Life Skills Development

OBJECTIVE Understand life skills development using the Targeting Life Skills Model.

Life Skills Development Skill: learned ability to do something well Life skill: ability which will help an individual live a productive and satisfying life “The goal of youth programming is to provide developmentally appropriate opportunities for young people to experience life skills, to practice them until they are learned, and be able to use them as necessary throughout a lifetime. Through the experiential learning process, youth internalize the knowledge and gain the ability to apply the skills appropriately.” - Iowa 4-H

Life Skills Development Hendricks, P.A. (1998)

Life Skills Development Hendricks, P.A. (1998) The Targeting Life Skills (TLS) Model categorizes life skills on the basis of the four H's representing Head, Heart, Hands, and Health Two general categories of skills are included under each of the four headings - Iowa 4-H

Life Skills Development The Essential Elements Youth see themselves as active participants in the future. Belonging Mastery Independence Generosity Youth experience an inclusive environment. Youth have opportunities to try, make mistakes, and learn. Youth have opportunities to value and practice service to others.

Life Skills Development Belonging Mastery Independence Generosity Head Heart Hands Health Thinking, Managing Relating, Caring Working, Giving Being, Living The 4-H PledgeThe Essential ElementsLife Skills The 4-H Connection

Life Skills Development Life Skills by Category HEAD Thinking Learning to learn Decision-making Problem solving Critical thinking Service learning Managing Goal setting Planning/organizing Wise use of resources Keeping records Resiliency HEART Relating Communications Cooperation Social skills Conflict resolution Accepting differences Caring Concern for others Empathy Sharing Nurturing relationships

Life Skills Development Life Skills by Category HANDS Giving Community service/volunteering Leadership Responsible contribution to group Working Marketable/useful skills Teamwork Self-motivation HEALTH Living Healthy lifestyle choices Stress management Disease prevention Personal safety Being Self esteem Self responsibility Character Managing feelings Self discipline

Life Skills Development Applying Life Skills Knowledge Use the TLS Model and terminology… When planning a sequence of learning experiences  What are your goals? When leading youth in reflection and discussion  What life skills have they learned? When discussing 4-H programs with staff, volunteers, or parents  What is the value of a 4-H experience?  How can 4-H impact a young person over the course of a lifetime?

Life Skills Development REFERENCE “Positive Youth Development; Developing Life Skills – Volunteerism for the Next Generation” Hendricks, P. (1998) “Developing Youth Curriculum Using the Targeting Life Skills Model.” Iowa State Extension. Norman, M. and Jordan, J. (2006) “Targeting Life Skills in 4-H.” Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Life Skills Development REFERENCE 4-H 101, Lesson 6: Life Skills and the Experiential Learning Model

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