Homeschool 4-HUnit Studies with a Twist!Homeschool 4-H groups are popping up all over the place. Why? 4-H and homeschool are a great match. When I tell people about 4-H I often hear, “I thought that was for farmers.” Not so.
Until about 2 years ago, I’ll admit I knew nothing about the program, even though my grandfather was an extension agent, my grandmother led a club, my mom was a member, and in college I worked for IFAS (the branch of the University of Florida that oversees this program.) I saw a post on our local homeschool group’s e-mail chain about a crochet class offered at the county extension office, so signed my girls up. While they were learning how to make a granny square, I was learning about all the other opportunities available through 4-H.
The more I learned, I realized this program wasn’t all about farming and animals (although those are still well represented in the program overall.) There were clubs that focused on everything from poultry, to shooting sports, to electricity. Basically unit studies within a framework of a group. Best of all, most of what was offered was free or low cost. Some good books on unit studies: How to Create Your Own Unit Study 4-H has planned curriculum unit books for purchase as well for a reasonable price.
The 4-H pledge: I pledge my head to clearer thinking, My heart to greater loyalty, My hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.
(Stay tuned for the others, coming soon!)
I was convinced that joining a club would give an additional framework for many of my homeschool goals. First, it would provide an “audience” (besides me) for my children’s writing, projects, and creative efforts. Next, it would be a great way to make friends that share similar interests (we all know about that homeschool socialization question.) Finally, it would make service projects easier and more enjoyable to plan and execute.
BUT, all the clubs in our county were FULL! I was so disappointed. The agent suggested I start a new club. What? No way! I knew nothing about running a 4H club. I’d never even been to a meeting. Hmmm…I think I remember a similar comment before starting to homeschool. (Does that give you a hint on where this is going?) After several weeks of thinking it over, I really wanted this to be a part of my homeschool curriculum. I started asking questions of other leaders, and decided I might be able to do it despite my lack of any experience. One club let us visit a few times to get an idea of what a meeting was like. In September 2006 I took a chance and held the first meeting of the (now named) Hawks Club – a group that focuses on public speaking. This homeschool 4-H club would allow us to take full advantage of all the opportunities.
The kids (ages 6-12) already know more parliamentary procedure than many adults, and are getting very confident in running meetings on their own.
The kids in the Homeschool 4-H group have planned and implemented over a dozen service projects in our community. 
Each child gives a short speech at each meeting and will speak at retirement homes on occasion. 
There are many opportunities for kids 9 and older to compete with projects they complete. (Some counties allow children younger than 9 to participate without competing.) It is a big motivator for my kids to know someone besides family will be seeing and evaluating their work. Sometimes having mom and dad always being the judge gets tough and finding non-family members to evaluate work and give a different perspective is hard for many homeschool families.
I have been so pleased with the opportunities we have been given in 4-H AND combined with our homeschool. It is worth checking with your County Extension Office to see if a program exists in your area. If none of the current clubs fit your needs, don't be afraid to start your own homeschool 4-H group!
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