use the Ohio State University Cloverbud Curricula

The OSU 4-H Cloverbud Series I and II curricula are a series of lessons divided into eight subject matter sections.  Volunteers may pick and choose among the lessons and topics for the group.  Each lesson explains to the leader the objectives of the lesson, size of group, length of activities/lesson, background information, life skills addressed, and any other special tips. 

The activities are divided into five main components.  Getting Started has 3-4 activities that last 4-7 minutes.  These activities introduce the topic to the 4-H Cloverbuds.  In Digging Deeper, 3-7 activities lasting 4-10 minutes help the members explore the topic through hands-on activities.  Looking Within has 2-3 activities that last 3-5 minutes.  Here, the members learn how to apply what they have learned to their daily lives.  Circle time allows members time to share their experiences as a part of this section.  In Bringing Closure, there is a follow up activity such as a game or snack plus an opportunity for recognition for the members.  Finally, in Going Beyond there are ideas for activities that can be done at home by the family or information that explains what the members did in this lesson.  Ideally, a 4-H Cloverbud leader would pick one or two activities from each of the five sections when planning the 4-H Cloverbud meeting. 

The curricula tells how many minutes are required for each lesson, lists the appropriate materials for the lesson, gives step-by-step instructions, and provides questions to generate discussion in the 4-H Cloverbud group. 

Summary from “How to Use the Cloverbud Curriculum” in the 4-H Cloverbud Volunteer Video – OSU Extension.

Family Involvement

Most parents want to support their children in their involvement in activities.  Here are a few suggestions for getting parents involved in the  4-H 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 to the group related to the topic of the group’s session.
• Ask parents to take turns providing the snack.  Appoint a parent as the snack coordinator.
• Ask parents to help teach topics from the curriculum in which they have personal skills or interests.
• Ask parents to provide supplies for activities.
• Ask parents to provide adult supervision on field trips and outings.
• Look for parents who can provide one-on-one attention for a child with special needs.
• Ask parents to take turns providing a simple cooperative game at each meeting.
• Inform parents of activities through a newsletter, e-mail list, or phone tree.
• Invite family members to the group 4-H Cloverbud graduation. 

4-H Cloverbud leaders want children to enjoy activities and to develop life skills.  When parents are involved and aware of what is going on, both 4-H Cloverbud members and leader can have a positive experience.

Original article written by Lisa McMurtry, former Family Life Extension Educator.

Parenting 24/7 Web Site

Parenting 24/7 is a free “one-stop” online source of news, information, and advice on parenting from University of Illinois Extension. The web site is designed for parents and grandparents of children from birth through the teens.   Parents can get access to

• Breaking news on children and families
• Research-based articles
• Links to parents resources
• Video clips of parenting techniques
• Electronic newsletter.

The web address is www.Parenting247.org.