At under five dollars for a book that's designed to last up to three years, 4-H projects can definitely be considered inexpensive curriculum. Don't be fooled into thinking that 4-H is all about farm animals, though. There are several 4-H curriculum projects available that can be done from a big city apartment complex. From photography to graphic design, to lego robotics, the 4-H homeschooling options range from the artistic, to the technological and of course, to the home arts, like canning, sewing and knitting. Joining a 4-H club isn't even necessary.
Finding 4-H Projects and a 4-H Club
Contact your local 4-H office to obtain a copy of their current catalog. Older kids will be able to browse through and determine the kinds of projects they're interested in. A membership volunteer at the county extension office should be able to help you find a 4-H club that offers that project. If not, consider volunteering to lead the project within another group, or as a homeschool 4-H club.
How to Homeschool with 4-H
The 4-H curriculum modules are designed to be worked independently and within the context of a 4h club. Parents should find it easy, though, to adapt the activities to a smaller group size. Alternatively, a homeschool co-op is a great place to share the activities. In 4-H, one of the important goals of the program is that students learn to keep accurate record books for presentation purposes. If this is a challenge for you, consider purchasing one of the 4-H leader booklets or consulting with a local 4-H leader.
Homeschooling with 4-H
Science curriculum is one area where homeschooling families often have trouble finding a program that meets their needs. Kids in 4-H programs have been mastering animal husbandry, farming and gardening for years. Those are practical applications of biology. The computer sciences projects are becoming more popular and the 4-H catalog lists earth science projects, like geology as well.
Social Studies Homeschooling Curriculum
Keep your eyes open for 4-H projects that help a child get involved in service to their community and the world. Whether it's the community service-based projects for the elementary school students or the U.S. Government and leadership or communication projects for the high schoolers, 4-H offers a thorough and reputable program for creating leaders with an awareness of the needs of their community.
If you're just learning how to homeschool or if you simply want to explore a reputable, challenging curriculum that just happens to be almost free, then exploring the 4-H homeschooling resources might be the best idea. Finding a 4-H club in your area is one way to start, or you can order the materials online. Having the help of a 4-H leader is an easy way to navigate the unfamiliar terminology and to understand the age levels behind each 4-H project.
 |
