 | 4-H & Homeschooling Our family is involved in very few organized activities. Even our involvement in 4-H is very limited. All organized activities, even Homeschool Coops have a level of “politics” and drama that a parent needs to be very mindful of. Please realize there may be seasons in your homeschool experience you may need to withdraw from all activities for a time. Very simply, my health doesn't allow me to take my children to anything every single week or even every other week. Once a month is usually about all I can handle, so we are picky. Though our participation in 4-H is sporadic at best, I do believe it has been beneficial and worth the effort. |
Please realize that being a member of 4-H does not mean you have to be involved in every single activity they offer in your area. Our area offers very few activities or classes that I am the least bit interested in having our children involved in. We don’t go to the monthly meetings either. If we had a specifically homeschool group, I’d be much more likely. This isn't because we are isolating our children from public schoolers. It is purely political. You see, our children have an extreme advantage over the other children. We can use our 4-H projects as “school” and our “school” as 4-H projects. The other children have 8 hours worth of school work plus homework and after school activities that are completely separate from 4-h. I don’t know how they do it at all, but some of the parents and even sometimes the other children have a real problem with our “unfair” advantage. Therefore, rather than put unneeded pressure on them, or participate in unwanted (for our part) competition, we just don’t go. Often even for our little county fair, I prefer to enter the children’s projects in “open class” rather than compete with the 4-h kids. So, what do we get out of 4-h? There are classes and activities through out the year that are very beneficial, educational, and fun. some of our favorites are:
We don't do all of these each year. As a matter of fact, we have years that we don’t do much at all. It just depends on my health and the children’s interests or needs each year. I like to be flexible. This way the children and I never get burnt out and always look forward to whatever activity we decide to be involved in.
- 4-H Talks – Speeches. Public speaking is so important for children to learn. This is excellent practice.
- Talent Show - Again, a great way for the children to get out of their comfort zone. I've had them sing or do a recitation of a excerpt from a favorite book.
- Trap Shoot – Shooting sports are so much fun. Archery is our children’s favorite, but we also believe it’s important to learn rifle and shotgun. This is a GREAT way for them to learn proper gun safety, team spirit, and sportsmanship.
- Stock shows – We usually show horses. Dog shows aren't available in our area, but we’re hoping to help get that started soon. The children have also taken rabbits and chickens to the fair. They always enjoy watching the goat, pig and sheep shows.
- Make-it-with-Wool – We only did this one year, but it was so much fun. The girls made a clothing item out of wool and we went to a type of fashion show where they were judged on construction and fit. Then, they each got to “show” a lamb (we borrowed from a neighbor) with their outfits on.
We don't do all of these each year. As a matter of fact, we have years that we don’t do much at all. It just depends on my health and the children’s interests or needs each year. I like to be flexible. This way the children and I never get burnt out and always look forward to whatever activity we decide to be involved in.
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