DOMESTIC DIVA
You may remember that in November I was asked to take over a group of badly behaved 8th grade science students (maybe a better word for them would be hoodlums). I have been able to change their behavior but I haven't enjoyed the subject matter. Science just isn't my thing! Well, the principal informed me yesterday that they had hired a new teacher for the class. "But," she said with a grin, "I have another assignment for you." Turns out the Home Ec (now called FACS) teacher needs to get out of her contract due to a family situation and she needs me to take over for that class until the end of the year. How fun is that?! Since it's not a core class, the curriculum isn't as structured and I will have some creative license. My head is spinning with ideas. Of course cooking is involved (and by the way if you have any easy recipes that can be put together and cleaned up in 50 minutes, let me know). But we can also discuss nutrition ( a topic this age student really needs), the problems with energy drinks, table settings, grocery shopping...the possibilities are endless. Any suggestions any of you would like to throw this way would be greatly appreciated.
Oh...the one down side to this is that this teacher is also in charge of the Year Book and the deadline to turn it in is 6 weeks from now. I don't know much about that; I definitely don't know the Publisher program on the computer. That part of the assignment has me concerned. I have probably mentioned this before but my dad always said, "Act like you know what you're doing and no one will know the difference." That has certainly become my motto.
18 comments:
That sounds like a lot of fun! Way better than Science! Good luck! I bet Kristy Grover will have some good recipes for you!
This will be an awesome assignment for you...I think you will be great and really enjoy it. I was a yearbook advisor at a charter school some years back and found advice from the publisher to be invaluable. I called them, found a sympathetic person to advise and help me and somehow muttled through and produced a really, nice memorable book that I'm still proud of today. Keep us all "posted" on this new adventure.
woo hoo! Teaching FCS to hoodlums-I did that for a year. I can't wait to go through stuff tomorrow to see if there's anything I can send you or link you to. I'm so impressed you were able to change behavior! I wish I could have done that. Good luck with the yearbook-yikes.
You will be GREAT at this new assignment!
And Rich always says the same thing... and it always works! Act like you know what you're doing and no one questions you either!
Wow!!! What a fun assignment. My mother was a home ec teacher. I wish she were here to pick her brain. She has a funny story though. She didn't know how to make a good pie crust. So, when they came to that unit, she would tell the girls that she wouldn't always be there to help them. So she just wanted them to read the directions and figure it out on their own. Later when she was engaged to my dad and found out that his favorite dessert was pie and that he loved the crust the best, another home ec teacher taught her how to make a good pie crust. (The secret is to freeze the shortening--you have to use Crisco brand-- and use ice cold water.)
Oh yeah . . . way better than science!
What does FACS stand for, anyway?
Do you think there will be classroom management problems because it is not a core curriculum class? Hope not. There is usually not as much shinanigans if they are busy and interested in a project.
When I was in Home ec, the teacher demonstrated the new-fangled Microwave oven. It was pure "magic" that she could reach in and pull out piping hot food and hold the dish without using a hot pad!
And, I never liked brocolli at all until we made a brocolli soup in our classroom kitchen in 9th grade, and I've loved it ever since.
Something I wish I left from home that you could totally teach them: how to cook at college without mom. My mom attempted to teach me, of course I was "too cool" to take her lessons seriously and I spent my college years (before GJ) eating a lot of rice and tortillas.
Can you do sewing with them? A thing that the girls would totally dig would be easy-sew projects like skirts or bags or aprons.
And wow good luck with the yearbook. I would recommend finding a teacher or student that knows the program they're using and have them go over the program basics with you.
I'm excited to hear about your adventures.
Oh Lauri, that is going to be right up your ally!! Have fun!
The yearbook part though, uh oh! I will try to think up some easy things for your students to cook!
That sounds way more fun!! I know I loved home ec when I was in school- I learned a ton! I am happy Autumn can send you some fun stuff- she is super creative!! I was our Yearbook Editor my Senior Year, but I know that things have changed so much since then. If I can help in any way, just let me know! Good luck!! I can't wait to see and hear updates!!
You my dear will rock at BOTH! No one puts that extra touch into home economics like you! And you will find your way thru that yearbook for sure! Even some scrapbook sites might give you some layout ideas!
Oh you will be wonderful! My niece takes this class in SLC and loves it! Her teacher had the students bring in simple family recipes and that's what they make and then put together a cookbook. If you look at my blog there are some very creative craft sights with simple projects. Good luck!
Did I really type sights instead of sites? I think I have had a stroke!! :)
I think you are so much more the Domestic Diva type than the Mad Scientist type...this will be so much fun for you AND for your students. Hey, are you planning to go to Women's Conference this year? Do you usually go? I'm giving it some thought.
Hi Lauri!
I still have and even use some recipes that I got when I was in cooking class in the 7th and 8th grade! I will e-mail you some of the recipes. They're actually pretty fun. Guaranteed to have done and clean up finished in 50 minutes, too.
That sounds like total fun to teach what we used to call Home Ec.! (Good luck with the year book. Maybe some kids in your ward are working on their high school yearbook staff - they might like to help out.)
I love what your dad said about looking confident and I totally agree!!
Hugs, Rebecca
FUN!!!!!!!
Do you remember the cinnamon roll recipe? Would be great.
Hey all,
I'm laughing at some of your stereo-typed comments. Home Ec (Family and Consumer Science) is no longer just for girls. There are a lot of boys in these classes too.
Wow!!! What an awesome job change! And, you deserve huge commendations for what you did with that science class! :) I think home ec would be fun! I hope it goes well for you! :) And, I agree- those were and awesome 10 post... you have a gift!
You know I've always considered you another "Martha Stewart", you are so talented in the domestic arena. So the kids will be lucky to have you as their teacher, and it will be fun for you too.
Debie
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