Abstract
With obesity on the rise amongst youth in the United States, it is important to find innovative ways to introduce healthy living concepts to youth. The University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension 4-H Program utilizes an approach called Teens as Teachers. Research indicates that when youth are involved in teaching, they take on the role as a positive role model for their students and youth report being more physically active and eating a healthier diet (Smith, 2014). Teens as Teachers also learn valuable life skills such as leadership, communication, decision making, and responsibility. Furthermore, utilizing teens as role models brings fresh ideas, current trends, and a more relatable teacher (Ripberger & Blalock, 2011). In order to successfully implement Teens as Teachers programs, there are essential best practices that must be followed: recruitment, training, effective curriculum, evaluation, reward system. UF/IFAS has been implementing this model for ten years and will share the most effective ways to utilize teens in programming.
Presenters
Vanessa SperoRegional Specialized 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, University of Florida, United States Noelle Guay
4-H Youth Development Program, University of Florida Andrea Lazzari
4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Laura E Valencia
University of Florida Beth Shephard
County Extension Director, UF/IFAS Kimber Sarver
4-H Youth Develoipment Extension Agent, University of Florida, IFAS Extensioin, Florida, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Health Promotion and Education
KEYWORDS
Healthy Living, Youth Development, Teens
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