Activity

Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Spring Themes

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It is wonderful to connect with you through 4-H Cloverbud Connections! With the arrival of Spring, we get to see blossoming plants, people, and places. Even though we may have some cold mornings on occasion, and even snow, Spring is here. The blossoms on our weeping cherry tree were ready to take off when I took this picture at the end of March.

Consider weaving Spring themes into your 4-H Cloverbud activities with the children. Before starting a 4-H Cloverbud group gathering or meeting, encourage the children to share what Spring means to them. Ask them to describe what they see, feel, hear, smell, and taste that signals the season of Spring. This simple activity helps children build life skills such as self-confidence, getting along with others, and decision-making through Spring theme activities.

Here are a few thought-provoking questions for 4-H Cloverbud children related to the Spring theme:

  1. How many colors are in a rainbow (7, ROYGBIV – red, orange, yellow, green, indigo, and violet)?
  2. How long does Spring last (about 92 days from around March 20 to June 20)?
  3. What food products are made from tomatoes (ketchup, spaghetti sauce, tomato soup, pizza sauce, and others)?
  4. Do you say potato or pot(ah)to, tomato or tom(ah)to (just for fun 😊)?

Alright, let the fun begin! Thank you for all your efforts as a 4-H Cloverbud volunteers to enrich the lives of children throughout Ohio!

Ohio 4-H Project Bingo

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2025 Ohio 4-H Project Bingo Bingo is a fantastic learning tool for Cloverbud members because it makes word recognition, vocabulary building, and phrase comprehension engaging and interactive. Instead of traditional memorization, children actively listen for words, terms, or phrases and connect them to what is on their bingo cards. This helps reinforce spelling, pronunciation, and word association in a fun way. By repeatedly seeing and hearing the words, Cloverbuds develop stronger reading skills and improve their ability to recognize common sight words, new vocabulary, or subject-specific terms like science or math concepts.

The bingo used in this activity focuses on Ohio 4-H projects and helps to introduce Cloverbuds to the next phase of their 4-H membership. Learning about the wide variety of 4-H projects helps Cloverbuds discover new interests and make informed choices when the time comes to select projects. Knowing the range of projects available can help members stay engaged in 4-H by finding new challenges and opportunities each year.

Bingo Game Instructions ​

  • ​Print Your Bingo Cards & Caller’s Card​ – This lesson includes 30 different bingo cards. You can print all the cards or just what you need for your group. ​
  • ​Optional Sight Caller Cards​ – Depending upon the age of your Cloverbuds, they might need help reading and identifying the project Bingo words. This lesson includes an optional set of words you can print and cut apart for the game. This makes it easier to hold up the word in front of the group and help the Cloverbuds find and identify the word on their bingo card. ​

Materials Needed

  • Bingo cards. One card for each Cloverbud
  • Chips, coins, dried beans, or something to mark spaces (or use pencils to cross them off).​
  • Calling cards or optional sight caller cards. The leader will say a flight word from the calling card or draw a sight word from deck of words. Players will match and find the flight word on their bingo card.​

Game Tips

  • Talk about each of the 4-H project words and explain more about what might be involved with the project.​
  • Keep it simple and start with a bingo as across, down, diagonal, or cover all.​
  • Encourage cheering as Cloverbuds find the projects!

Source: This game of Ohio 4-H Project Bingo was created at myfreebingocards.com

Image from stock.adobe.com

Tis the Season of Giving

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December is the season of giving. There are many community service activities your Cloverbuds can do to help them understand what it means when you say that it is better to give than receive. With parent/guardian permission, do one or two of the following:
box of canned goods for food drive

  • Collect nonperishable items for the local food pantry
  • Sponsor a family in need by providing food and gifts
  • Visit local nursing home or assisted living facilities and play bingo or do crafts with the residents
  • Draw pictures and/or write thank you cards and send them to veterans thanking them for their service
  • Volunteer at the animal shelter or collect food and toys for the animals in the shelter

Of course, all of the above activities can be done anytime during the year, not just in the month of December. Residents in local nursing homes or assisted living facilities enjoy company anytime throughout the year. Be sure to check with the facility before you visit to find out what their rules are regarding visitors.

How do you decide which community service activity your Cloverbuds will enjoy? Give them two or three to choose from and let them vote. Depending on the age of your group, you may need to explain in detail what each activity is. Your project is more likely to succeed if the children have a voice in selecting the activity.

