Curriculum
Throughout junior high and high school, The Art of Living helps young women acquire skills and dispositions that will serve them for the rest of their lives as students, professionals, mothers, and friends. In addition to the four central elements of AOL: Culinary Arts, Home Health, Fashion, and Interior Design, participants develop the practical, intellectual and moral foundation they need to be women of character, including:
Self-knowledge
Order and an eye for detail
Ability to work in a team
Importance of work well done
Strong, lasting friendships
Philosophical ideas that promote the dignity of the human person
Meaning of work of the home and the role of women in society
Fortitude to persevere in difficult tasks
Discovery of the relation between doing everyday tasks well and living a happy life
Culinary Art
Goals
To develop a basic competency in the kitchen so as to be able to take care of the dietary needs of one’s family. To learn how to create culinary traditions that contribute to the development of culture and family and religious celebration.
Projects
- Homemade chicken and beef broth and soups
- Homemade cheese sauce (mac and cheese)
- Ethnic cuisines: Chinese, Italian, French
- Homemade pizza and bread making
- Homemade pies: apple, cherry and lemon meringue
Home Health
Goals
To develop a strong foundation in nutrition and practical competency in preparing healthy food, and learn how to create a healthy environment. To understand the physical and emotional needs of sick people. To build an attitude of fortitude and compassion to be able to take care of the health needs of others.
Projects
- Nutrition: fats, proteins, carbohydrates
- Rest and sleep habits
- Preparing a sick tray
- The health benefits of a personal and home schedule
- Wound and burn care
- Space and food for the sick person at home
Fashion
Goals
To develop a basic competency in sewing and needlework, laundry and garment care. To understand the role of clothing in the image and identity of the human person.
Projects
- Philosophical understanding of image, clothing and dress
- Machine sewing basics: making an apron, laundry bag, pajamas
- Culture and history of fashion
- Laundering and pressing techniques
- Basic clothing repair: sewing on a button, hemming, etc.
- Basics of quilting: patchwork pillows, table runners, etc.
Interior Design
Goals
To develop an eye for creating beautiful spaces and a practical competency and enjoyment of housecleaning. To understand the role of order and beauty in the physical space of the human person.
Projects
- Color theory
- Furniture design and history
- Table decor and dining room management
- Basics of framing pictures and wall placement
- Flower arranging
- Budgeting
- Housekeeping and laundry basics