Promoting FCS

What's New, Nov/Dec 2001 by Fairchild, Sally, Burkhardt, Mary Sue, Norquist, Kathy, Duffy, Linda

The lessons and project ideas presented here are being implemented in classrooms by committed educators from across the U.S.

The Clown Troupe

Sally Fairchild

Family and Consumer

Sciences Teacher

Cedar Rapids Community School,

Cedar Rapids, IA

The Metro Clown Troupe was developed as a drop-out prevention activity to help students who are at-risk to become more involved in their education. Now in its second year, 12 students participate in a clown troupe that schedules an average of 1-2 events per week. Events include visits to senior citizen centers, low-income housing projects, arts fairs and ball parks. Students create publicity for clown engagements, make costumes, put together gifts they hand out during visits and keep an inventory of their expenses. Students operate the Clown Troupe as a small business.

Orientation to Life and Careers

Mary Sue Burkhardt

Family and Consumer

Sciences Teacher

Twin Lakes School Corporation,

Monticello, IN

In this career-focused class, guest speakers from the community share educational options. Guest speakers have included an employment training specialist, administrative counselors from local colleges, business experts, and career counselors. Topics delve into entry-level job requirements, interviewing skills and how to keep a job. Field trips to local universities and businesses are included. Students also participate in a job shadow experience with people such as hotel managers, computer programmers and food service employers.

Consumer Education

Kathy Norquist

Consumer Education Teacher

Forest Lake Area Schools,

Wyoming, MN

The Snack Shop is a nine-week unit held as part of the Foods Lab in which students choose recipes, cost out all required supplies and rent space. Students also create and pay for advertising. The room is divided into six parts and groups of students "sell" snacks they prepare in the foods lab. Students pose as customers and are each given $1.50 in play money at the door of the lab. They can then choose which snacks they wish to purchase to eat with this money. Snacks include cookies, rice krispie treats, cupcakes and fruit juices. At the end of the event, the group with the biggest profit gets the most points.

Career Explorations

Linda Duffy

Family and Consumer

Sciences Teacher

Chelsford Public Schools,

Chelmsford, MA

In the Life Skills Career Exploration program, eighth grade students design and construct Career Portfolios. Through the portfolio process, students obtain the foundation necessary to find and hold onto a job and identify and articulate their own occupational competencies and career goals. Students complete interest inventories, explore a variety of entry-level, skilled and professional jobs. They assess and prioritize job values and pertinent considerations. Students also demonstrate their ability to market their personal and employability skills by participating in a mock interview.