Whatever you choose to do, talk to your Cloverbuds about the importance of helping others. After the activity take time to talk about what they learned, how they felt, and why they think it is important to help others.

As Aesop once said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

 

image from stock.adobe.com

 

Surviving the “Fall Back” Time Change

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Just like that, the end of daylight saving time is upon us again…

Some look at it as an extra hour to sleep, but when those clocks turn back, many are up even earlier thanks to daylight saving time wreaking havoc on sleep schedules.

Children are naturally early risers, so until a child has adjusted to a new schedule, this time change means that they may wake up an hour earlier than normal each morning, a nightmare for some parents, but perhaps a blessing for others whose children sleep too long and struggle to get up for school.

While we have months of darker, longer nights ahead of us, the end of daylight saving time does not mean the end of fun for children. Sure, by the time children get home from school, have a snack, and finish their homework, it is already dark outside, but this is where a little planning and creativity can turn the time change slump into exciting opportunities for indoor and outdoor activity.

Want to get your Cloverbuds outside? Try these low-to-no cost games to get everyone outside and moving.

Firefly

All it takes to play this game is a pocket flashlight that can easily be switched on and off. PRO TIP: It is best to use a small, pocket flashlight with a light beam that is not too bright or easy to spot. You will select one person to be “it” and have them run and hide in the dark. This person is the “firefly” and can move from hiding place to hiding place flashing their light every minute or so. The other players race around to find the firefly. When they catch them, the game is over. The first person to spot the firefly is “it” for the next round.

Do you prefer to have indoor options because of the dark or less than ideal weather? Fear not, get those creative juices flowing and get started. Let’s bring the glow indoors.

Glow-In-The-Dark Dough

Supplies needed

  • 3 cups flour
  • ¾ salt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 6 tablespoons cream of tartar
  • 3 cups boiling water
  • fluorescent/neon paint
  • glitter (optional)
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine  flour,  salt,  vegetable oil, and cream of tartar.
  2. Gradually add in  water and stir until the dough is sticky.
  3. Once cooled, divide the dough into multiple portions adding 1 tablespoon of paint (and glitter, if desired) to each portion.
  4. You may add more flour and/or paint and knead the dough until it is no longer sticky.
  5. To make the dough glow, let it sit in direct sunlight or artificial light for a few hours.

Looking for other options? Here are a few more suggestions for those indoor activities…

  • Put on a Play
  • Have a Paper Airplane Competition
  • Bake and Decorate Cupcakes
  • Break out the Board Games

In the event the time change has gotten the best of you or your Cloverbuds, remember that longer days are ahead as time will spring forward on March 9, 2025!

 

Image from stock.adobe.com

Back to School in the Kitchen with Cloverbuds

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What a busy time of year as youth start back to school.  As schedules get busier with school events and activities, Cloverbud age youth can help in a variety of ways, especially in the kitchen.

Cloverbud age youth want to help.  For instance, you can pack lunches together.  Allow the youth to select a fruit or vegetable for their lunch.  When you are at the grocery, see if they can find a fruit or vegetable they have not tried.  Encourage them to help you make a snack.  Or do you have a garden so you can try a new recipe that includes some vegetables you grew?

Cloverbud age youth enjoy planning a menu, and possibly even making a meal.  When families ask youth to be part of the decision-making process, their self-esteem is higher since that gives youth a sense of accomplishment.

Cooking can help children develop those important math, language, art, fine motor development skills and more.  They are having fun while learning.  Children can also be creative in the kitchen when cooking.  Allow them to decorate a pizza for dinner or make kebabs. Give them the option what to put on the pizza and kebabs.

For a variety of healthy recipes, visit MyPlate.

A fun recipe in my house with a Cloverbud is kebabs.  My daughter loves to pick out what color peppers we are going to use, the tomatoes, mushrooms, meat, and more.  She loves to put the food items on the kebabs.  It can easily be changed or adapted to meet family needs and preferences.

Have fun with your Cloverbud age youth and try something new this fall!

 

All images are from stock.adobe.com.

Color Your Cloverbud World with a Kaleidoscope

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Finding an exciting activity for Cloverbuds they have not already done can be challenging. And it is important for Cloverbud activities to be fun and educational. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities are fun, and also engage Cloverbuds in learning about the world around them. One activity that combines education with fun is a handmade kaleidoscope. While it is a craft, it is also a science toy.

