Activity Kits Allow Youth to Remain Engaged in Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic

Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic produced limited availability for youth activities that were vitally important to the overall well-being and positive youth development of youth ages 5-18. In response Floyd County 4-H developed weekly educational activity kits that addressed: Artistic Expression, Handwashing/Food Safety, Environmental Science and Agriculture.

Situation

A worldwide pandemic closed schools, businesses and encouraged social distancing throughout the year of 2020. Non-essential personnel were encouraged to self-quarantine and avoid going out into public unless absolutely necessary. While schools were closed during this time many parents assumed the role of a teacher, parent and caregiver.

Response

The COVID-19 pandemic produced limited availability for youth activities that were vitally important to the overall well-being and positive youth development of youth ages 5-18. Programmatic activities that were previously held face to face were converted to virtual programming addressing a variety of issues. While virtual programming was the recommendation many youths have limited availability to technology and limited supplies. In response Floyd County 4-H developed weekly educational activity kits that addressed: Artistic Expression, Handwashing/Food Safety, Environmental Science and Agriculture.

Impact

A total of 203 youth participated. Following each activity kit an evaluation was distributed via email the results provided the following information. Of the reporting participants: Week 1: Artistic Expression-Canvas Art • 98% of participants reported they were able to identify what primary colors created secondary colors • 89% of participants reported they were introduced to the color wheel for the first time • 39% of participants reported this activity allowed them to experiment with colors • 35% of participants reported this activity allowed them to express their creativity • 18% of participants reported this activity helped them relieve stress in a positive way • 7% of participants reported this activity allowed them to do an activity they would not have be able to do otherwise Week 2: Handwashing/Food Safety • 100% of participants reported they washed their hand using the Wash Your Paws guide prior to participating in the activity • 100% of participants reported they plan to continue to wash their hands using the information found in the Wash Your Paws guide in the future • 92% of participants following this activity were able to identify the correct steps to “Wash Your Paws” • 50% of participants reported this activity allowed them to gain experience in the kitchen • 26% of participants reported this activity helped them relieve stress in a positive way • 4% of participants reported this activity allowed them to do an activity they would not have be able to do otherwise Week 3: Artistic Expression-Tie Dye • 31% of participants reported this activity allowed them to experiment with colors • 27% of participants reported this activity allowed them to express their creativity • 23% of participants reported this activity helped them relieve stress in a positive way • 19% of participants reported this activity allowed them to do an activity they would not have be able to do otherwise Week 4: Environmental Science and Agriculture • 100% of participants were able to personally define vermiculture • 71% of participants reported they were continuing to use the “Wash Your Paws” handwashing method from a previous activity kit • 44% of participants reported they learned more about worms and the environment • 33% of participants reported they gained experience in the kitchen • 22% of participants reported this activity allowed them to do an activity they would not have be able to do otherwise

State Issue

Youth & Family Development

Details

• Year: 2020
• Geographic Scope: Multi-County
• County: Floyd
• Location: College Station, Athens
• Program Areas:
  • 4-H Youth