Author: Scott D. Scheer, Professor, Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership

Spring Forward to Learning and Living

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With the recent time change we sprung forward by moving our clocks ahead by one hour. We lost an hour of sleep but gained an hour of daylight or hopefully, sunshine! I am thankful for this extra hour of light.

As the weather gets warmer, our 4-H Cloverbud members are getting busy with Cloverbud club meetings and activities. It is a great time to promote learning and living using materials and curriculum through your county Extension office.

As you enhance the experiences of your Cloverbud participants remember to use all “H’s” of 4-H:

  • Head: help youth to think and learn by releasing their creative energy
  • Heart: tap into their natural emotions of excitement and curiosity
  • Hands: foster a “hands on” approach in all that we do with Cloverbud children
  • Health: model physical and mental health through movement and positive outlook

In closing, I would like to share a poem that I asked ChatGPT to create for this blog article (with my modifications) to illustrate how technology can be used to enhance reading and imagination.

Springtime whispers in the air,

A time for change, a time to care.

Clocks move forward, time’s bright song,

Nights grow shorter, days grow long.

 

With each hour that swiftly flies,

Underneath the bright blue skies,

Nature wakes with joyful glee,

Blossoms bloom on every tree.

 

So as we spring ahead in time,

Embrace the change, let your spirit climb.

For in the season’s forward leap,

New adventures, dreams to keep.

 

 

 

 

Holiday Season Refresh

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As 2023 comes to a close, many of us may be thinking – including myself, “glad this year is over, what a difficult year it has been.” It is common to focus on the negatives of life and kids are not immune to this thought process. The hustle and bustle during this time can be challenging for Cloverbud kids and is important to keep this in mind so they can flourish and enjoy this special time. Ways to reduce holiday stress and refresh for kids is to:

  • Keep daily routines as much as possible
  • Get kids outside even if cold (dress for warmth)
  • Provide quiet time to read or rest
  • Remind them this is the season for kindness and gratitude
  • Watch overeating on sweets (provide fruit snacks or other alternatives)
  • Cut back on over-scheduling

The good news is that there are many ways for Cloverbud kids to thrive during the holiday season rather than stress. Here are some proven strategies:

  • Sends cards to active military or nursing home residents
  • Teach importance of giving, rather than focus on receiving gifts
  • Go caroling to celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or any occasion to spread good cheer
  • Encourage experiences rather than focus on material gifts – such as going to a zoo light show, volunteering at a local food bank, or enjoying a museum
  • Visit a local animal shelter bringing play toys or treats

Thanks for the important work you do as a 4-H Cloverbud volunteer and advisor. Remember, the holidays are a special time for Cloverbud kids, and we don’t have to make it perfect for that to happen. Just by showing that you care, Cloverbud kids will make special memories and help others do the same.

Giving Care and Kindness

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Anytime is a good time to give care and kindness to others. February is especially a great time to do that with Valentine’s Day on the 14th. When we show care and kindness toward others, we are giving the gift of compassion. In The Big Book of 4-H Cloverbud Activities, there is a curriculum piece titled “Heart to Heart: Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Senior Living Center Residents” (p. 148). There are some easy and fun activities you can engage with your Cloverbud members such “Making Valentine Favors,” and singing the song “I’m a Little Valentine” (using “I’m a Little Teapot” tune). All of these activities can be done with residents at nursing homes, senior centers or at adult day centers.

Through these activities, Cloverbud members can practice care and kindness toward others and become self-aware how good this feels. The kids learn skills of generosity and compassion and are examples to their friends and others. This quote from the Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu sums this up well: “Compassion seems to be contagious. When we see others being compassionate, we are more likely to be compassionate. There is a ripple effect of helping others.”

To use The Book of 4-H Cloverbud Activities, check with your Extension Office to obtain a copy or you can order directly from OSU Extension Publications.  Ohio residents receive the best price when they order from their Extension Office.

Thanks for the important work you do as a 4-H Cloverbud volunteer and advisor. You serve as a caring adult role model that impacts the healthy development of children in so many ways.