My name is Melody Mayfield.  I have been a home economics teacher at Las Plumas High School the past 18 years.  To me, home economics is not a course; it is a way of life.  Enrolling in home economics courses provides students with skills for life.  These courses assist students in all areas of personal, family and career goals.  I am the parent of a son, Willy and a very proud grandmother of a grandson, Malichi.  I also have a wonderful daughter-in-law named Melissa.  To me, family is the most important component in our lives.  I have two dogs, Bear and Rosie.  I often refer to them as my girls.

Courses I teach (or have taught)
Introduction to Home Economics
Child Development
Living in Today’s World(Marriage and Family)
Consumer and Foreign Foods
Interior Design
Fashion Design
Creative Design

Home Economics equips students with essential skills for living through instruction in eight content areas:

Home Economics
Where home economics courses in the 50's were more narrowly focused, reflecting the "traditional" structure of society, modern home economics careers and technology courses reflect the changing social and economic patterns of the 90s.

Home Economics curriculum is concentrated on seven content areas, each of which teach personal, family, and work management skills, as well as provide a sound background for career exploration and specialization in home economics related occupations.

Times have surely changed!



Child Development and Guidance
The changing role of the family unit---for example, the prevalence of dual income families and single parent---has resulted in an even greater need to provide information about raising healthy, happy children. Home economics careers and technology teaches prenatal care, child growth and development, learning and self-esteem development, and health care.

Consumer Education
Our multifaceted society requires us to be informed, educated consumers. Consumer and Family Studies provides a strong foundation of consumer skills, including occupational goals, job search and employability skills, financial planning, economic security, purchasing and sales information, and consumer rights and responsibilities.

Food and Nutrition
Home economics careers and technology courses offer instruction in nutrition; physical fitness and health; meal planning, preparation and service; resource conservation; comparison shopping; and other food and nutrition-related decisions.

Individual and Family Health
Today's youth face numerous social and health decisions. Home economics courses provide information on personal goals relating to health and happiness, well-being, self-esteem and physical health as well as the behaviors which affect personal health such as substance abuse, health maintenance, and injury prevention and treatment.

Fashion, Textiles and Apparel
California is recognized as an international fashion center. Home economics careers and technology students learn about the relationship between budgets and purchases, design and wardrobe planning, and construction, care and repair of clothing.

Family Living and Parenting Education
The family unit is the cornerstone of society. Home economics careers and technology students study family dynamics and responsibilities, how to deal with conflict and crisis, communication skills, interpersonal relationships in social and work settings, and how to balance personal, family and work roles for more satisfying family and work lives.

Housing and Furnishings
Our home environment is a reflection of our personal taste, as well as management of our personal lives. Home economics careers and technology teaches practical skills regarding the economics of housing decisions, conservation and energy; the principles and elements of design; and quality and economic considerations in selecting furnishings.

 

 

 

 

 


Dr. Margaret Mead

"I propose that every school,

public or private, in rich

neighborhoods and poor ones,

teach a course in family life that

every student, boy or girl, must

pass in order to graduate. What

we need today is preparation for

marriage and parenthood.

The skills of managing a home

and taking care of children

should be learned, like any skill,

by practice and observation"

Dr. Margaret Mead

 

 

 

 

 


FHA - HERO, the career technical student organization for students in Home Economics Careers and Technology, provides leadership and career development opportunities that are integral to both CFS and FHA-HERO programs. Through FHA-HERO, students learn interpersonal, leadership, citizenship and career skills for a successful future.

I have been an FHA-HERO advisor for over 17 years.  Participation in FHA-HERO provides students with numerous opportunities.  Students who have taken advantage of this opportunity have traveled, explored entry-level careers, held leadership positions and have developed personal and educational goals.  Each year our chapter participates in all region and state activities.  We have had numerous regional and state officers.  Members have competed at the regional, state and national levels.


Why Belong to FHA-HERO?
FHA-HERO provides for members: