How to Catch an Elf.... 4-H Style
Search For Excellence in 4-H Programming
Jenny Mountford
Abbeville
Team Members:
Mountford, J*1
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4-H Youth Development Agent, Clemson University, Abbeville, South Carolina, 29620
Abstract
Statistics are stacked against high success, but this rural school district pours into students, and it shows. Reading levels* at Westwood Elementary are at 49% for grade proficiency, and the entire district has Title I schools, but that doesn’t stop the opportunity to be better together in community partnerships! Abbeville County 4-H Program faced statistics by providing innovative ways to bring hands-on learning to classrooms, all while creating lessons that increase literacy and meet grade level educational standards.
In December 2021, after working with district reading coaches, the idea of 4-H STEM and literacy became one of the most successful school enrichment activities, engaging 314 students in building an elf trap from a cardboard box and craft supplies. They listened to the book, “How to Catch an Elf”, and used 4-H created student worksheets that engaged them in critical thinking, planning, creative writing and encouraged grade appropriate literacy elements.
STREAM stands for Science Technology Reading Engineering Arts & Math. Similar to STEM or STEAM, but having an emphasis on literacy, reading and writing. This 4-H project was focused specifically to meet STREAM goals that were in place by the 4-H partner.
*Source for statistics: https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/south-carolina/westwood-elementary-278485
Narrative