Consumer Science

Most people know this as "Home Economics" but really these days it's called Family and Consumer Science.  Those of us who have been lucky enough to teach this subject to teenagers know how rewarding it can be to watch a 15 year old cook their first pancake and fearlessly (yes, that's the trick to a good flip) flip that sucker over.  But as one fantastic woman I know describes it, "It's like cooking Thanksgiving Dinner everyday"- TRUE STORY!!

When I was in Massachusetts I had an awesome job teaching 9-12 grade elective classes in Foods (basic cooking and nutrition), World Foods (exploring food through cooking around the world), and Child Growth & Development (prenatal- preschool).  It was awesome.  Not only did I work with amazing women, but my students were inspiring.  I really miss it.

The other day I pulled out a toy that I made as an example of a homework assignment I had assigned my Child Growth class.  They would need to make a toy for a child without spending any money- in other words, use what you've got.   I really wish I had taken photos of some of the things these students made.  Ispy jars, musical instruments, coloring books, one girl made a open the flap activity using the lids off wipes containers.  So cool!

Emma was so into this I thought I would take a video.  It's the sort of thing I would have liked to show in class to talk about the materials used- spice jar from the recycling bin (okay Ms. we know you want us to recycle), and q-tips.  In fact I think this one was from the FHS recycling bin ;)  You can practically see her little hand muscles getting stronger as she does this and she is concentrating SO hard.  We played with this in various ways for about 30 min when it was time to go pick up Ada.  Emma insisted on bringing it in the car.  Good toy!