Extension Services

Carlie Bothum-CEA-4-H, SFC Cooperative Extension Service

4-Hers learn by doing

Growing up we all realize that each individual person has their own preferred learning style. When it comes to school work, some children love group participation, while others would rather work alone. I always did homework with music playing in the background, but many kids need peace and quiet to achieve anything. Regardless of personal preference, some lessons as child are learned strictly by the “Monkey See-Monkey Do” mentality.

I recently came across a poem penned by Edgar Guest titled “I’d Rather See a Sermon,” and this is an excerpt: I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day/I'd rather one would walk with me than merely tell the way…I can soon learn how to do it, if you let me see it done/I can catch your hands in action, but your tongue, too fast, may run…For I may misunderstand you in the high advice you give/But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

In day to day interaction with a younger audience, it’s essential to remember that children and young adults look to their elders for guidance. They pick up on things others may not even notice. Actions, as well as words, are often mimicked. In the same respect, when trying to teach an activity or an action sometimes it’s easier to learn by doing than by hearing. According to the Learn More Indiana website, 65 percent of the population consists of visual learners.

Arkansas 4-H has an educational philosophy of experiential education, or simply learning by doing. Instead of only hearing how cool a 4-H project is, members get to experience it themselves.

Hands-on learning is greatly encouraged within our clubs.

Whether is a horse, a sewing machine, a cook stove, a rod and reel, or a rocketry project, 4-H members are getting their hands dirty. Parents, volunteers, and leaders are here to help. So, if you are age 5 to 19 and want to get involved in 4-H and learn by doing, contact the St. Francis County Cooperative Extension office located at 313 S. Izard, Ste 14, call 870-261-1730, or email me at cduggan@uaex.edu (EDITOR’S NOTE: Article written by Sara Beth Johnson.)