Home Economics for Home Schoolers Level 1

by The Pearables with Ann White

The Home Economics for Homeschoolers books were written for girls ages 6 and up (figuring realistically, that's the age little girls should be learning these skills rather than waiting until they're in high school!). Published by the Pearables company, this book is full of scripture, encouragement, and sound advice presented in a very user-friendly format. There are 30 lessons presented - one for each week which teach Nutrition, Cooking, Baking, Cleaning, Sewing, Hospitality, and Organization. My daughters (ages 8 and 11) are loving this book! In level one they are taught lessons in several categories. In cooking (15 lessons) they are presented with lessons such as nutrition, peeling vegetables, cooking eggs, using a stove, making a salad, garnishing, using kitchen tools (such as a grater or a rolling pin). They are also taught to clean up after themselves. In the unit on cleaning (5 lessons) they are taught useful skills such as bed-making, vacuuming, and dish washing. In sewing they are taught skills in simple cutting and hand-stitching (4 lessons). In organization they are taught the invaluable skills of organizing a bookshelf and a closet (3 lessons). The book ends with lessons on hospitality. Each task throughout the book is broken down into simple steps. For example, in the dusting lesson, students are taught what tools they'll need (rags, feather duster, etc.). Next they are taught in 2 steps how to dust wood furniture. The next 2 steps teach how to dust knickknacks. The lesson ends with how to wash a window (there's even a recipe for homemade vinegar-water window cleaning solution!). If you are like me and long to pass real skills on to your daughters, but find yourself doing the hit-or-miss method, you'll love the well-thought-out, gentle progression in these books.