This Manual is issued for the purpose of encouraging the introduction
and furthering the progress of Household Science in the rural schools of
this Province. There are 903 urban and 5,697 rural schools, and 45.87%
of the school population is in attendance at the latter schools. The
value of Household Science as an educational and practical subject has
been recognized, to some extent, in the urban schools of the Province
but, up to the present, little attempt has been made to give the subject
a place among the activities of the rural schools.
There is a wide-spread impression that it is not possible in Household
Science to give any instruction that is of value without the provision
of separate rooms, elaborate equipment, and specially trained teachers.
Where these conditions exist, of course, the best work can be
accomplished; but, even where they cannot be realized, much may be done
toward giving definite, useful instruction in the cardinal principles of
home-making, which should be learned by every girl. There is certainly
not a single rural school where some practical work in sewing and some
valuable lessons in the care of the home may not be given. As for
cookery, it is doubtful if there is a single school so small and so
helpless that it is unable to use the hot noon-day lunch as a method of
approach to this branch of the subject.
Students of the physical welfare of children are rapidly coming to the
conclusion that a warm mid-day meal greatly increases the efficiency of
the pupil and determines to a large extent the results of the
afternoon's study. There are other benefits to be derived from a school
lunch well prepared under proper conditions. In many communities it has
been the means of bringing about a healthy and satisfactory co-operation
between the school and the home, of developing a higher social life in
the neighbourhood, and of introducing into the school a Household
Science course, which has proved as great a benefit to the farmer's wife
as to his children.
This Manual deals entirely with conditions that exist in our rural
schools and outlines only such plans and schemes as can be carried out,
even in adverse circumstances, by alert trustees, sympathetic
inspectors, and resourceful teachers.
Permission has been obtained from the Bureau of Education, Washington,
U.S.A., to make use of a recently issued bulletin--"Three Courses in
Home-making for Rural Schools", and of various bulletins issued by State
Agricultural Colleges. The freest use has been made of this material,
and the permission to do so is hereby gratefully acknowledged.
Only such theory as can be readily assimilated has been given; and the
teacher is advised for further information and help to consult the
Manuals issued by the Department of Education on _Household Management_
and _Sewing_. Those who wish to become thoroughly competent and to earn
the highest Departmental grants should attend the Summer Schools
provided by the Department of Education. Under certain conditions the
expenses of teachers attending these courses are paid by the Department.
Nothing has been included or recommended that cannot be accomplished in
the average rural school; and trustees, teachers, and inspectors are
urged to make a beginning by selecting the lessons that appeal to them
as being most suitable to the districts in which their schools are
situated.
By careful planning and a wise use of the time before and after school
and during recess, the regular organization of the school need not be
interfered with; and, in addition to the educational and social
advantages to be derived from undertaking this work, much benefit will
result from the increased interest taken in the school by the parents
and the general public.
It is not essential that the lessons in this Manual should be taken
exactly in the order given. Any other arrangement called for by the
peculiar circumstances of the school is admissible.
The Inspector of Manual Training and Household Science is ready at all
times to visit rural schools for the purpose of conferring with the
Public School Inspectors, the trustees, and the teachers regarding the
introduction of Household Science as a regular subject of the school
curriculum.
HOUSEHOLD SCIENCE IN RURAL
SCHOOLS