Getting Started in 4-H Project Work

1. Getting Started in 4-H Project Work Goal setting in the pathway to a successful and active 4-H members continued involvement in exploring the variety of projects available.

2. Learning, Growing and Development • Learning, growing and developing self-esteem and self-confidence are important goals of the 4-H program. • One way for youth to accomplish these goals is to set their own personal 4-H goals. • Goal setting by the individual enhances learning and the development of self esteem and self-confidence.

3. What to do • One of the roles of a volunteer leader is to guide their members. But its difficult to guide members along their project adventure unless we know where they want to go. • Goals represent members destinations.

4. Getting Started in your project • Projects start at different times of the year. • Some happen once a month while others 3-4 times each month. • When ever project starts, it is most helpful to set some goals.

5. Tips on setting project goals • Set goals that can be done as a group or individually with parent, leader and/or other members. • Complete your goals early in the year & set up a timeline to work on goals before the fair, exhibit time or end of 4-H year.

6. Help 4-H’ers assess progress toward their goals • 4-H’ers need to keep records of original goals set for the project and progress toward the goals such as recording project work in a record book.

7. Work Directly with the 4-H’er • Give timely positive feedback to keep them on the right track. • “Nice Job” by its self does not help the 4-H’er. • Avoid comments such as, “You failed to…”, “Why did you do it this way?” • Try open-ended comments such as “Tell me about your project.” • Recognize growth of the individual

8. Project Completion • Everyone feel good when the projects are finished! • Projects are finished when members complete goals. • When competed set new goals to be achieved.

9. Activity: Goal Setting • Think about some typical project goals that members have mentioned through the years. Record their ideas, which may include such goals as: • Win grand champion at the fair • Learn something new • Have fun • Make a bookcase

10. Are these good goals? Good goals are measureable and have three parts: • Action- how you will do something • Results-what you are going to do 3. Timetable- when you are going to do it

11. Control Test • Good goals also pass the “control test.” • Does the member have control over the outcome of the goal, or does someone else have that control?

12. Meeting Goal Criteria • Win grand champion at the fair- includes a result & timetable, but does not pass the control test. • Learn something new- includes action, but doesn’t include a specific result or timetable: is not measurable.

13. More Meeting Goal Criteria • Have Fun- includes action, but doesn’t include a specific result or timetable: is not measurable. • Make a bookcase- includes action & Result, but doesn’t include a timetable.

14. 4-H Goal Setting Worksheet • Using the handout, “4-H Goal Writing Worksheet,” write a few goals that a member might have for a project(s) you lead. • Discuss your goals with the group at your table. • Do they meet the criteria?

15. Working with 4-H Members • Its helpful to have copies of the fair premium book and the project activity guides on hand for their reference. • Young and first time members need more help setting goals than older more experienced members. • Pairing new members with more experienced members may be helpful.

16. Tips for Leaders • Leaders should keep copies of their members goals. • Well written goals help the members, leaders and their parents know exactly where they want their project adventures to take them.

17. Closings • Projects are where much of the 4-H Work happens. It’s your choice to pick what fits your clubs needs. • You have the tips that will get your members started with your project experiences. • Enjoy the fun of goal setting and fun with your 4-H’ers.

18. Talking it over • Group Reflection and Discussion

19. Apply • Write your own goals for this years project experience. • What do you want to learn or do? • What are your goals for the group? • Compare your goals with those of other volunteers and parents and incorporate them into the project meeting plan, as well. • How might your club hear about & support member project work?