Apr. 15, 2007
Home Ec ideas
Recently I had a mom ask me, how do you teach "Home Ec" without a curriculum and without money?! She was so distressed, so we spent some time and I shared some ideas with her. For those of you who may also be in that same situation, here are some ideas for YOU.
Using simple recipes, make things like biscuits, soups and cookies. Try for 5 ingredients or less. Let your child do most of the work, with you supervising. If they are reading, let them sort through the recipes for ideas. Remember to have your child read the entire recipe and lay ALL ingredients and utensils out before beginning. No, this isn't how most of us adults cook, but it IS the easiest way for a child (of any age) to learn. Having everything laid out means no wasted time, and the ability to talk about measurements and sizes as well.
If you have an older or more experienced child, work on creating a menu for a normal meal. Nothing fancy, just a simple lunch or dinner. Sandwiches, soups, maybe a side dish or dessert. This gives you the opportunity to cover the food groups, healthy choices, cost effective measures (not every meal needs dessert!), and menu planning. Use the recipes to make a grocery list, and arrange to go shopping for JUST those ingredients. When the meal is prepared, be sure to take a picture to commemorate this achievement. This is also a great process to scrapbook!
Mending is often difficult to teach, because it may not turn out the way you wanted, and then you have to redo what your child lovingly attempted. We have found that kitchen rags make great mending experiments. When a rag gets a hole, we can use brightly colored thread to mend it. The stitches show easily, the rag is just a rag, and if a mistake is made it doesn't matter. Rags are also frequently used items, so they are always available. They are also easy to show how stitches hold up under use and washing.
Ironing is so frustrating to young people. Linen towels washed, dried and left in the dryer till cold make great ironing practice items. They come out so wrinkled and look so awful! Since they are virtually indestructible, are relatively inexpensive, and are always used in the home, they are excellent for showing how the various settings on an iron work. Use the steam features, adjust the temperature settings for wool, cottons, knits, etc. (each iron is different). By the time they have had fun practicing, the towel should be just about ready to fold and put away! Flat items are always easier to learn on - save the sleeves and pleats for later!
Whatever project you are attempting in the attempt to teach home economics, I encourage you to get creative and use what you have around you. Enjoy teaching! |
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