Extension provides a wealth of programming about youth, parenting, family and senior issues, all designed to improve family living. We can make these programs available to your group of 15 or more members. Call us for more information at (630) 584-6166!
Programs that are available include:
Many of us believe the myth that aging and memory loss go hand in hand. The reality is that memory does change as we age, but forgetfulness is common for people at all stages of life. It's important to note that memory can be strengthened. This workshop will cover how researchers are examining the memory process, how memory changes as people age, and some techniques and strategies for improving memory.
Time: 60-90 minutes
Audience: Adults
The good news is that people are living longer, and living longer well. There is a challenge that comes with this good news. There are more generations than ever living and thriving in all aspects of American life. In many cases, each generation comes with its own perspective. Sometimes these perspectives are quite different and clash with one another. Learning to cope with the misunderstandings that can result from intergenerational relationships at home, at work and in the community is very valuable. This program discusses what perspectives today's generations share and how they differ. Also, participants will learn how to communicate effectively to build bridges across the generation gaps.
Time: 90 minutes - 2 hours
Caring for parents and other dependent family members is a growing concern for families. More than 80 percent of care provided to older people comes from family members. The family is a major resource in helping older members with emotional and social support, crisis intervention, and linkages with the health care system. By participating in this program, participants will have the opportunity to become more conscious of their needs as caregivers and learn how to develop a plan to meet those needs.
Audience: Caregivers or service providers
Colors is designed to help you understand and appreciate your own personality style and the styles of others in your family, club, workplace and neighborhood. "Colorize" youth and adults to help them better understand others. Find out about the similarities and differences among you and your friends.
Time: Two hours
Audience: Adults and youth who are 14 or older
This progrqm teaches teens and young adults the fundamentals of sound money management, including the financial planning process, goal setting, managing income and credit, insurance, and savings and investing.
Time: One hour
Audience: Teachers and youth counselors
The majority of Americans increasingly find themselves called upon to manage out-of-the-home work and the needs of personal and family life. This program series helps people manage their work, and their personal lives. Topics include work and one's relationships with themselves, their partner, their children, their supervisors, their coworkers, and their extended family and friends. Each of the topics is complete as a workshop in itself, or used as a series offered as a lunch bag seminar series.
Time: One to two hours per workshop
A number of workshops for parents are available. Titles include:
How to Get Along with Your Teenager
Your Self-Esteem and Your Children
How to Control Your Anger
How to Discipline Your Children
Domestic Abuse
Children, the Internet and Safety
Toy Safety
Communication
Child Development
Children's Rights
Talking to Children about Difficult Issues
Building Postive Relationships
Is Your Child Using Drugs?
Family Values
Getting Along with Your Partner
Our Image and Our Self-Esteem
Your Self-Esteem and Your Family
Being Successful in School
Time: 60-70 minutes each session
Audience: Parents and/or agency staff members who work with parents.
As we are reminded far too often in today's world, many people do not know how to handle conflict situations effectively. Growing up watching adults who are unable to manage their anger or deal with conflict, youth often model this behavior and lash out in aggressive and violent ways. This workshop teaches youth and adults alternative, nonviolent ways to handle their anger when they come into conflict with other people. It helps participants reflect on how they handle conflicts and focuses on effective decision-making, so they are able to figure out strategies that will best help them resolve their conflict situations in a peaceful and productive manner.
Time: One to two hours
Audience: 4th-12th grade students, adults
Young people do not often really understand the costs of sexual behavior with a partner. R.I.S.K. is a simulation game and guided discussion that illustrates these costs for a youth audience and helps them develop decision-making skills. In this program, this sensitive topic is handled realistically with drama and humor.
Time: 90 minutes
Audience: Junior high through college age
Bullying is a big problem for many of our youth. These programs look at why youth bully others and whom the bullies target. Three different programs help teachers, parents or students look at what they can do to help youth avoid being bullied.
Time: 5 hours
Audience: Students, teachers or parents
We live in an amazing, technological age. Historical information is recorded almost before it happens. Yet, ironically, many adults and children know very little about their own family history. Family mobility, geographical distance, and hurried lifestyles provide limited opportunities for younger and older generations to engage in family storytelling, an activity that used to be a natural occurrence in the daily lives of most families. This workshop helps participants understand the history of storytelling and helps them explore ways to preserve individual and family stories for future generations.
Audience: Adults and.or youth
Young people can explore career options and make lifestyle and budget choices like adults in this active, hands-on, real-life simulation.They explore potential careers they would like to pursue in the future. After they choose a career, they receive a monthly salary for that career and then proceed through the "Real World" simulation, deducting taxes, determining a savings amount, and spending their monthly "salary" on the necessary and luxury items that reflect the career and lifestyle they have chosen. Students also learn check writing and balancing, savings, budgeting and developing a spending plan.
Time: A variety of formats from one-hour presentation to nine classroom hours.
Audience: Teachers or youth
Our other program areas....
Personal Safety Woodstock, Illinois (McHenry County) February 8, 2010
Enhancing Personal Effectiveness Through Colors Woodstock, Illinois (McHenry County) April 29, 2010
Kane County Unit 535 South Randall Road St. Charles, IL 60174-1591 Phone: 630-584-6166 FAX: 630-584-4610 kane_co@extension.uiuc.edu