Feeding the family 3.1 Classes of food and food nutrients. 3.2 Scientific study of good nutrients 3.3 Effect of heat on nutrients 3.4 Special nutrition needs of infants, toddlers, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, lactating women the aged, convalescents invalids and vegetarians. 3.5 Foods storage and preservation. 3.6 Planning of balanced meals for different groups of people. 3.7 Kitchen plan, hygiene and safely. 3.8 Food purchasing 3.9 Preparation and serving of means, Snacks and beverages. 3.10 Entertainment 4. CLOTHING THE FAMILY 4.1 Clothing 4.2 Household linen 4.3 Textiles 4.4 Fabric construction 4.5 Planning a wardrobe 4.6 Maintenance of clothing 4.7 Sewing equipment and tools 4.8 Sewing processes 4.9 Storage of clothing

Cooking terms are the special words we use in the kitchen to describe how we prepare food, while cooking methods are the actual techniques we use to apply heat to food. Common cooking terms include boiling (heating food in hot water), frying (cooking in hot oil), roasting (cooking in an oven with dry heat), and steaming (cooking with hot water vapour). When you prepare jollof rice at home, you're using multiple methods: boiling the rice, frying onions and pepper in oil, and then simmering everything together. Understanding these terms helps you follow recipes correctly and produce better results. Different methods affect how nutrients are retained in food. For example, boiling vegetables can cause loss of water-soluble vitamins, while steaming preserves more nutrients. Knowing these terms also makes cooking safer and more efficient in your kitchen.

**

Flour is a fine powder made by grinding grains like wheat, corn, or cassava. Flour mixtures are combinations of flour with other ingredients such as baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, and liquids to create different food products. When you mix flour with water and yeast, you get dough for bread. When you combine flour with baking powder, eggs, milk, and sugar, you create cake batter. In Nigeria, we use cassava flour to make gari and wheat flour for bread and pastries. The quality of your final product depends heavily on how well you mix these ingredients and the type of flour you choose. Different flours have different protein contents, which affects how your baked goods turn out. Understanding flour mixtures helps you prepare nutritious meals and snacks for your family effectively.

Cooking equipment refers to the large items you use in the kitchen like pots, pans, stoves and ovens. Utensils are the smaller tools that help you prepare and cook food, such as knives, spoons, spatulas and whisks. Table wares are the dishes, plates, cups and cutlery you use for serving and eating meals. Each item serves a specific purpose in food preparation and presentation. For example, a Nigerian family preparing jollof rice needs a large cooking pot for the rice, a wooden spoon for stirring, a ladle for serving, and plates and spoons for eating. Quality equipment makes cooking easier and safer while good table wares make meals look attractive and encourage family members to eat together. Choosing the right tools prevents food wastage and reduces cooking time, which is important for busy Nigerian families.

**

Fibres are tiny thread-like materials that form the basic building blocks of all fabrics and textiles. They come from two main sources: natural fibres from plants and animals, such as cotton from cotton bolls, wool from sheep, and silk from silkworms, while synthetic fibres are man-made from chemicals, like polyester and nylon. Once you have fibres, they must be constructed into fabrics through different methods. Weaving involves interlacing two sets of threads called the warp and weft on a loom to create patterns and textures. Knitting uses needles to loop yarn into connected rows, producing stretchy fabrics like those in your school sweaters. In Nigeria, many tailors understand weaving and knitting, which is why our traditional adire cloth demonstrates beautiful woven patterns passed down through generations.

Garment repairs are basic sewing techniques used to fix worn-out or damaged clothes instead of throwing them away. These repairs extend the life of your clothing and save money, which is important for every Nigerian family managing a household budget.

Common simple repairs include sewing buttons back on shirts, mending torn seams, patching holes in fabric, and hemming trousers. For instance, when your school uniform develops a small tear at the armpit, learning to patch it neatly means you can continue wearing it rather than buying a replacement. Other repairs involve fixing loose hems on skirts and trousers, or darning small holes in socks and underwear.

These basic skills require simple tools like needles, thread, scissors, and a thimble. Most repairs can be done by hand using basic stitching techniques like the running stitch or backstitch. Mastering simple repairs is practical, economical, and part of being a responsible homemaker.

Laundry agents are substances you use when washing clothes to make them clean, bright and well-preserved. Water is the basic agent that dissolves dirt, while detergents are cleaning products like OMO, Ariel or Dettol that remove stubborn stains and grease from fabrics. Fabric rinses, such as Comfort softener commonly used in Nigerian homes, make clothes soft and fragrant after washing. Stiffening agents like starch help clothes maintain their shape and look crisp, especially for school uniforms and traditional wrappers. Bleaches are strong chemicals that whiten clothes and kill germs, though they must be used carefully on coloured fabrics to prevent damage. Each agent serves a specific purpose in the laundry process to ensure your clothes last longer and look presentable. Understanding how to use these agents correctly prevents fabric damage while keeping your family's clothes hygienic and attractive.

**

Laundry equipment and tools are the items you use to clean and care for clothes in your home. These include both traditional and modern equipment that make washing clothes easier and faster. Basic tools like washing basins, scrubbing boards, and brushes help you remove dirt manually from fabrics. Modern equipment such as washing machines, spin dryers, and irons do the work mechanically. In most Nigerian homes, you'll find a combination of both. For example, many families use a manual washing machine with a hand crank alongside a charcoal iron for pressing clothes. Other essential tools include clotheslines for drying, pegs or hangers, and various detergents. Understanding how to use each equipment properly prevents damage to your clothes and saves time. Knowing the difference between equipment suitable for delicate fabrics and those for heavy materials is important for proper garment care.

Laundry management means planning and organizing how your family's clothes get cleaned properly. This includes sorting clothes by color and fabric type, choosing the right water temperature, and selecting appropriate detergents. For example, a Nigerian family would separate white school uniforms from colored wrappers and delicate lace from sturdy cotton to prevent color bleeding and damage.

Stain removal requires quick action—treating fresh stains with cold water before hot water sets them permanently. Common household stains like palm oil, tomato sauce, or rust need specific treatments; palm oil stains respond well to dish soap applied before washing. Special garments like your senior brother's agbada or delicate underwear need gentle hand washing or special machine settings to maintain their quality and extend their lifespan.

Proper laundry management saves money, preserves clothing, and maintains family hygiene standards. Understanding these skills prevents costly clothing damage and ensures garments last longer.