At this time we are are not completely self sufficient. Some would argue that we are not even close. My family and I are in what Patricia Hayes, author of Radical Homemakers, would call “the renunciation stage.”

At this point I am training myself and my children to “make do,” “re-use,” “repair,” or if absolutely necessary “buy used” whenever possible.

We have become more conscientious of how much public utility resources we consume.  Our water, electric and gas bills are slowly getting smaller.

Composting has led to a much smaller amount of refuse that’s gets taken to the curb on trash night.

Planting seeds with my pre-schoolers while being a joyful act of getting messy is also a wonderful lesson in nurturing and caring for those who need our help.

Harvesting so-called “weeds” like Curly Doc and Dandelion leaves puts free, iron and fiber rich food on our table.

I will continue to strive to live more and more independently.  I look forward to exiting “the grid.”  I relish my freedom from corporate slavery and being defined by what people pay me to do.

I do not relish my somewhat trimmer bank account, but in all truth, my lifestyle is not much different.  I can’t run out and purchase a new television for example if the one we have ceases to function.  ( I’d be fine without TV but my elderly Dad would suffer.) But I could certainly plan to put aside money for any purchase large or small.  Just like my garden – if I plant the seeds and tend to them, nurture them and embrace this moment just as it is, the harvest is rich and plentiful.  My family and I are provided for.  We are the navigators of our time on this planet.  In this way I am able to live my life with purpose and to teach my children to do so as well. 

What is usually taught in home economics?  Sewing, cooking, and cleaning.  In fact these are just a few of the things taught.  But what better place to learn them than at home? 

It is lunch time.  Have your child make lunch.  Show them where things are located and explain why.  Walk them step by step through the process.  Next time, let them do all by themselves.  Use your daily family meals as the time to teach cooking to your young students.  Explain the uses of seasoning.  Have the pick a seasoning and research it.  Give them a chance to come up with ways to use it and let them experiment.  During all this you’ll be teaching math, science, and social skills. 

The list of books out there for children cooking is endless.  A few to check out is Kitchen for Kids, Cooking With Children, and The Usborne First Cookbook.  You’ll have so much fun with your children cooking.

Take it to the next level and begin teaching them how to set and clear a table.  Explaining why utensils are placed where they are and the need for various pieces can be fun.  Have a fancy family meal where their food they’ve cooked can be displayed and they can set a dinner table for a party.  Learning these skills can help in the future when they attend a wedding party or other fancy gathering.  They’ll feel proud to know which utensil to use and how to respond during the meal.

You can introduce them to sewing.  It doesn’t have to be a designer gown that is made.  Basic sewing can be taught and can be fun.  How about making some new curtains for the kitchen or an apron to cook in?  There are so many things that you can make that is not too difficult for first time sewers.  Even boys can have fun and get something out of it.  They can learn to make backpacks or vests.  How about pajamas that they can say they made? 

There are many sewing books out there to help out.  Try Stitches and Pins for girls and Buckles and Bobbins for boys.  Each book comes with a variety of projects that they can do and have fun at the same time.

Don’t limit yourself in your home economic classes.  Try learning to crochet or knit.  You can begin with basic pieces and work your way up.   Make Christmas gifts or pieces to decorate the home. 

Learning to clean house is a basic home economic topic.  Teach your children how to use the vacuum cleaner, carpet cleaner, broom, and mop.  Teach them how to clean windows correctly and how to wipe down countertops.  Sorting and washing clothes is a big job and they need to learn how big of a chore it is.  Show them the steps.  Add some music so that there is some fun in the cleaning.  Don’t make it boring and stressful.  Make it fun and before you know it you’ll be having fun, too.

Knowing how to keep the yard nice is another area of home economics.  Raking, mowing, picking up trash, and learning to take care of gardens is another area to have fun and learn.

The world of home economics is vast and wonderful.  Teaching a child how to survive on their own is priceless.

As a teacher in Australia I could be asked to teach different subjects as well as the areas of major study.  I have taught English along with reading exercises and vocabulary, but often when I have been teaching my other areas like geography, history, or social studies, and I have asked a student to read a particular passage to the class, I am met with the response, “This isn’t an English class, we don’t read in this class.” Even though you may not an English teacher, reading still needs to happen right across the curriculum and many seminars and workshops have tried to find the best way to do this.

            Students should understand that before the text book went to the printer and binder, it had to be proof-read.  No matter what the subject is communication must happen and the rules of proper grammar must be followed.  The editing therefore was most likely done by a professional in the field of English grammar, and therefore the text is able to be read and understood. Here is the way I do it:

            Select the particular piece of text that is being studied and have students read through the section aloud, making notes of the main points as the piece is read. Break the body of reading into manageable pieces and select groups to read each one.  Each group will nominate an organizer, writer, reader, and presenter, and in the allotted time the groups will read discuss and disseminate what their section is about.

            Next after the predetermined time when they have read and discussed the assigned section, each group’s presenter will present a précis of the section to the class and explain what it is about. The groups field questions from the rest of the class and through this teachers can assess the depth of learning taking place. 

            Remember that, It is important that each group’s roles are assigned and followed through. Always, the teacher should circulate and ensure students remain on task, as even good intentioned students can wander off task. Make sure you know the section of the text, anticipate any questions that may arise, and research it thoroughly before teaching it.