Category: Professional Development

Hands-On Textiles: Needle Felting

You’ve probably heard about needle felting, maybe even tried it. However, have you ever considered teaching the art to your students?  When I learned this was being taught to high school students, I had to learn more. So, let me introduce you to Shaelin Nilsen of Utah! She created these “Hands-On Textiles: Needle Felting resources” so you, too, can help your students learn about non-woven textiles and wool fiber while creating a simple little project!

Pie Crusts: Experimenting with Fats

Recently, I read a newsletter about pie crusts made with olive oil. This was intriguing because my family has always sworn by pie crusts made with shortening. Because of this curiosity and the holidays being right around the corner, I decided to add a lab titled, Pie Crust: Experimenting with Fats so students could see and experience the similarities and differences first hand. Note: The pie crusts can be taste tested with or without a filling. If using a filling, I recommend a simple chocolate pudding with some whipped topping and sprinkles!

Book Study

Does your school or state require you to do a Danielson Framework project as part of your evaluation? Or are you required to participate in a professional learning community? If you can answer “yes” to either of those questions, you may be interested in leading a book study around the book titled, “The Secret History of Home Economics” by Danielle Dreilinger like Ellen Bolton and Sue Kinney did with members of the PAFACS organization. Read on to see how this was accomplished.

Trendy Threads Wardrobe Box

The Trendy Threads Wardrobe Box project was created to simulate clothing subscription services that are advertised on the internet. These services are designed to tailor outfits that fit and flatter the personality, profile, needs and body type of their client for a fee. In this project, students become the personal stylist as they curate outfits for their “clients” based on profile information. It’s a great way for students to apply what they’ve learned in class and see if they enjoy being a personal stylist!

Japanese Fruit Sandwiches

What is beautiful, photogenic and instagram worthy, colorful and easy to eat? Japanese fruit sandwiches, of course! Read on to learn more about Japanese fruit sandwiches and how to incorporate them into your classes and food labs!

Quick Tips Postcard Project

If you’ve ever subscribed or read “Cooks Illustrated,” you may be familiar with a recurring feature called “Quick Tips.” In this feature, tips are provided to make food prep easier and more convenient. I have taken this concept and turned it into the “Quick Tips Postcard Project” as a way to add visual interest to classroom bulletin boards or displays!

FCS Related Podcasts

Below is a list of topical FCS Related Podcasts for your summer listening pleasure! I will admit that I have not listened to all of these, but I’ve been accumulating the list for over a year and most of the suggested podcasts came recommended through educational sources. If you discover any that should not be on this list, please let me know. Additionally, if you have suggestions of podcasts that should be included, please let me know and I will update the list.

Resources for Teaching about Chocolate

Who doesn’t love chocolate? For me, dark chocolate hits the spot! Every. Single. Time! If you are a chocoholic or just enjoy the taste, you may also enjoy the following resources for teaching about chocolate. Many can be used in this world of remote teaching, but can also be used in the traditional classroom!

Cross Stitch Unit

During COVID-19, April Dull of Pennsylvania presented a webinar: “Using Canva to Inspire Students to Think and Express Themselves Creatively”. After participating in her presentation where the cross stitch unit was introduced, I knew I had to feature April on the website! Read on to see how a cross stitch unit was taught virtually to her students. While this unit was taught E-learning style, it can be used within a traditional or blended classroom.

Cookie Baking Unit!

My students have been practically begging me to let them bake cookies. They have been relentless! Since they were so excited, I gave in! Because I haven’t taught this in many years, I had to update my cookie unit. I decided it was the perfect time to share my Cookie Baking unit with you because it fits so well sandwiched between the holiday breaks!