INCREASING READING THROUGH FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

     It seems like reading is always a vital part of education.  I believe that reading can be incorporated into each and every content area.  This includes Family and Consumer Sciences.  Reading doesn't always have to be textbooks, there are many different mediums for reading to occur.  So what exactly are the reading mediums for FACS classes? It really varies from class to class because FACS encompasses multiple content areas.  Below are some of the typical texts used in classes related to FACS. 

• FOODS & NUTRITION:

• Recipes 

• Food Labels 

• FAMILY, CONSUMER, AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

• Children's Books

• Growth Charts

• INTERIOR DESIGN:

•  Blueprints

• Sketches

• SEWING: 

•  

• Patterns  

• Technique Tutorials

• CONSUMERISM: 

•  Bank Statements

• Tax Forms

      Of course there are more than this list, this is simply a list to get you thinking of all the possibilities.  In my own high school experiences, I personally enjoyed using case studies as part of my literacy experience.  We learn through the experiences of others, I really was able to experience certain disorders, situations, and other elements that I was being taught through these experiences of others.  It was very beneficial for me to retain the things that I knew.
      As an educator, I plan to reinforce my students' reading abilities by ensuring they get enough practice in various mediums.  Exposing them to these things through repetition will enforce the taught concepts.  I will choose materials that I believe will be found interesting to high school students.  I am excited for the opportunity to reinforce literacy skills through FACS.