Helping Youth Thrive Training Curriculum

Part One: 4-H as a Developmental Context for Youth

Part One of the curriculum contains three modules with activities designed to introduce each concept of the Developmental Context of the 4-H Thriving Model. The purpose of this curriculum is to provide 4-H professionals volunteers with an in-depth understanding of the concepts of the 4-H Thriving Model. We believe it is important for 4-H educators to understand the model well before they teach it to others. Inherent in all modules is a community of practice design that helps educators and volunteers develop an application plan.

Each module is developed using guided inquiry embedded in an experiential learning framework. Modules include:

Background information on the model element (e.g. sparks, developmental relationships, growth mindset, hopeful purpose, etc.)
Identification of PRKC and VRKC competencies
Learning objectives
A list of materials needed and recommended time
Key concepts and vocabulary definitions
Highlights emphasizing attention and action related to diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in each module
Detailed directions for facilitating learning activities using the experiential learning steps “do, reflect, and apply”
Follow up Community of Practice (CoP) meeting to reflect on individual application plans with support from their peers

This process of curriculum development, including a contractual agreement with Search Institute for material used in the Sparks and Developmental Relationships modules, has been deliberate and careful to ensure that the highest quality curriculum is produced.