Tips for Writing 4-H Exhibit Goals

Iowa County and 4-H Fairs will soon be in full swing. For some families, that means crunch time to get 4-H projects ready for exhibit. Besides the project, members must also complete a 4-H Exhibit Goal Sheet for each of their static projects. When the goal sheet is hastily written or not well thought out, the goal sheet can become a detriment rather than a support to the project. The goal sheet is usually written but may be submitted as a video or a voice recording. 4-H members can use a standard form or create their own. Regardless of presentation, the three parts (questions) must be answered.

The three parts of the exhibit goal sheet include the following:

• exhibit goal – first and perhaps the most important,
• explanation of steps taken to reach the goal,
• learning experiences acquired while doing the project, as stated in the goal.

The goal is the road map helping one plan how to get where they want to go or directions for arriving at a destination. In the same way one may reach a destination using Google, maps or a navigator tool before starting to drive, the goal should lead to the finished project. Therefore, the goal must be known at the start of the project so that the steps and learning experiences result in the project being evaluated.

So what makes a strong goal?

• Goals have three parts—ACTION (what one wants to do)—RESULT (what one is going to do)—TIMETABLE (when one plans to do it or have it done).
• Goals should pass the “control test.”  Does the 4-H member have control over the outcome of the goal, or does someone else have that control?
• Goals should be appropriate for the age and experience level of the 4-H member.
• Goals should be S.M.A.R.T. or SENSIBLE – MEASURABLE – ATTAINABLE – REALISTIC – TIMELY. Of the five S.M.A.R.T. parts, MEASURABLE jumps out as the part allowing a 4-H member to evaluate their project and see growth. Measurable is also important to the 4-H judge in evaluating the project.

Here are some examples of goals and their strength.

Learning to set goals is an essential life skill to develop. Goals should change and become more challenging each year to show growth in a project. For more information on strong goals for the 4-H Exhibit Sheet, check out a great video on setting goals. And after a great goal is in place, check out Tips for Completing the 4-H Exhibit Goal Sheet.

Marlene Geiger

I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.

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