2009 Volume 32 Issue 1 Pages 41-50
This study aimed to investigate junior high school students' learning process from experience of early childhood and care in Home Economics with a view towards of promoting caring education. In Home Economics, students can learn to have a good relationship with children by sharing daily activities with them. Educational experience in cooking with children after playing together is designed for junior high school students in order to deepen their ability to build relationships with young children. Interviews with students after the experience revealed that they had become receptive to children as 'people who care'. The students were accepted by the children and they recognized their 'identity-in-difference' at the first stage. At the next stage, they were trying to recognize children's expressions to know their feelings and wishes, showing respect for each child's personality. The children responded as 'people who are cared for', which made the students very pleased. The reciprocal relationship between the students and the children could be regarded as a 'caring relationship'.
