Introduction to Home Economics – JSS1 Home Economics Lesson Note (First Term)

Home economics is a field of study that teaches us how to manage ourselves, our resources and our household.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define home economics;
2. list and explain the areas of home economics;
3. state the importance of home economics;
4. name subjects related to home economics and say what each contributes.

What is home economics?

Home economics is the study of how to manage people, money, food and other resources in the family and the home.

• Field of study: it teaches us how to manage ourselves, our resources and our household.
• Material things: things we can touch and use, such as money, food, clothes and furniture.
• Non-material things: things we cannot touch, such as time, energy, skills and good relationships.
• Another definition: it is the study of cooking, sewing, laundry and all matters relating to the management of the home.

What are the key terms in home economics?

These terms appear often in the topic and students should know each one.

• Resources: the things a family has and can use, such as money, time and energy.
• Needs: the things a family must have to live, such as food, clothing and a house.
• Nutrients: the substances in food that the body needs for growth, energy and health.
• Textiles: cloth and fabrics used for making clothes and household items.
• Grooming: keeping the body, hair and clothes clean and neat.
• Self-reliant: able to provide for yourself without depending on others for everything.

What are the areas of home economics?

There are five main areas of home economics: foods and nutrition, clothing and textiles, home management, child development and family living.

Foods and nutrition

This area deals with the study of food and nutrients.

• Food processing: changing raw food into other forms, such as turning cassava into garri.
• Preservation: keeping food from going bad.
• Preparation: getting food ready and cooking it.
• Management and service: planning meals and serving them well.
• Jobs: it prepares people for work in food and nutrition-related jobs.

Clothing and textiles

This area deals with textiles, and with the designing and sewing of clothes.

• Textiles: the study of fabrics.
• Designing and sewing: making clothes.
• Selection of clothes: choosing suitable clothes for the person and the occasion.
• Personal hygiene and good grooming: keeping clean and looking neat.

Home management

This area deals with using what the family has to get what the family needs.

• Resources: money, time and energy.
• Needs: food, clothing and a house.
• Process: planning and using resources wisely to meet those needs.

Child development

This area deals with how children grow and develop.

• Growth and development: how a child changes as he or she grows.
• Child care: how to look after children properly.

Family living

This area deals with how people live together in the family.

• Relationships: it teaches people how to keep good relationships in the family.

What are the other areas of home economics?

• Consumer education: teaches people how to buy and use goods and services wisely.
• Housing and interior decoration: deals with the house and how to arrange and decorate its inside.

Why is home economics important?

Home economics is important because it prepares people to manage their lives and homes well.

• Healthy living: it teaches people how to live a healthy, good and happy life.
• Homemaking: it prepares boys and girls for homemaking.
• Home care: it teaches people how to care for their home.
• Personal growth: it helps people to develop their abilities.
• Good food: it teaches people how to plan, cook, serve and eat good food.
• Family life: it teaches people how to live a happy life in the family.
• Self-reliance: it enables people to be self-reliant.

What careers are linked to home economics?

Home economics skills can lead to paid work or to running a small business.

• Caterer: prepares and serves food for events.
• Dietitian or nutritionist: advises people on what to eat for good health.
• Tailor or fashion designer: designs and sews clothes.
• Child-care worker: looks after young children.
• Interior decorator: arranges and decorates the inside of houses.
• Hotel and restaurant worker: works in food service and housekeeping.

How is home economics related to other subjects?

Home economics draws knowledge from many other subjects and brings it together to form its own body of knowledge.

What are the other related subjects?

• Sociology: the study of people and society.
• History: the study of past events.
• Geography: the study of places and the earth.
• Fine and Applied Arts: helps with design, colour and decoration.
• Agriculture: the source of many of our foods.
• Engineering: helps with household equipment and buildings.

Evaluation

1. Define home economics.
2. List the five main areas of home economics.
3. State four reasons why home economics is important.
4. Name three subjects related to home economics and say what each contributes.

Assignment

Explain any two areas of home economics in your own words.