Philosophy of Teaching Home Economics

Teaching home economics in high school is slowly disappearing from the curriculum nation-wide. Due to the increased academic demands placed on students, home economics is perceived as not important in relationship with “career skills.” Many of the skills learned in food preparation and clothing construction were acquired at home in the normal course of growing-up in the family home environment. The acquisition of these skills in the future is in peril.

The Christian teaching of home economics is fundamental to the building of godly homes.  Society is increasingly scornful of traditional family roles and values.  It is in the home where godly character is built, that students learn to grow in Christ-likeness, and where students learn the essentials for building their own Christian homes in the future.  Home economics taught from a Christian perspective teaches students the practical knowledge and the skills that will strengthen them individually and as family members.  Students learn the value of proper relationships and the purpose and function of the family, using the Bible as the primary source of family standards and rules.

Christian instruction in home economics helps develop qualities essential in all areas of life, not merely in roles as future parents.  Areas such as stewardship, cooperation, time management, and submission to authority are taught.  Students learn to be good time managers so they can accomplish more for God.  They learn to set priorities, to define goals, and to identify problems.  Students learn God’s order for leadership and the importance of submission to authority.  Because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, students learn to care for the body.  They learn good nutrition and the value of proper exercise and rest. Students are the parents of tomorrow, they learn the importance of raising children in a godly fashion, of caring for the child physically, mentally, socially, morally, and especially spiritually.  Students also learn skills such as entertaining, decoration of the home, personal grooming, and homemaking (cooking and sewing).

The study of home economics also helps prepare the student for future employment.  There are many opportunities for service in areas related to home economics.  However, students are taught that serving the Lord as a homemaker is one of God’s highest callings.

The curriculum for secular home economics teaching and Christian home economics teaching is often the same.  The difference lies in the purposes for their study and the value system upon which they are built.  The Christian home economics teacher measures success by the life of the student.  To what extent has the student developed godly character?  To what extent has the student acquired attitudes and competencies necessary to a life given in service to God?  In Christian home economics teaching, spiritual concerns permeate and give meaning to practical, ordinary activities.  Christian home economics teaching prepares the young person for a ministry to a family and ultimately to the world.

Back to philosophies