Ages and Stages

New! Welcome to Massachusetts 4-H “Ages and Stages of Youth Development” - interactive, animated volunteer training modules.

Introduction and Directions

Have you ever wondered how to handle sensitive volunteer interactions or communications with a young child, a middle-school-aged youth or a teen? Try these fun interactive sessions for some tips on how to proceed, based on university research conducted by faculty and staff from the National 4-H Council, UMass Extension’s Communities, Families and Youth Program and the Massachusetts 4-H Program. Hey! It’s the 4-H way to “Learn by Doing”! Have Fun!

How to navigate “Ages and Stages”

Go to the:

• Go to the “Ages and Stages” Characteristics and Teaching Tips table for age groups 5-8, 9-12, and teens.
• Click on the images at the top of the table or on those located at the top of each age section to view the animations providing a cartoon scenario and visual and auditory tips for volunteer who work with that particular age group. BE SURE TO ADJUST THE SOUND LEVEL ON YOUR COMPUTER.
• Choose "Brain Research" for more information on the age-group brain research.
• Choose “Thanks and Acknowledgements” to learn more about the youth and adults responsible for this creative curriculum.
• In summary, from the Characteristics and Teaching Tips table you can go back and forth to the following sections:

Direct Links to Interactive Animations:

• 5 - 8 years: The New Puppy
• 9 - 12 years: Got Your Goat?
• Teens: Late for the Awards

Let us know what you think of this pilot curriculum by sending a message to:
AgesandStages@umext.umass.edu