Teacher and Classroom Resources
Public Speaking (grades 4-12)
Learning how to communicate orally is a skill that requires practice! Our public speaking workshops focus on speaking with confidence, making eye contact, controlling your rate, and verbal expression. Your students will learn some great techniques and tips they can use when giving a presentation, speech, or interview!
(Available as an in-person program | 30-60 min. lesson)
ServSafe (grades 9-12)
Give your 4-H experience a professional edge with industry-recognized food safety certifications! Local 4-H youth now have the opportunity to earn the ServSafe Food Handler or ServSafe Manager Certification, valuable credentials that are recognized nationwide and highly sought after by employers in food service, hospitality, childcare, healthcare, and related industries. The Food Handler Certification is ideal for youth who are new to food service and want to learn essential skills such as proper handwashing, preventing cross-contamination, and safe food preparation. Older youth interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, or careers in food service can pursue the ServSafe Manager Certification, which meets Illinois food safety requirements and can support youth operating food-based businesses. These certifications help youth build workforce-ready skills, strengthen resumes and college applications, and gain confidence while supporting 4-H projects, fairs, fundraisers, community service events, and food entrepreneurship activities. (In-person program | 7-8 hours of instruction minimum, followed by 2-hour test)
Welcome to the Real World (grades 6-12)
WTTRW is designed as a series of learning activities that culminate in a simulation experience in which youth choose a post-graduation path and make a series of related “real world” decisions. Youth will:
- Explore careers
- Investigate how career choices can be influenced by education and other factors
- Make consumer choices related to future independent living
- Learn skills needed to manage their finances
- Evaluate their success in managing their monthly income and expenses
- Explore alternatives to balance a budget
Our partners will speak with the teens as a group, and then help them walk through various stations highlighting real estate, banking, insurance, auto sales, and more. Simulations can take from 3 to 8 hours, depending on program needs and choices.
Watch this video to learn more!
(In-person program | series of lessons or one-day simulation)