A kaleidoscope is a toy that has reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces are inside a tube. When the tube is rotated, light bouncing off the reflective surfaces creates changing patterns. The science lesson for this activity is discussing the reflection of light. You can share with your Cloverbuds that reflection consists of a light source and a surface. When the light travels through the tube it bounces off the reflective surface. The instructions for this fun science activity are simple and the supplies are easy to find.

You will need:

  • Empty potato chip can (one for each Cloverbud)
  • Aluminum foil
  • Hammer and nail
  • Clear glue
  • Color paper
  • Tissue paper
  • Clear contact paper
  • Glitter
  • Sequins
  • Markers

What to Do:

  1. Start with an empty, clean potato chip can (like Pringles).
  2. Roll a piece of aluminum foil and put it inside the can. Mark and cut off the excess. You may have to tack it down with glue.
  3. Cover the outside of the can with colored paper and secure it with tape. Decorate with markers, tape, and stickers.
  4. Have an adult use a hammer and nail to punch an eye hole in the sealed end (bottom) of the can.
  5. Using the clear glue, glue the sequins on the inside of the can lid. Then add glitter or additional embellishments.
  6. Use clear contact paper and add tissue and other embellishments to the sticky side.
  7. Cut the contact paper to fit the top of the can. You will put the lid over the contact paper, so make sure it fits.
  8. Put the lid on your kaleidoscope and head outside.

So, the next time you need a fun and educational activity for your Cloverbuds, try this STEM craft.

Photo Credit: Little Bins for Little Hands

Resources:

littlebinsforlittlehands.com/how-to-make-a-simple-kaleidoscope-for-kids/

Camp Season is Just Around the Corner!

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Are you looking for ways to increase participation in your county’s 4-H Cloverbud program? Consider holding a multi-day Cloverbud Day Camp with a wide range of activities designed to engage and excite your Cloverbuds.

Each year, Union County, Ohio hosts a two-day Cloverbud Day Camp. Due to the large number of Cloverbuds in the county, registration is limited to 75 Cloverbuds. Camp is held at the Union County Extension office.

The camp theme in 2023 was “In My Back Yard”. Campers were divided into groups with teen counselors providing leadership. Adult extension staff and 4-H volunteers taught the educational sessions.

Camper groups were named after Ohio birds—Blue Jay, Robin, Goldfinch and Cardinal. Each morning started with songs. Then the groups rotated through four educational lessons. Each lesson focused on animals. Cloverbuds learned about the different birds in Ohio and painted birdhouses. They went on an outside adventure to look for and learn about different animal tracks. Another session was about animal habitats and Cloverbuds created a terrarium in a baby food jar. The final session was a nature game show. They ate lunch outside and had rest time after lunch. The day ended with a big pool noodle game carnival where Cloverbuds used tokens to play each game.

Day two was an exciting day for the Cloverbuds. Camp organizers chartered two Ohio State University buses and took the Cloverbuds to

4-H Camp Clifton. When they arrived at Camp Clifton, they participated in a nature scavenger hunt. After the scavenger hunt, they ate lunch at the campfire circle. The adult staff made smores for each Cloverbud to enjoy. Cabins were used for rest time and changing into swimsuits. Cloverbuds swam in the pool all afternoon. They returned to the Extension office at 3p.m. and then departed for home.

Cloverbud Day Camp was a huge success, thanks to the teens and adult volunteers. Camp continues to grow each year. So, if you are looking for a way to expand your Cloverbud program, consider adding a Cloverbud Day Camp. Whether you host a one-day camp, a two-day camp, or even longer camp, it is a great way to create excitement for your county’s Cloverbud program.

Reading Adventure: The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal

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The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk is a new Cloverbud Reading Adventure that you can use with your Cloverbuds to help them understand the solar system and the importance of the sun. This adventure can be used anytime but is great paired with education about the upcoming solar eclipse.

This lesson teaches Cloverbuds about the solar system and the planets and other items it includes. You will explore why the sun is a big deal through a variety of hands-on activities designed to reinforce key science concepts. It will help your Cloverbuds to understand that the sun sits in the center of our solar system and holds it together. Without the sun, life on planet Earth would not exist.

The book does a great job of explaining why we have four seasons, the sun’s role in the water cycle, and how plants need the sun for photosynthesis. Plus, it gives us light and keeps us warm!

Check out this new Reading Adventure and discover why The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal!

