Home Economics …

“… stands for the ideal home life for today unhampered by the traditions of the past [ and] the utilization of all the resources of modern science to improve home life."

Ellen Swallow Richards (1904)Founder of the Home Economics Movement

Home Economics offers more than just the practical skills of cooking…

… and sewing.

“Home Economics fosters the development of reflective, critical thinkers secure in dealing with the perennial practical problems of families in a global society”

Gale Smith, Ph.D (2002)Curriculum and Instruction in Home Economics Education, UBC

Home Economics allows students to think critically and solve problems in an ever changing society

Home Economics provide students with the skills that will enhance their lives for the present and future.

What is happening in Canadian Society?

An increase in male lone-parent families

Do they have the skills and knowledge to cope?

Non-family related physical assaults have doubled those of family related assaults

An increase in the aging population

Who will care for them?

Do they know how?

How does Home Economics provide students with the skills that will enhance their lives for the present and future?

Students who take Family Studies will learn how to:

Assess components of a safe physical and personal environment for children

Obtain the skills for effective communication Describe the components of a healthy

relationship Understand the roles and responsibilities of

adulthood and parenting

Understand a variety of economic, social, and emotional issues and challenges that may affect families

Identify the factors that affect the choice of living and housing options

And so much more!

What is happening to our food in Canadian Society?

23% Canadians 18+yrs are obese.

Are We What We Eat?

What about Malnutrition and Globesity?

So much food to choose from. How do we decide?

How do we produce good, nourishing food for all, and protect the land at the same time?

How does Home Economics provide students with the skills that will enhance their lives for the present and future?

Students who take Food Studies will:

Describe factors that influence personal food choices

Evaluate commercial food products Identify the influence of food marketing practices Determine environmental and health issues

related to consumption and production of food Modify recipes to improve their nutritional value Critique the use of additives and enrichments,

pesticides and nutrition and health statements of foods

And so much more.

How many Canadians are able to care for their clothing or even make simple repairs?

There are many new textile fibres like soy, bamboo, and microfibres available.

So much choice, how does one decide?

What about child labour, sweatshops, and environmental issues related to our textile choices?

Can textiles arts promote positive self esteem and lead to a lifelong hobby ?

How can Home Economics provide students with the skills that will enhance their lives for the present and future?

Students who take Textiles Studies will :

Identify the conditions under which clothing and textiles are produced

Look at local opportunities to renew and recycle clothing and textiles

Describe basic care of textile items including stain removal

Use a variety of sewing techniques to construct textile items

Evaluate textile products And so much more

Since there is less time being spent at home with families there is a need now more than ever to build the confidence of our students in taking care of themselves…

The Benefits of all Home Economic Classes are that:

Students gain hands-on-skills that can change their lives and the lives of others around them

Students will use what they learn every day of their lives

Students have the opportunity to discover their own abilities, and develop a curiosity to learn more. 

Students develop positive self esteem, creativity, time management skills and global awareness

Home Economics classes can influence career choices such as:

Family Studies social worker, family counsellor, child care worker,

property manager, educator, nursing Foods & Nutrition:

Food stylist, health inspector, chef, caterer, dietitian, food writer or critic, food scientist, educator, nutritionist

Textiles Studies Costume designer, interior decorator, fashion designer

or illustrator, personal shopper, upholsterer, fashion merchandizer, educator

‘It must be remembered that the purpose of education is not to fill the minds of students with facts... it is to teach them to think, if that is possible, and always to think for themselves.’ --- Robert Hutchins

Home Economics: So much more than just cooking and sewing!

Home Economics

– it’s a course for life

2008 -Created by Denice Marr for THESA