Family and Consumer Sciences Department

Department Phone: 301-929-2085

Family and Consumer Sciences Education empowers individuals and families across the life span to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse global society. Our unique focus is on families, work, and their interrelationships.

The mission of Family and Consumer Sciences Education is to prepare students for family life, work life, and careers in Family and Consumer Sciences by providing opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors needed for:

  • Strengthening the well-being of individuals and families across the life span.
  • Becoming responsible citizens and leaders in family, community, and work settings.
  • Promoting optimal nutrition and wellness across the life span.
  • Managing resources to meet the material needs of individuals and families.
  • Balancing personal, home, family, and work lives.
  • Using critical and creative thinking skills to address problems in diverse family, community, and work environments.
  • Successful life management, employment, and career development.
  • Functioning effectively as providers and consumers of goods and services.
  • Appreciating human worth and accepting responsibility for one's actions and success in family and work life.

About Child Development

By Katina Chappell, WHS English Teacher: Screams of joy and laughter summon me to my window where future parents and teachers play in the sunshine with Wheaton’s preschoolers. A bright chalk yellow sun beckons me to look at the sidewalk, surrounded by other chalk characters that have been mysteriously drawn there. Who are these preschoolers? Who are these students working with them? I just had to find out! Making my way to the seldom-frequented basement level of Wheaton H.S., I found myself following a bright hallway characterized by the same bright colors found on the playground. Eventually I found my way into the Child Development classroom. Unlike most classrooms in the building, including my own, this one sung to the senses appealing aesthetically to the child in me as well as the teacher. Children were sitting enthralled by students who were reading a story. Others were coming in from playtime, carefully guarded by other students. The pleasant atmosphere and the obvious effort put forth by Wheaton students to achieve told me that I had to know more! Child Development is a class implemented countywide. Each practice the same curriculum but Wheaton’s program stands out for several reasons. First and foremost is the quality and character of the Wheaton students who work with the children, and Mrs. Claudine McDonald, who teaches and directs the program. Child Development III students (those who have been in the program three years) are designated as interns to Mrs. McDonald. Interns really get the chance to see the core of the program and how it is maintained. "They help with many things," comments Mrs. McDonald. Being involved in the administration of the program is the primary duty of an intern. Child Development II students also play an integral part in the success of the program. They help first-year students in planning lessons as well as planning and teaching their own lessons. Melody Blackledge, a first-year student says, "I couldn’t have learned as much as I did about teaching the kids without the help of second year student Maria Duarte. She helped me learn where everything is, and how to look up and plan activities for the units I had to teach." Each student is on a team and rotates the responsibilities of researching, planning, teaching and observing. In addition to that, second year students are responsible for changing the bulletin boards weekly (gasp!), keeping the activity calendar up-to-date, and putting out a monthly newsletter for parents! Truly daunting tasks, but ones that they obviously keep up with. "It’s a lot of work," says second year student Ashley Loftus, "but it’s preparing me for my future as an elementary school teacher."

Another thing that makes Wheaton’s Child Development program shine is the many field trips and activities the children have done to enhance the curriculum. More than in previous years, the children have been able to make connections with what they’re learning about and the outside world. Trips they have taken this year include: the pumpkin patch, the Children’s Museum, and the National Zoo. Mrs. McDonald says the parental support is incredible. Four to five parents went along on each trip, as well as the many high school students who work with the children everyday. Other notable activities inspired by holidays were celebrated with enthusiasm. From the Christmas party where Dr. Towers dressed up as Santa, to Hanukkah and Kwanza, all holidays are celebrated in order to teach cultural awareness and have a little fun.

 

 

Updated August 16, 2007 | Maintained by Webmaster