The Home – JSS1 Home Economics Lesson Note (Second Term)

A home is a house in which a family lives, where members share love, joy, interests and troubles, and work together to help one another.

Sub-topic: Domestic violence

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Explain the meaning of a home.
2. State the characteristics of a home.
3. State the difference between a home and a house.
4. Define violence and domestic violence.
5. Say who can be involved in domestic violence.
6. State the causes, effects and ways of resolving domestic violence.

What is a home?

A home is a house in which a family lives, so it is an abode or dwelling place for a family.

• More than a building: a home is more than a house because of the people and care inside it.
• Sharing: family members share interests, joy, love, activities and troubles.
• Rest: it is a place to relax and be at ease.
• Teamwork: members live and work together to help each other and the whole family.

What are the characteristics of a home?

The characteristics of a home are the features that make a house a place where a family truly lives.

1. A home belongs to a family, whether the family owns it or rents it.
2. It is a dwelling place for a family.
3. It must provide comfort and security for the family.
4. There must be communication among family members in the home.
5. Family members share love, companionship and intimacy in the home.
6. Families sometimes experience different types of violence in the home.

What is the difference between a home and a house?

A house is a building, while a home is a house that meets the needs of a family, including love.

• House: a building or structure that can be used for various purposes, such as living, shop or office.
• Home: a house that offers a family love, comfort, security and companionship.

What are the qualities of a peaceful home?

A peaceful home is one where family members live together happily without fighting or abuse.

• Love: members care for one another.
• Respect: children respect parents, and parents respect children.
• Communication: members talk openly and listen to one another.
• Cooperation: everyone shares household duties.
• Forgiveness: members forgive one another quickly after quarrels.
• Security: everyone feels safe in the home.
• Honesty: members tell the truth and trust one another.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is violence that occurs in the home.

• Violence: the use of physical force to harm someone or something.
• Possible results of violence: injury, property damage and even death.
• Domestic: having to do with the home.

Who can be involved in domestic violence?

Anyone living in the home can be involved, either as the person who harms or the person who is harmed.

• Husband and wife: one spouse may beat or abuse the other.
• Siblings: brothers and sisters may fight or bully one another.
• Parents to children: a parent may beat or abuse a child.
• Other people in the home: relatives, house helps and others may be harmed or may harm.

What are the types of domestic violence?

There are four common types of domestic violence: physical, emotional, sexual and neglect.

• Physical violence: hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing or burning a person.
• Emotional or verbal violence: insults, threats and shouting that hurt a person’s feelings.
• Sexual violence: forcing a person into any sexual act.
• Neglect: failing to give a person food, clothing, shelter, care or schooling.

What are the causes of domestic violence?

Domestic violence is caused by problems that family members fail to handle peacefully.

• Poor communication: misunderstandings that are not settled by talking.
• Poverty: lack of money often brings quarrels.
• Drug and alcohol abuse: a person under their influence may lose self-control.
• Jealousy: envy between spouses or among children.
• Lack of respect: members who do not value one another.
• Bad temper: inability to control anger.

What are the effects of domestic violence?

Domestic violence harms the victim, the family and the community.

• Injury or death: victims may be badly hurt or killed.
• Fear and sadness: victims lose confidence and peace of mind.
• Poor school performance: children cannot concentrate on their studies.
• Broken homes: parents may separate or children may run away.
• Damage to property: items in the home may be destroyed.

What are the ways of resolving domestic violence?

Domestic violence is resolved by settling disagreements peacefully and seeking help early.

1. Talk calmly about problems instead of shouting or fighting.
2. Learn to control anger and walk away from a quarrel when needed.
3. Show respect and forgive one another.
4. Report abuse to a trusted adult such as a teacher, relative or religious leader.
5. Seek help from elders, counsellors, social workers or the police.
6. Avoid drugs and excessive alcohol.
7. Share duties and money matters fairly in the home.

Evaluation

1. State the difference between a home and a house.
2. State six qualities of a peaceful home.
3. Define violence and domestic violence.
4. List four people who can be involved in domestic violence.
5. Name three causes of domestic violence.

Assignment

Mention five ways of resolving domestic violence at home.