Extension professionals make decisions regarding developmentally age- appropriate programming. The time spent in each activity should be kept at 20 minutes or less to hold their attention. Activities and curriculum are done in small groups as opposed to doing projects or activities alone. More than 600 studies have been conducted during the past 90 years comparing the effectiveness of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic environments with humans of all ages. Non-competitive activities and cooperative learning are directly related to one another.
Children have a difficult time psychologically understanding winning and losing.
Competition is almost always connected to external awards and approval. Children in competitive settings, whether they win or lose, begin to define themselves extrinsically which is a weak foundation for their developing self-concepts. It is important to make sure that it is non- competitive and equal recognition is given to all participants. This does not mean that young children cannot be given advice or tips on how to improve their exhibit or work. Cloverbud-aged children have limitations in what they can physically do, mentally understand, emotionally comprehend, and how they socially interact.