The Washington times., 1915-08-03
Place Of Home Economics
In School Curricula AS
Outlined By Educators
Courses For Teachers Offered by Various Training Schools
Summarized in Review by Federal
Bureau of Education.
SUMNER SCHOOL LETTER, NO. 8.
prepared by the Bureau of Education.)

~ INCE home economics has come
to have a recognized place in the
~ public school curriculum and in
some States the teaching OF
home economics in the public schools
10 required by law, the problem OF how
II is to be taught in the elementary
schools. particularly the rural schools.
is an important one for the teacher.
The subjects to be taught. the manner
In which these subjects are to be pre-
sented. the place Of the courses in the
school program. and the financing OF
the work both at the time of its intro
ductfon and for maintenance after 1t is
introduced. must be determined.
Teaching Of sewing. cooking. and
sanitation should be commenced before
the girl reaches the secondary schools.
The teacher should make herself ac-
quainted with the homes OF the COM
munity in order to know and meet local
needs. Emphasis should be placed on
nourishing and wholesome food. pre-
pared In a sanitary manner; useful and
well-made articles. prepared with care
full stitches; and a clean and well-kept
home in which all members OF the fam
lily do their part.
How Presented.
This work may be presented through
correlation with other subjects; for
example. food may be considered in the
nature study. physiology. or school
garden work. The cooking may be
made the means OF introducing the hot
school lunch: It may serve the purpose
OF developing the school as a social
center: or it may be carried on largely
as home project work and thus increase
the childs interest in the activities of
the home.
Sewing may be used to arouse an in
terest In the beautifying of the school,
as well as in the making OF the useful
cap. apron. towel. and holder. to be
ton in sanitation may be made the
means of keeping the school and its
surroundings in a sanitary condition so
that 1t may serve as model for the
home.
School boards are not always ready
to meet the initial expense. The value
Of the work mus, first make itself felt
An interest create among the children
the sewing lessons without expense to
the school. Interested school patrons
| may give the necessary equipment fol-
the first lessons In cooking. The efforts
] selves can bring about the necessary
additions.
In some States there is q State super
! visor. inspector or director Of home
economics in the public schools of the
| State who can provide written instruc
! tions for carrying on home economics
| in the rural schools. Information II
regard to such supervision can be Sc
cured from the State board OF educa.
| ton.
In the Normal Schools.
The normal schools in many State.
| have taken UP definite work in home
economies for the rural schools. The
normal schools may give regular
courses for rural teachers in the sum.
mer. or they may issue correspondence
courses.
In most States the home economics
department OF the State university OF
! Of the State agricultural college pub.
fishes and distributes bulletins. CORE.
spondence, courses. or other material
In homo economics Of direct assistance