The goals of the 4-H Communications Programs are to develop public speaking skills, creativity, expression, organizational skills, and confidence in the young people taking part so they can successfully and positively present their ideas, feelings, and opinions to others.
With the help of curriculum, events, workshops, and resource material from the 4-H Office, youth work with their club leaders to create presentations and artwork. Listed below are some of the opportunities for youth to strengthen their communications and expression skills.
4-H Public Presentations Program:
The 4-H Public Presentations Program provides adult and peer-to-peer feedback and learning in a multi-part program. To begin, hands-on public speaking workshops and opportunities provide youth with real-world experience and help lay those public speaking fears to rest! To test their skills, youth may participate in a public speaking contest after workshops have concluded. At the contest, youth are asked to a presentation to other 4-H members and a panel of judges to receive scores and feedback.
Two preparatory workshops, each with a different focus, to help build and practice critical skills will be held in October at URI’s East Farm! You can participate in the workshops, even if you are not interested in the contest!
The contest will be held at URI’s East Farm in November. To register for the contest or the workshops click here!
The Big E New England Center:
The New England Center is one of the main buildings at the Big E fair in West Springfield, Massachusetts. It is also a non-competitive public speaking/communications opportunity! The New England Center features artwork and crafts, as well as 4-H exhibitors from all New England states!
State 4-H Photo Fine Arts Fair:
An opportunity for 4-Hers to exhibit their artwork to the public. This is a competitive event with ribbons given out.
Washington County Fair Farm School:
4-H Farm School is a competitive program held annually at the Washington County Fair. Farm School gives youth the opportunity to educate and entertain the public by showcasing their 4-H animal and/or agricultural projects. Farm School participants will talk with fairgoers, especially small children and families, about their chosen topic. Live animals are encouraged! Youth will talk about their project’s unique needs and characteristics, such as grooming, training, showing, anatomy, or care of an animal and methods or techniques related to an agricultural product (e.g. soap, milk, etc.).
Learn MoreExhibit Hall at the Fairs:
Fair exhibit halls also offer the opportunity for youth to express their project work, ideas and knowledge gained.
Art Workshops
4-H usually hosts 2-3 art workshops throughout the year to encourage youth to creatively express themselves. 2023 Art Workshop Registration link here. Flyer below.
We also have some fun printable lesson plans and our YouTube Channel Stress Free Art lessons on Acrylic Painting and Watercolors.
