Has anybody ever used these books? I'd like to pick them up to use, but they seem rather expensive. Are they worth the money? Anybody have any experience using them? http://www.amazon.com/HOME-ECONOMICS-SCHOOLERS-LEVEL-QUIET/dp/0979244625 There are three levels/books!
I've never heard of them, but I'm also interested in a home ec series. This one looks like a Christian series aimed at girls becoming Godly women. Does anyone know of books that would be appropriate for both boys and girls? I'd like my boys to learn a few home basics ... cooking, laundry, sewing on buttons, and that sort of thing. Sure, I can teach that myself, but I wonder if there's something out there in a step by step format. I have a tendancy to get ahead of myself. LOL!
Never heard of it, but it looks like a great series Marcia. I was wondering if there was more non-gender books out too.
I've been looking for non gender books myself, I can't find anything. I would also like something secular. Again can't find anything. Everything I have found is gear towards Christian girls.
I looked at these but they seemed too simple. I am using Christian Light http://www.christianbook.com/home-economics-complete-course/9780878139422/pd/636001 & am very happy with it. It begins with the basics, includes hands on *real* work & is simple to use & follow. I find it very thorough. If you want non~gender secular books why don't you ask your local school what they use ? They probably have a standard text they use.
We use Keepers At Home. We are part of a smaller group, but you wouldn't have to be to use the books. They also have Contenders for boys. It is Christian based. http://www.keepersofthefaith.com/Catalog/KeepersClubsIndex.asp
I'll do some research today and see what I can find. Marcia...I apologize for interrupting your thread.
I have those books-- all three levels. Positives: It breaks down cooking, cleaning and sewing tasks into easy age-appropriate lessons. It basically gives you a check list of topics to cover. Negative: It is very girl-focused. If you actually read it aloud, a boy might get the impression that only girls should cook, clean and sew. I'll give you the contents of Level 1... Cooking and Baking Topics... Nutrition Learning to Peel (carrots) Using the Toaster (make cinnamon toast) Cooking with Eggs (scrambled) Using the Stove (make French Toast) Learning about Salads (make tossed salad) Cooking your first Hot meal (make Beef stew with canned beef) Beginning Garnishing (cucumber flowers) Introducing the Oven (Shaker Cake) Following Direction (Read Recipe and make pizza with can of biscuits) Beginning Coating (baked chicken) Using the Pastry Cutter (Cinnamon Crispies) Using the Rolling Pin (Bisquick Biscuits) Intro to Sifting (Chocolate Bars) Baking and Cooking a meal (Beef Pie) Learning to Use a Grater (Mexican Pie) Cleaning Topics... Vacuuming Sweeping Washing Dishes Making a Bed Sewing Topics... Practice stitching on a note card with pre-punched holes Practice sewing by hand backward and forward Cut a pattern and make a heart shaped pin cushion Learn the Applique stitch and sew an applique onto a flag Then then there are two lessons on organization... Organizing a closet Organizing a bookshelf Level 2 and 3 are along the same lines, but with increasingly difficult tasks. Hope this helps. To be honest, I've had them for a couple years and we just haven't used them much. My daughter likes when we use them, but I tend to just teach them home skills as a part of living. I find it hard to turn it into a formal subject.
I should have taught it as a formal subject...according to my girls. They call all the time...how do I do this or that or what should I buy for this. On the other hand if I had taught them all that, when would they call? Ha...I always tell them (and the boys to) if you can read, you can cook. I just need to make them do more. but, like my mama said...it is just easier to do it yourself.
I'm looking for these books. If anybody has them and would like to sell them, I would be willing to buy them. Or, if somebody could keep an eye out for them at maybe a thrift store or someplace like that. I would really like to do these with my daughters.