Professional Development

Authors: Dr. Nia Imani Fields

4-H Youth Development educators use a variety of program education models to engage youth and volunteers in experiential learning. 4-H educators often develop and/or adapt research-based lessons and curricula to facilitate youth development programs. The use of a standardized lesson template can enhance consistency and increase efficiency in delivering quality programs. Additionally, a peer review process can be used to increase the rigor and research-based content of University of Maryland Extension (UME) developed programs.  This resource is a support piece to assist educators through utilizing the UME lesson plan template and submitting their resource through the peer review process. Author: Dr. Nia Imani Fields; Title: Developing Extension Lesson Plans: Using a 4-H Youth Development Lesson Plan Template to Strengthen the Rigor and Quality of Research-based 4-H Programs (FS-1060)

Authors: Navonne Owen - Thomas Hutson

Maryland 4-H Youth Development programs incorporate experiential learning opportunities that promote development of life skills including communication/public speaking. This fact sheet provides a framework for planning and facilitating a public speaking workshop and includes suggested learning activities that can be adapted for various youth audiences.

Authors: Jamie Morris

Volunteer recognition is one of the seven steps to volunteer administration according to the ISOTURE Model. It is often an overlooked aspect of volunteer development, but can play an important role in creating a sense of belonging in volunteers and a culture of appreciation in your program. This factsheet using The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Work Place to identify ways to help professionals and others show appreciation to volunteers.

Authors: Lacie Ashby

Children, teens, and young adults learn their money management skills from a variety of sources, such as school, media, and peers. But parents have the greatest influence on their children’s financial decisions. In fact, 56 percent of young adults say they rely on their parents for financial guidance. Money management must be learned and practiced. It’s important for children to learn about the value of money before they actually have any. Start early in your child’s life to instill habits and build on them as your child grows and learns.

Authors: Sheryl Bennett - Chris Rein

Interviewing can be intimidating and stressful but teaching 4-Hers essential skills in this area will help them be successful. This publication provides youth development professionals with a resource when teaching 4-Hers about interviewing for teen leadership positions, Out of State trip interviews, and employment. Additionally, this publication can be a tool directly provided to 4-H youth who are planning to interview.

Authors: Lacie Ashby - Denise Frebertshauser

The following guidelines will help your 4-H group fulfill its responsibilities for properly handling public funds.