ABOUT
4-H 4-H TRAINING
& EVENTS 4-H NEWS 4-H
LEARNING MATERIALS INFORMATION FOR: STAFF/EDUCATOR RESOURCES SUPPORT 4-H CONTACT US |
|
CommunicationsThe Communications Toolkit
Experts such as parents, teachers, employers and others who work with young people know that communication skills are essential tools for kids' success. The Communications Toolkit is designed for individuals who work with young people aged 12 and up and who want fun, easy and meaningful communication activities to use with clubs, classrooms, camps, after-school programs and other settings where kids come together. In the toolkit you will find background information for group leaders, skill sheets with tips and basic information, group icebreakers, hands-on activities, handouts and other resources that will help kids build on their skills in several key areas. Order the Communcations Toolkit from the Michigan State University Extension Educational Materials Distribution Center at http://web2.msue.msu.edu/bulletins/mainsearch.cfm You can also download the toolkit below. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or
print pdf (Portable Document Format) files. If you don't
already have the Acrobat Reader, you can click on the Sections include:
Communications Toolkit Cover and Title Page About This Toolkit: Introduction & General Information The Introduction and General Information section explains what’s in the toolkit, how it can be used, how to make the toolkit work for you and how to use it to meet your own needs. It offers a self-evaluation form for young people to self-assess what they have learned and evaluation questions to provide feedback. The section provides a discussion on the communication process, tips on how to help kids brainstorm ideas and an explanation of the experiential learning model. It emphasizes the importance of bias-free communication and gives some facts about the stages of development of kids in the age range of 12 and up.
The Written Communications section provides thoughtful activities and reference materials on writing basics, creative writing, news writing, writing for newsletters and story writing. Writing as a Life Skill The ability to write is an important and marketable life skill. The writing activities and skills sheets in this section help develop young people's ability to:
Vocal Expression and Public Speaking The Vocal Expression and Public Speaking section includes fun, interactive exercises that will help kids with planning, writing and delivering speeches and demonstrations, using visual aids and overcoming stage nerves. Vocal Expression as a Life Skill Participating in the public speaking warm-ups and activities in this section helps young people develop their ability to:
Visual Communication and Graphic Design The Visual Communication and Graphic Design section gets kids familiar with design basics, working with type, designing logos and creating presentation graphics, posters, fliers and exhibits. Visual Communication as a Life Skill Using the visual communication and graphic design activities in this section provides young people with practice in valuable life skills such as:
The Video, Media and Technology section introduces kids to video production, including writing, speaking, shooting, graphics, interviewing and editing. Strategies for working with the news media and using the Internet safely are included, too. Video, Media and Technology Develops Life Skills Kids and adults develop the following life skills by participating in video, media and technology projects:
What People Are Saying About The Communications Toolkit… From "Youth Today: The Newspaper for Youth Work"… "…a well-organized and user-friendly guide to helping kids learn better communication skills." "…activities are hands-on and focused, and each one can stand alone or be used in a series." (Vol. 9, No. 9, October 2000, p. 23) From the 4-H Experiential Learning Youth Development Curriculum Collection National Jury Reviewers… "The experiential learning model is evident throughout the curriculum, through the "reflection" step — the "Talking It Over" questions and the "Where to Go from Here" activity." "Leaders, volunteers, and students were clearly involved in the development, pilot, and evaluation of this curriculum." "It also resulted in a powerful leaders guide, a valuable tool with lots of useful information." "Multiple delivery modes are clearly interwoven into the curriculum. Leader materials are especially user-friendly, self-explanatory and easy to follow." "The authors have done a great job of integrating various educational experiences into the curriculum." "The curriculum lays the foundation for youth to learn and develop communication skills in a fun way. The material is appealing." "The hands-on activities are great and will facilitate learning. The curriculum clearly focuses on appropriate life skills for the intended age group." "Overall, the curriculum is sensitive to diversity." "The subject matter offers youth a "world" of opportunities to improve their communication skills. 4-H has always professed to help youth gain the life skill of communications. This curriculum, however, takes them beyond the traditional big "two" of speaking and demonstrating." Training & Events For upcoming training and events in this area, check the 4-H Volunteer Workshops web site, the MSU Extension Calendar and the 4-H Exploration Days web site. Contact Information For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or: 4-H Youth
Development Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,
2007, 2008 Michigan State University
|
||||||||||||||
Download
the Cover