What We Do
The KAFCE Educational Program Committee
in cooperation with your area and
county
FCE
Educational Program Committee representatives and K-State Research Extension
provide the following programs for the members in 2026. These lessons are available to
Kansas FCE members.
Non-members interested in these lessons should contact
webmaster@kafce.org .
KAFCE LESSONS:
The Facts About Dates on Food Products written
by Ruth Shafer, Kansas FCE State EPC. Educational Goals: An understanding of
where food dates come from and their purpose. An understanding of truth, myths,
and a misunderstanding of food dates. Signs of food spoilage. Lesson
Description: A "Date Quiz" is included with the lesson. Where did "Date Labels"
come from? Is labeling baby formula special? There are three different labeling
that is on the food we buy. Hearth Fire #4 – “Buying Safe Food” will accompany
the lesson.
Pumpkins" Yes, Please!! written by Susan Gartell, Kansas FCE State EPC,
Educational Goals: To learn about the species of pumpkins and squash in the
Cucurbit vine family. To discuss the many ways pumpkins can be used to enhance
our lifestyles. To incorporate the nutritional powerhouse of pumpkins into our
diets year-round, Hearth Fire Series # 68-“Someone's in the Home...Eating
Healthy Food”. Lesson Description: “Tempting My Taste Buds.” The history of
pumpkins dates back thousands of years and is native to the Western Hemisphere.
Pumpkins are produced in all fifty states, with Illinois leading the way. Learn
about the varieties and how to use them.
CHARACTER COUNTS!® Respect written by DeLores Walden, Kansas FCE Vice
President, Educational Goals: Teach the younger generations the meaning of
Respect. Encourage members to list items and decide if it is Respect or NOT.
Lesson Description: The “Golden Rule” involves people treating each other with
Respect. Respect can be used as a noun or a verb.
A Journey through Kansas written by DeLores Walden, Kansas FCE Vice President.
Educational Goals: Learn about New Attractions and Individuals from the
different Kansas Areas. Educate others about Kansas Attractions and Individuals.
Lesson Description: Come on aboard and let's take a trip through Kansas. We will
visit five (5) areas of Kansas. Each area will have Attractions and Individuals.
There is also a list of future tours and or mini vacations.
Know When the Game is Playing You
Coordinated by Lois Carlson, Kansas FCE EPC.
Educational Goals: Become more aware of the gambling addiction problem in
Kansas. Learn what makes people vulnerable to addiction. Learn what social
status is most likely to develop an addiction. Become aware of some of the
warning signs. Become aware of the treatment available. Lesson Description:
Problem gambling is defined by repetitive gambling behavior despite harm and
negative consequences. This disorder is frequently associated with social and
family costs.
K-State Family Consumer Science Lessons:
“The Wellness of Kindness or the Kindness Effect”: written by Elaine Johannes,
State Specialist, and Lisa Newman, Extension Agent. This lesson will examine the
definition of kindness, the health benefits of kindness, as well as include
activities to help others/ways to promote kindness. Examples include:
volunteering, acts of kindness, and being kind to ourselves.
“Good Gut Health” written by Priscilla Brenes,
State Specialist, and Chelsea Reinberg, Extension Agent. The health of the
bacteria in your gut is often overlooked when it comes to good health. The
health of your gut can affect your mental health, immune system, metabolic
health, and chronic disease, and many other diseases or symptoms linked to poor
health. Improving gut health starts with your diet. Consuming a diet high in
fiber, pre-and probiotic foods, and less processed foods and sugar can help
improve your gut health and, in turn, improve your overall health.
“Growing Through Stories: Early Literacy and
Milestones” written by David Rehfeld, State Specialist; Monique Koerner,
Extension Agent; and Lisa Newman, Extension Agent. This will be a discussion of
books and literacy during the early developmental period from the prenatal
period through infant and toddlerhood. This lesson will provide key concepts of
how reading impacts all domains of development and how to incorporate those
concepts into everyday learning. Hands-on activities that parents, grandparents,
childcare providers, or any caregiver of your children can use to ignite
excitement for books and lay the foundation for early literacy.
