The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1912-01-04
Domestic Science
in Rural Schools.
BY Miss Mary L. Bull, Exten-
sion Division, Minnesota Az
ricultural College.
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There are few people, even in this
day, who do not appreciate the value
of home economics courses in our
schools; who believe that the only
place for girl to learn breadmaking
and other housewifely duties is at her
mothers side; and that, because of
the fact that she is woman, she will
by intuition be able to perform, in a
creditable manner, the manifold duties
that fall to tho lot of the homemaker.
We are glad that men and women
are coming to realize that girls should
receive some special training in sub
jects which relate so closely to home
and family as do the air we breathe,
the water we drink and the food we
eat
Many graded schools, high schools
and colleges have established courses
in home economics, domestic science
and art. But there is ell the rural
school, which has little if any, work
along these lines When we think
how large a proportion of students in
rural schools never attend school else
where, and who therefore have no OPP
portunity to study the subjects which
underlie homemaking, this seems a
mistake.
The possibility and practicability of
Introducing some such subjects in the
rural schools is questioned both by
teachers and parents. Some even
question the benefit to be derived from
such work, provided it could be car
ried on.
One of the benefits to be obtained
from a study of domestic science was
well brought ont 10 a conversation
with young woman who is a kractical
honemaker, as wels a. z ssuaa6t ane
teacher In speaking of the amount
of time spent L The study of the prin-
ciples UNDER ug household sph ieets
she said: "Such study seems most
necessary to me, because it makes the
practical work so much more interest
ing. 1 thoroughly enjoy doing GER
tain piece of work, when understand
the reasons for doing it in a given
manner, and what results to expect
If l carry ont given rules and obey
certain laws"
The more thoroughly any line of
work is understood, the more enjoy
ment is derived from performing such
work. If girl understands that Is
degrees F. is the temperature best
suited to successful breadmaking, be-
cause this temperature is not con-
ducive to the growth of foreign fer
ments, but is the degree of heat best
suited to normal growth of yeast
plants-if she knows that less de-
gree of heat would retard their devel-
opment, and so affect the quality of
her bread-she will be more apt to
realize the Importance of producing
and maintaining the proper tempera-
ture during the process. If she under
stands that poor bread is not due to
bad luck" but to poor management,
she will take greater pride in being
better manager.
1t may not everywhere be possible
or advisable to try to do much, if any.
actual cooking in the rural school;
but some study of the subject. show
ing in simple way the relation of
food to health, might be carried on
with benefit to all.
There are many readable and easily
understandable bulletins, which may
be obtained free of charge for the
asking, from the United States depart
ment of agriculture, Washington, d. G.
From these the teacher may CLEAN
many interesting facts for her chill
dren. One on vegetables. giving their
nutritive content, how to prepare and
value, ETC.. could be used to advantage
to follow a lesson on potatoes, their
growth, cultivation, etc.
What and how much domestic sci
ence work can be carried on in the
rural school depends, in large meas
IRE, upon the attitude of the teacher
and the readiness of the parents to
lend a helping hand and give an en-
couraging word.
The idea of preparing at school,
some simple hot dish, TO serve with
the MONDAY lunch, is one which, i.
carried out, might lead to more inter-
est and better understanding OF
foods and their use in the body 4
number of young women in the stats
are trying this plan. One, in writ
of the plan as tried in her sch~c,
said: "Of course there is some eYira
planning attending the preparation.
and serving of hot dish but the re
suits warrant the exertion. The chill
dren are willing and anxious to do the
work, and our noon hour has be, oa.t