Advertising Techniques

The 7th grade students continued their discussion of jobs; specifically careers in the field of Family and Consumer Science.

Students also worked together to analyze advertisements from local newspapers and magazines. They listed the persuasive techniques used in each advertisement.

Each class worked with their lab partners and determined which advertising ploy was being used to sell a particular product. The students became familiar with bandwagon, snob appeal, humor, emotional appeal, celebrity endorsement and lifestyle advertising techniques.

Have a wonderful Spring Break!

Sincerely,
Mrs. J. Bretl

Jobs for Seventh Graders!

The 7th grade students watched a video on "Being a Wise Consumer" in class this week. They discussed the smart steps to follow when planning a purchase, making a purchase and evaluating their decisions.

After discussing how much money middle school students spend every week the 7th graders determined that it would be wise for them to earn some money of their own.

We discussed jobs that would be appropriate. Most of these jobs were service oriented; babysitting, lawn mowing, snow shoveling and pet sitting. We went on to discuss qualifications, fees, work schedules and other important factors to consider when starting a business venture.

The students will be working in the IMC to complete a "job brochure" to promote their business.
Nice job!

Sincerely,
Mrs. J. Bretl

Welcome Seventh Graders!

It is so hard to believe that we have started our last trimester for this school year! It has been great getting reaquainted with last year's 6th graders. It is fun seeing how they have grown and matured. They tell me they are ready to begin cooking. I told them that we will need to review a few things first. We will need to go over kitchen safety, measuring techniques, and equipment before we start our lab work. I know they will be able to make it.

I have included a copy of the Consumer Education Parent Letter for you to view.

Dear Parents,

I am the Consumer Education teacher here at Lakeview Junior High School. This is my tenth year teaching Consumer Education. I graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics and received my Master's degree and teaching certificate from Northern Illinois University. I am delighted to be teaching here at Lakeview.

Mrs. Judy Bretl
Consumer Education Teacher
Phone: (630) 783-5034
Email: jbretl@ccsd66.org

Consumer Education is a Family and Consumer Science course designed to help middle school students learn the life skills they need to be responsible, productive family and community members.

The units of study for your seventh grader include:
Kitchen Safety and Sanitation
Food Preparation
Recipe Math
Nutrition and Health Concerns
Consumer Skills
Careers
Sewing Skills

Most of our coursework will be done in class. We will have very little homework due to the “hands-on” nature of our labs. Your child will use the textbook Discovering Food and Nutrition in class. If necessary, students may check out a textbook from me in order to make up work. I am available before school each morning and during study hall “B”.

There are many consumable materials used in this class. To help defer the cost of the consumable material, a $20.00 lab fee is necessary. Please pay the lab fee within the first week of class. Checks may be made payable to District 66. We prefer a check, but will accept cash. For cash payment, please put in an envelope with your child's name on it.

I am looking forward to an exciting trimester working with your child. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Mrs. J. Bretl

Enjoy your weekend!

Making Healthy Choices

In this final week of sixth grade Consumer Education we discussed the importance of making healthy food choices. Students brainstormed various strategies they could use to ensure that they are eating a variety of foods (especially fruits and vegetables) each day.

We spent time in the IMC this week in order to learn more about making healthy food choices. Students were able to plan a healthy day of eating and then program their choices into the "food tracker" on the USDA "Choose My Plate" website. Students were able to analyze their food intake and determine where they needed to make adjustments. I have included a link to this site: http://www.choosemyplate.gov

Sincerely,
Mrs. J. Bretl