LESSON PLAN
"4-H 101" Parent Orientation Meeting
DATE, TIME
LOCATION
(Suggestion: videotape program to allow those unable to attend to view at a later time; supplies: video recorder, video tape, power source, person to run recorder) (NAME)
Suggested Time Allotment / TopicStart at least 15 minutes prior to program
/Registration – ask parents to sign in as they arrive; invite Jr. Leaders to welcome parents, help them register, and pick up information folders (supplies: name tags, markers, sign up for door prizes, information folder) (NAMES)
(Information folder contents: cover letter; agenda; mixer; Top 10 list PPT slides – 6/page; “The 4-H Family Tree” (modified with local information); “What Should Parents Expect from 4-H Club Leaders?”; choose 2 of: 4-H Parent Position Description, 4-H Parent Interest Survey, Dig-in Form, 4-H Parent’s Window of Work, and 4-H Parent’s/Guardian’s Pledge; Scavenger Hunt; Evaluation Form; Local 4-H Program Information)Continue for length of the program / Activities for Young Children– games and activities that Jr. Leaders can lead with the young children who attend the meeting with their parents (Supplies: list of games and activities with instructions, any resources needed for the games and activities) (NAMES)
10 minutes / Mixer - "4-H 101" (supplies: copies of 4-H 101 Mixer – can be included in information folder picked up at registration; person to introduce mixer and give instructions) (NAME)
Instructions: In 4-H we often have a mixer or ice breaker at the beginning of the meetings. This activity is designed to help members get to know one another a little better and to encourage them to interact with others. The “4-H 101” Mixer asks you to introduce yourself to others and to find people who can answer each of the 20 blanks on the sheet. Please use each person only one time. Be sure to introduce yourself as you sign another person’s sheet.
5 minutes / Call to Order & Welcome – (NAME)
Welcome to the “4-H 101” Parent Orientation Meeting! We thank you for taking time to learn more about the 4-H program and how you and your children can be involved.
Parent Survey (show of hands)
· How many of you were 4-H members?
· How many of you have been to a 4-H Fair?
· How many of you have had children in 4-H before?· How many of you had never heard of 4-H before your children asked you if they could join?
Tonight, we will help each of you learn more about the 4-H Program. Please feel free to ask questions as we go through the evening; there will also be time at the end of the meeting for questions and answers.
Pledges – American & 4-H
At the beginning of each meeting, we say the pledge to the American and 4-H Flags. Usually members are asked to volunteer to lead the group in the pledges. Do we have 2 volunteers tonight? (Supplies needed: American & 4-H Flags, words to 4-H pledge – also included on agenda)
30 minutes / Program - "The Top 10 Things Every 4-H Parent Should Know"
(supplies needed: copies of handout and PPT presentation with note pages, LCD &/or Overhead projector, laptop computer, power cords; one person per section to present information – can be a combination of Jr. Leaders/Adult Leaders/Extension Educator)
10 minutes
/Recreation – "NAME County 4-H Handbook Scavenger Hunt" (supplies needed: copies of scavenger hunt – modified with local information, copies of 4-H Handbook, pens or pencils, answer key) (NAME – to give instructions for scavenger hunt)
5 minutes
/Questions & Answers – (NAME, 4-H Youth Extension Educator)
We’ve given you a lot of information tonight…what questions do you have for us about the 4-H Program?5 minutes
/Door Prizes – (Supplies needed: prizes, slips of paper to write parents’ name on – probably done at registration) (NAME – to draw and announce winners and distribute prizes)
5 minutes
/Evaluation – (Supplies needed: copies of evaluation form - included in folder, pencils or pens, place to collect forms) (NAME – to request completion of evaluations)
Thank you for your participation in the “4-H 101” Parent Orientation Meeting this evening. Included in your information folder is an evaluation. If you are willing to do so, please answer the questions on the evaluation form. No personal information is requested from you. Your answers will help us as we plan for future meetings. When you are finished, you may leave your evaluation in the envelope in the back of the room as you leave.5 minutes
/Refreshments – (Supplies needed: snacks, drinks, napkins, cups, ice, plates, plastic ware (NAMES – to set out refreshments)
Total: 75 minutes
/Adjourn
Next Meeting: Check your local newspaper, contact your 4-H Leader, or call or visit the NAME County Extension Office (PHONE, E-MAIL, WEB SITE), ADDRESS (office hours HOURS, DAYS)1