In April, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Abigail Thomas and Union County 4-H Teen Leader Jaelyn Cummings partnered to bring the Healthy Me pilot program to Whitney Copeland’s kindergarten class at Big Ridge Elementary School. Over the course of six visits, students participated in engaging lessons designed to promote emotional wellness, social skills and mindfulness.

Healthy Me is a research-based curriculum developed by Penn State Extension and tailored for youth ages 5 to 8. The curriculum features six interactive lessons, each paired with a storybook and hands-on activity to reinforce key concepts. This marks the first time the program has been implemented in Union County.

Topics covered in the sessions included identifying what makes a good friend, using words of affirmation, understanding the value of being present, making informed decisions, recognizing sensory differences and describing feelings. These important life skills were delivered in a developmentally appropriate way that allowed students to explore big ideas through stories, play and reflection.

“The students were so engaged, and it was inspiring to see how much they remembered and applied from week to week,” said Abigail Thomas. “By the end of the program, they were able to recall the books we read and the core lessons we discussed with impressive accuracy.”

The inclusion of a Union County 4-H Teen Leader added an extra layer of mentorship to the program. The teen leader assisted with activities, helped facilitate group discussions and even read one of the featured storybooks aloud to the class. “Having a teen leader participate not only gave the children another positive role model, but also offered the teen valuable leadership experience,” Thomas noted.

The program was well received by both students and staff. With its emphasis on social/emotional learning and personal development, Healthy Me aligns well with early childhood education goals and the broader mission of Cooperative Extension. Plans are already underway to expand the program to additional classrooms in the future.

For more information about Healthy Me or upcoming youth programs in Union County, contact the UT Extension Office at 865-992-8038.