Lisa Whittlesey Extension Program Specialist III JMG Coordinator

Mission: Growing good kids by igniting a passion for learning, success, and service through a unique gardening education.

2006 JMG is… Program is only 7 years old! Over 2500 Registered JMG groups 1,000,000 youths impacted in USA Represents ¼ of Texas 4-H Program JMG in all 50 States 10 countries 31 State Partners 2 International Partners

JMG Program Success and Impact in Schools!

Students that participated in Junior Master Gardening program and curriculum scored higher on science achievement tests that students in traditional science classes. National Science Teachers Association Magazine, January 2006

More JMG Research Improved science scores More parental involvement in schools with JMG Increased leadership/life skill development Children eat more fruits and vegetable snacks More research information at

JMG Curriculum

Levels of Instruction Level 1 - Grades 3-5 Level 2 - Grades 6-8 Academic standards for math, science, social studies, and language arts for these grades posted by state on JMG website! Available Curriculum

Play with Your Food, J. Elffers,1997

Curriculum Design Hands-On and project based Integrated across all subject areas Flexibility of use Choices available in group and individual activities Community service and leadership incorporated in all units

Junior Master Gardener- Level One Core Curriculum Teacher/Leader Guide JMG Youth Handbook Youth book available in English and Spanish

Junior Master Gardener ® Golden Ray Series Curriculum Promotes active and healthy lifestyles by growing kids minds and bodies through gardening! Healthy Snacks Label reading Food Guide Pyramid Food Safety Physical Activity

Junior Master Gardener ® Golden Ray Series Curriculum teaching concepts: Habitat Gardening Basics Essential Elements Birds Mammals Insects Reptiles and Amphibians Wildlife Habitat Sites Life Skills & Career Exploration

Junior Master Gardener ® Golden Ray Series Curriculum teaching concepts: Teaching concepts are built around 6 childrens books Brings gardening to life Great way for teachers to integrate science, reading, and language arts TCE bookstore also carries the featured books as a for sale item

Operation Thistle – Seeds of Despair Operation WATER – Water and the Earths Resources… Thistle Goes Underground – January 2007 Level 2 (6 th -8 th grade) Core Curriculum

What is important to the school administrator?

Teacher Needs Teachers are required to receive professional development credits each year through attending in-service training JMG training is an accredited training workshop through Texas Education Agency We can help you to put together a training!

How to introduce JMG to a school? Make an appointment with the academic coordinator or assistant principal Introduce yourself to school administer, give them a JMG press packet and show video if time allows Ask for 5 minutes at the next staff meeting to share with teachers

Prepare to do 1 activity and BRIEF intro to JMG at staff meeting! Remember it is a TASTE - Dont ask them to make a Happy plate and get it all in 1 bite, having a school do a few activities will open the doors for other school enrichment projects! Stress how this helps them with their job, not what we NEED them to do – EX: enrollment forms, etc… They dont care about our needs! How to introduce JMG to a school?

Can Schools DO IT without US ? Schools should see you as a resource not the guest speaker or worse the leader of the program It is easy, once teachers see it and use a few activities, most take it and run with it – yes, on their own! Dont be afraid to let GO!

Help schools facilitate committees so it is a school effort and the program becomes theirs. Learn from those that are doing it – JMG specialists and active programs Be a supportive cheerleader and mentor. Recognize outstanding efforts through PR, awards nominations, etc. Can Schools DO IT without US ?

Using the JMG Program with youth…. Pick and choose some JMG activities to start with as quick, fun, activities! Could be used as an output plan Outcome plan can be used for youth working toward JMG Certification Golden Ray Certification Junior Master Gardener Certification

Completion of a specific Level One core curriculum chapter or stand alone Golden Ray Curriculum 12 activities, 1 service project, 1 leadership/life skill activity Golden Ray Series Certification JMG Certifications Certified Junior Master Gardener Level 1 Curriculum 1 group and 1 individual activity from each teaching concept in all 8 chapters and 1 community service project per chapter (8 total) This is the most comprehensive certification.

How Long Does It Take to Become JMG® Certified ? Many choices in activities, some are long-term others are short-term Depends upon choices made by teacher/leader and youth

Master Gardener Volunteers CAN: Be a horticultural resource for JMG groups Assist the teachers/leaders of a JMG group Secure resources for JMG groups Host and facilitate support for special events They can expand garden efforts Support for TCE Agents

Agent Only Website Model Outcome Plan Evaluation tools Regional training programs supported through grant funds JMG Press Packets

Agent only website

Support for TCE Agents Agent Only Website Model Outcome Plan Evaluation tools Regional training programs supported through grant funds JMG Press Packets

JMG Model Outcome Plan Goals of plan Increase childrens interest and academic achievement in science Promote environmental stewardship and Earth Kind principles in youth Promote healthy and active lifestyles through improved diet and increased physical activity Increase leadership development and community service involvement of youth.

JMG Model Outcome Plan Goals of plan Use Model plan for groups completing either Golden Ray Certification OR JMG Certification Can be used with other agents in the county depending on which goal/goals are focused upon : IE: Environmental stewardship, improved health, leadership development

Support for TCE Agents Agent Only Website Model Outcome Plan Evaluation tools Regional training programs supported through grant funds JMG Press Packets

Evaluation and Model Plan Model plan will be self populating from teXas system (you just fill in county or add other information if needed!) Evaluation tools will be available for use from the 4-H One site and through the JMG Program Office

Support for TCE Agents Agent Only Website Model Outcome Plan Evaluation tools Regional training programs supported through grant funds JMG Press Packets

Support for TCE Agents Region training programs will be available for CEAs, teachers and volunteers Grant funds to support curriculum for teachers

Support for TCE Agents Agent Only Website Model Outcome Plan Evaluation tools Regional training programs supported through grant funds JMG Press Packets

Support for TCE Agents 4 color presentation folders and press packets are available through JMG office Great to use with key decision makers Not made to hand out for the masses! Call our office if you would like some for your office.

Coming for 2006 and 2007 National Marketing Program through Weekly Reader Target 57,000 classrooms, over 1.2 million 3 rd and 4 th graders Promotion of 400 th year of gardening and Americas Anniversary Gardens We will send out agency update later in fall, but this may spawn local interest!

Mission: Growing good kids by igniting a passion for learning, success, and service through a unique gardening education.