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2001 Volunteer Leader Training Guide
Motivating 4-H’ers to Keep Records

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Introduction to the Lesson

Welcome to our session on 4-H record books. "Record." That "R" word often brings to 4-H’ers minds other "R" words like "rats" "roaches" and "revenge." One of the most difficult tasks a 4-H leader faces is providing motivation for 4-H’ers to keep records! 4-H record keeping is not an "extra" task, but an integral part of the 4-H program. Not everyone enjoys keeping records, but developing a good habit at a young age will be most helpful for a lifetime.

Target Audience

Volunteer 4-H leaders

Objectives

• Volunteer leaders will understand the importance of record keeping.

• Leaders will be aware of the various incentives for keeping records.

Teaching Points and/or Activities

Activity 1: Why Keep Records?

Show overhead "The Three R’s." Let’s take a look at some different factors that might provide motivation: I like to call them the "Three R’s."

1. The first "R" is reason. Discuss reasons for record keeping with 4-H members. People accept tasks best when they understand their value. Some reasons are:

To help a member learn how to keep a record of accomplishments.
To help a member realize what has been learned in a certain period of time.
To help a member learn how to figure details (hours, energy and money) and the art of compiling achievements.
To help a 4-H’er learn a very important life skill – that of record keeping.

2. The second "R" is rules. Some clubs have rules that require their members keep records in order to belong. While this is a form of motivation, be cautioned that it is a negative form of motivation and should be used carefully.
    

3. The third "R" is Rewards. To many Arkansas 4-H’ers, record keeping means "rewards." The obvious "rewards" of completing a 4-H record book are county medals, trophies, trips to National 4-H Congress and the opportunity to apply for 4-H record book scholarships.

Activity 2: The 4-H Memory Game

No doubt you’ve often wondered why everyone always gets so excited about "writing down what you do" and "keeping records of everything." Is that really necessary? Let’s do a fun activity to help.

(Pass out paper and pencils.) Please number your paper from 1 to 20.

(Ahead of the meeting you will want to prepare the Memory Game tray or box. Be sure to keep the tray or box covered until you are ready to start the game. Be sure everyone has equal access. Also be sure to select items that will be familiar to your group.)

In just a minute, I’m going to remove the cover of this box (or tray). There are 20 items in the box. You will have 20 seconds to look at these items. Just look for 20 seconds. Do not talk or discuss with your neighbor. Then I will put the cover back on the box and tell you to start writing. When I say "go," list every item you can remember. You will have one (1) minute to record your answers. The winner will receive a prize. (Uncover the box and allow 20 seconds for participants to view items. Then cover the box.)

Go. Write down as many things as you can remember. (Wait one minute.) Let’s see how we did. Did anyone get all 20? 15? (Keep going until you find who had the most.) Let’s check. (Have the 4-H’ers read their list while you hold up each item from the box or tray.) Present the prize. (Prize can be a record book cover or other 4-H item. TIP:sIt’s always nice for everyone to get something for participating – small piece of candy, pencil, 4-H button, etc.)

Process the Game

What did we just do? How did you feel about the game? Were you surprised about what you were able to remember? Did you find it hard to recall items you had just seen in the box or on the tray? Could you believe your memory could be that weak? This is why it is important to write down the things you do in your 4-H project as you do each one. You may think you’ll remember when it’s time to fill out your record book, but most of us forget many things we do. Just a few minutes each week will save hours when it comes time to submit your 4-H record book.

Summary

There are many reasons to keep 4-H records, but the bottom line is that record keeping is an important life skill. By planning ahead and remembering to record activities right after they occur, the whole process will be much easier. Happy Record Keeping. 

Darlene Z. Millard, Ph.D., Youth Development Specialist

Back to 2001 Leader Training Guide