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Child Development, Child Development Lessons, Family, Parenting

Vygotsky’s Learning Theory & Instructional Videos

by K.Graybill • June 17, 2016 • 0 Comments

The first time I ever heard of Lev Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development, I wondered how I would ever teach it to my child development class and have it make sense. Initially, it was a very simple lesson. Over the years it has evolved, but still I felt it needed something. Then, last year Laurie Lee, a FACS teacher from Glasgow High School in Glasgow, Missouri shared an idea she had on teaching preschool aged children how to do things by having her students create instructional videos. Immediately, the light bulb went off in my head and I knew I could tie this to Lev Vygotsky’s theory. So, below you will find the merging of these two lessons. Laurie says she and her classes loved this activity, both because the videos turned out great and anytime students have an opportunity to work with the preschool children it’s always a lot of fun!

Consumerism, Foods & Nutrition, Nutrition

Activities for Introducing the New Nutrition Facts Label

by K.Graybill • June 10, 2016 • 1 Comment

You are you probably aware that the nutrition facts label has been updated, but do you think your students are aware of the changes made? My guess is that most students will have no idea that the nutrition facts labels have changed or why. So, with that mindset I put together some activities to not only show students the differences between the old and new labels, but to have them put themselves in the driver’s seat and create their own updated version of a nutrition facts label first. This gives them an idea, as a team, how to approach a problem, critically discuss possible changes based on what they know and then come up with a final revision. Finally, they will explore why actual changes were made to the current nutrition facts food labels.

Clothing, Clothing & Textiles, Clothing Resources, Fashion Design, Sewing, Technology

Technology, Sewing & Fashion: What’s New?

by K.Graybill • June 3, 2016 • 3 Comments

t’s amazing how technology can influence and change our perception and creativity of things, including sewing and fashion! If you teach sewing and/or fashion, below are some ideas of how technology has influenced or become a part of the art. At one time these ideas may have existed only in our imaginations and now they are reality! If you know of other ideas or resources available, please share via the comment section below.

Consumerism, Culinary, Food Science, Foods & Nutrition, Nutrition, Uncategorized

GMO’s

by K.Graybill • May 27, 2016 • 2 Comments

Genetically Modified Foods, known as GMO’s, are foods that have had their genes altered through science or genetic engineering, which is monitored through the EPA, the FDA and the USDA. Did you know that many of the foods found in our grocery stores contain at least one ingredient that has been genetically modified? Should we be informed as consumers when this process is affecting the foods we eat? Should genetically modified foods be labeled? There is a huge debate surrounding this dispute. How do your students weigh in on this topic?

Character, Child Development, Child Development Lessons, Child Development Resources, Family, Interpersonal Relationships, Parenting

Ideas for Teaching about Gender Stereotypes

by K.Graybill • May 20, 2016 • 0 Comments

Lately there’s been a lot of commercials and public service announcements about gender stereotypes. Any teacher wanting to incorporate this topic into their curriculum would most likely want to choose the best ideas and pull together their own version of a lesson. With that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to pull together a variety of resources I’ve found that I thought we be great to use when teaching about this topic. However, if you have a unique way of teaching this topic or just a great activity or project, I’d love for you to share it at Kim@familyconsumersciences.com

Child Development, Child Development Lessons, Family, Parenting, Technology, Uncategorized

Children & Crafts: Creating Flower Crafts with Snapguide

by K.Graybill • May 13, 2016 • 2 Comments

As a child I loved doing arts and crafts and still do today! As a parent I loved doing them with my own children! Crafts have hidden benefits that many don’t realize, not only in creating them, but also in teaching others how to create them. This lesson helps students break down their ideas into easy to understand steps using Snapguide technology to help them convey directions and visuals to create a flower!

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