NORA GARZA: 4-H projects teach self-expression and consumer skills

I often joke that if I could make a living out of it, I would become a professional student. My parents instilled in me a love for learning and an appreciation for knowledge.

Working for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service is a great place for someone like me, who loves to learn new information and skills. Texas AgriLife is all about hands-on learning or learning by doing.

Teaching life skills starts young in Texas AgriLife Extension with 4-H, a youth development program. Kids ages 5 through 18 years learn leadership and life skills in projects that interest them.

In January, there are three projects that develop consumer skills and encourage self expression.

Through the photography project, kids can learn how to use photography as a meaningful tool for communication. Digital cameras have made photography as a hobby more affordable than ever. The 4-H Photography Contest encourages self-expression and allows youth to demonstrate their photography skills.

Two free workshops are scheduled for all interested youths. On Monday, Jan. 16, Joel Martinez, award-winning photographer with The Monitor, will give a presentation on “How Did They Do That?” Youngsters may bring in a photo from a magazine or book and Joel will give tips on how to create similar results. He also encourages youngsters to bring in their own photos to have them critiqued on how to improve them.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, Onydia Garza, graphic artist and photographer, will give a presentation on “Shooting Action Photography,” and Elsie de Leon, photographer, will demonstrate how to use software to digitally change or enhance photos on the computer.

A different project teaches skills that can help young consumers get more for their money by making wise decisions when shopping. In the Consumer Decision Making project, kids learn how to compare products and services, and make decisions based on facts.

Kids can use their consumer knowledge in the Decision Making Contest, where they rank products from best to worse for a given situation. They learn to organize their thoughts and defend their decisions in an oral presentation.

Another project where youngsters learn consumer skills is the Clothing and Textiles Project. Kids learn about fibers and fabrics, wardrobe selection, clothing construction, comparison shopping, fashion interpretation and understanding of style and good grooming.

They can either purchase clothing or make an outfit for this project. As with the Consumer Decision Making Project, they can practice poise in front of others and personal presentation skills at a competitive event.

The project includes an arts and crafts contest, in which youths make items from fibers and fabric that are useful and beautiful.

For information on these projects or for locating a 4-H club in your area, please contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Hidalgo County at (956) 383-1026.

--

Nora N. Garza is a County Extension Agent with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Hidalgo County, a part of the Texas A&M System. She can be reached at n-garza@tamu.edu.