Family Living Projects allow youth to explore the lifeskills needed for managing a household and living with others. They include meal preparation and planning, family finances, household upkeep and minor repairs, and childcare.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Fix snacks and simple meals
- Understand household management, including budgeting and family finances
- Play finger games, sing action songs, and make books and toys that may aid in child care
- Make room furnishings such as a bulletin board, wall hanging, mobile, wastebasket, or pillow
4-H Family Living Curriculum
Available from the Extension office or online.
Tools for Healthy Living Digital Download
Developed by the Department of Extension, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut, Tools for Healthy Living is an educational program to teach youth in grades 4-6 how to make and keep their homes and their food as healthy and safe as possible. Topics include lead poisoning, dust and mold, pests, food safety, cleanliness, and clutter.
Child Development Level A: Building A Bright Beginning
“Infants and Toddlers, Birth to Age 3.” This activity guide, for youths in Grades 3 and 4, contains five chapters and 13 activities about infant and toddler development.
Child Development Level B: Building Blocks of Learning
This publication is designed for youth in grades 5-6 who are participating in the 4-H Child Development Project. Topics include safety, health, nutrition, family time, and making good choices for preschool-age children.
Child Development Level D: Building Relationships Toward a Brighter Tomorrow
This publication is designed for youth in grades 10-12 who are participating in the 4-H child Development Project. topics include safety, health, nutrition, problem solving, and making good choices for children from preschool age to 12.
Child Development Helper’s Guide Digital Download
The Child Development curriculum is designed to help young people develop knowledge regarding children in the areas of development, health and safety, food and nutrition, discipline, and families and careers. It also develops life skills. The learn-by-doing activities can be adapted to family, classroom, home school, club, and other educational settings.
The four activity guides were written to be developmentally appropriate for specific grades, but they may be used by youth in any grade depending on their interest, skills, and experience. Each guide includes child development information, learning activities, a discovery section, additional factual information, suggestions for additional activities, and exhibit information. You will also find ideas that will be helpful for demonstrations and community involvement activities. This helper’s guide provides advice for facilitation of the Child Development project.
Kids on the Grow – Child Development 1: Growing On My Own Digital Download
This child development series is aimed at youth in grades 3-10. It focuses on learning about the whole child, their total growth and development. This is the first of three levels or steps in this Kids on the Grow Series. In addition, youth are encourage to complete the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training course. Kids on the Grow has been designed to “wrap around” the Red Cross Babysitter’s Handbook. This series uses the life skill approach to learning. Child development subjects are taught through application of specific life skills.
Kids on the Grow – Child Development 2: Growing With Others Digital Download
This child development project series is aimed at youth in grades 3-10. It focuses on learning about the whole child, their total growth and development. This is the second of three levels or steps in this Kids on the Grow Series. In addition, youth are encourage to complete the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training course. Kids on the Grow has been designed to “wrap around” the Red Cross Babysitter’s Handbook. This series uses the life skill approach to learning. Child development subjects are taught through application of specific life skills.
Kids on the Grow – Child Development 3: Growing With Others Digital Download
This child development project series is aimed at youth in grades 3-10. It focuses on learning about the whole child, their total growth and development. This is the third of three levels or steps in this Kids on the Grow Series. In addition, youth are encourage to complete the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training course. Kids on the Grow has been designed to “wrap around” the Red Cross Babysitter’s Handbook. This series uses the life skill approach to learning. Child development subjects are taught through application of specific life skills.
Kids on the Grow – Child Development Helper’s Guide Digital Download
This child development project series is aimed at youth in grades 3-10. It focuses on learning about the whole child, their total growth and development. This is the Helper’s Guide for all three levels or steps in this Kids on the Grow Series. In addition, youth are encourage to complete the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training course. Kids on the Grow has been designed to “wrap around” the Red Cross Babysitter’s Handbook. This series uses the life skill approach to learning. Child development subjects are taught through application of specific life skills.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
EM4766E – Adventures in Family Living, Member Manual
For adult helpers and club leaders
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
- Strengthening Families Washington Coloring Book (PDF)
- Strengthening Families Washington “What Makes a Hero?” Coloring Book (PDF)
- Fortalecimiento Familiar Washington “¿Quién es un héroe?” Libro para colorear (PDF)
- Strengthening Families Washington Activity Pack (PDF)
Print versions of these coloring books are available in the right-hand resources column on the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families: Strengthening Families Washington website.
Behavior is Communication – University of Minnesota Extension
In this lesson, youth and volunteers play a game designed to test their non-verbal communication skills and talk about different ways people use behavior to communicate.
Writing Thank You Notes, a Spark Activity – North Carolina 4-H (YouTube video)
Learn how to write a thank you note, decorate the front of it, and address an envelope. Suitable for ages 9-13.
Materials: Paper (any kind), pen/pencil Optional: markers or crayons, scissors, glue.
Presented by Laura Allen, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Rowan County Center.
Washington Specific Reference Material
- Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families: Strengthening Families Washington
- Washington Family Engagement
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
Everyone loves clean laundry but how do you do it? Learn about laundry machines and products, how to be environmentally friendly in the laundry room, and how to sort and clean laundry items. Conduct an experiment to learn how heat affects different types of fibers too!
You can be a big contributor to your household in so many ways. Why not do so AND keep your own sense of style? This project covers basic design elements, organization, upcycling, and service learning. All the activities can be done with your excellent decision-making, good taste, and a big heart.
Healthy Living Cookbook Course
Let chef and 4-H alum Carla Hall introduce you to a wide range of recipes that are delicious, easy-to-make, and healthy meals — and come from the 4-H family.
Healthy eating habits begin with mindfulness and a thoughtful attitude toward food. That means eating healthy, but also making room for the foods you love, in the right amounts. These recipes here come from the Fresh Chefs cookbook, produced by 4-H and curated by author and celebrity chef Carla Hall. They are a reflection of that idea of balance, featuring a compilation of simple, everyday recipes as well as treats for celebratory moments, from weekend brunches to holidays.
Featuring nearly 50 recipes from 4-H’ers, supporters, and 4-H alumni, these recipes were thoughtfully selected and submitted by 4-H’ers across the country as well as 4-H alumni and supporters, to share with you. Requires a free Clover account to access lesson plans.
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
Iowa State University Extension Child Ages & Stages Reference Material