Solar Eclipse 2024

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Have you heard the news? On Monday, April 8, 2024 a solar eclipse will occur over North America with portions of Mexico, the United States, and Canada in the path of totality. What is the path of totality? That means the moon will completely cover the sun, temporarily blocking its light. This can lead to a drop in temperature, animals behaving like it’s nighttime and stars and planets might be clearly visible. Imagine how scared the first people to view a total eclipse must have been!

Roughly 35 Ohio counties will experience complete totality while all other counties will experience a partial eclipse. Introduce your Cloverbuds to the eclipse by using the lesson, Small Moon, Big Sun 1 This is a stand-alone lesson focusing on the concept of the eclipse and a discussion about the solar system. Concerned because you are not a scientist? No problem! The lesson includes the background information to help you explain the event to your Cloverbuds in language they can understand.

Begin your Cloverbud meeting with a discussion about what an eclipse is and learn about the parts of the solar system. There is a cool experiment to help your Cloverbuds understand how the moon, which is much smaller than the sun, blocks the sun during an eclipse. If you have available internet connectivity, you can share the video about gravity which explains why the moon doesn’t fall from the sky. End your meeting with a discussion about what your Cloverbuds think it would be like to live on another planet.

In addition to this lesson, there are some children’s books that can be used to reinforce the key concepts: The Sun is Kind of A Big Deal by Nick Seluk, Eclipse by Andy Rash. and Eclipse by Darcy Patterson. Look for a related Cloverbud Reading Adventure coming soon!

If your 4-H families are planning to view the eclipse, follow these Tips for Sun Safety.

For more information or for other eclipse activities, visit ohio4h.org/solareclipse.

ALL SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING RISKS BORNE BY THE VIEWER. Any and all risks associated by viewing the solar eclipse on any property operated by, or with glasses distributed by the Ohio State University, are borne and accepted solely by the individual taking such action. Instructions on how to use the glasses are printed on the inside of the glasses. Please read them carefully and follow the instructions exactly as written. You hereby release The Ohio State University, its Trustees, boards, officers, employees and representatives from any liability, for any and all claims and causes of action for loss of or damage to property and for any and all illness or injury to your person that may result from or occur during your participation in the activity, whether caused by negligence of The Ohio State University, its Trustees, boards, officers, employees, or representatives, or otherwise. See instructions on glasses before use.

Incorporating Apples into Fall Cloverbud Activities

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October is a perfect time to visit a local apple orchard. Last year, I took my Cloverbud to an orchard and picked at least 9 different varieties of apples. Some were good for eating. Some were good for baking. Some were good for freezing. We enjoyed trying new recipes as well as seeing the variety of apples that grow here in Ohio. Did you and your Cloverbuds know that Ohio is one of the top apple producing states in the United States?

A few fun and easy activities for Cloverbuds include

  • Tasting a variety of apples- Allow Cloverbuds to have red, green, yellow apples. Make a graph of their favorite ones to eat fresh. What words would they use to describe the taste of the apples they tried? (sour, crunchy, shiny, juicy, cold, sweet, red, bitter)
  • Try a few new recipes. Encourage the Cloverbuds, with your help, to use an apple corer or make a fruit dip to eat with their apples.
  • Read a book all about apples. There are so many wonderful books about fall. Read the book outside while the leaves are falling. A good book to start with would be “Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie”.
  • Make an easy snack for a club meeting.

An easy snack for a Cloverbud club meeting would be apple pie in a cup. It is easy to set up an assembly line and allow each child to visit each station. Don’t forget to wash those hands before you start.

Apple Pie in a Cup

Ingredients needed:

  • Graham crackers
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Can of apple pie filling
  • Whipped cream
  • Cups
  • Plastic Bag
  • Spoon
  • Napkins
  1. Give each Cloverbud a plastic bag, a cup, and 2 graham crackers. Have them break apart the graham crackers and put them in the baggie. They should crush the graham crackers into small pieces. Then they will put a layer of crushed graham crackers at the bottom of their cup for their crust.
  2. You can warm up the apple pie filling in the microwave but not required. Ask each Cloverbud to put 2-3 scoops into their cup on top of the graham crackers.
  3. Put some whipped cream on top of the apple mixture. Sprinkle a little cinnamon or cinnamon sugar on top.
  4. Enjoy!

Source: adapted from https://www.theprintableprincess.com/apple-pie-in-a-cup-freebie/