It helps the player turn away from the defender who may be marking. Helps in locating teammates who may be well-positioned to receive the pass. Things to learn in Pivoting. Land one foot and maintain balance. Maintain a firm grip of the ball. Keep the landing foot grounded with knees slightly bent. Keep the head up and the trunk upright. Step with the non-landing foot and turn around. Keep the ball close to the body. 2.5 Descant recorder or Any other western instrument. Examples of western solo instruments. The following techniques are used to play descant recorder:Tonguing. Gently say tu when blowing air into the recorder. Embouchure. This is how one places their mouth on the recorder s mouthpiece to ensure that no air is lost when blowing into the instrument. Fingering. Correct placement of the fingers on the recorder. As a rule, the left hand is always at the top part of the recorder. All the holes must be tightly covered to prevent leakage of air. Blowing. Blow warm air into the recorder. Blowing gently gives a good sound. Blowing too hard generates unpleasant sounds. Slurring. This is the technique of playing more than two notes in one breath. This involves only the movement of fingers while the airflow is constant. Staccato. Playing notes in a detached manner. Notes to be played staccato have a dot above or below the note. Tone quality. Listen carefully to the sound you produce when you blow into the recorder. Blowing gently and having consistent air gives a good tone. Blend and balance. Being able to listen to what the other in an ensemble are playing helps to blend and create a balanced sound. Interpret performance directions when playing the descant recorder. You should be able to play melodies on the descant recorder while observing the following directions: a. Repeat. Repeat signs are two dots that are placed before or after a double bar line. Whey they are placed after a double bar line, it means it is the start of the repeat. However, when they are placed before a double line, it means the end of repeat. 1st and 2nd endingThe two lines above the staff mean that one will avoid playing 1 notes when repeating. This applies where there is a repeat and the last part of the melody is different from the first one. Da capo al fineIt is often abbreviated as D.C al Fine.


1st and 2nd endingThe two lines above the staff mean that one will avoid playing 1 notes when repeating. This applies where there is a repeat and the last part of the melody is different from the first one. Da capo al fineIt is often abbreviated as D.C al Fine. It means one goes back to the beginning of the piece and plays to the point written. Dal segno al fine. It is often abbreviated as D.S al fine. It means you go back to a point in the piece of music with the sign and play or sing to the bar marked Fine end then stop. Accent. The note with sign is played with emphasis. Fermata. This sign means that you can hold the note a little longer that its given time value or number of counts. G. Dynamics. This refers to how quietly or loudly a piece of music should be played. Italian terms are used to indicate dynamics in the piece of music. H. Tempo. This term is used to refer to how fast or slow a piece of music can be played. Italina terms are used to indicate what tempo the music is played2.6 Volleyball. Overarm and Jump serve in Volley. Over arm serve. Over arm serve is where a player tosses the ball with one hand and strikes it in the air above their head with the other hand so that it crosses the net and lands into the opponents side. Safety instructions. Ensure you perform thorough warm up activities. Avoid congestion by maintaining a safe distance from your peers. Follow instructions. Jump serve in Volleyball. This is a type of serve where the serving player increases power and serve height by jumping to hit the ball when serving in volleyball. Minor Games and basic rules. Minor games are small sided games that help you practice skills learnt in volleyball while applying the rules of the games. Safety precaution. Never fist hit the ball as you could hit someone s face. Do not swing on the post. Do not go under the net, always walk around the nets. Do not throw the ball over the net, roll it under the net. Diagram of human figures playing Volley. Student activities monitored and instructed by the teacher Draw human figures of players serving or volleying a ball. Serve the ball using the jump serve over a net. Perform the volley for skill acquisition,Play. Swimming. Breast stroke in swimming.


Perform the volley for skill acquisition,Play. Swimming. Breast stroke in swimming. Breast stroke is a stroke in which the arms are pushed forward and then swept back in a circular movement, while the legs are tucked in towards the bod and then kicked out in a sideways and backward movement. Description of the prone body position. The body lies in a horizontal position in the water with the head in line, with the spine and the face in the water, eyes looking down. The arms are extended forward and the legs are held close together, toes pointed. The breast stroke begins with a forceful push from the poolside in order to generate some propulsion, which results in a glide. The body moves in a smooth, continuous and effortless motion while lying on the stomach and glides in a horizontal position. From the glide phase, the propulsive arm action takes place and then the leg action as the arms recover. The body is then in a streamlined glide for a short moment in each before the next stroke begins. Glide. For effective gliding in the water, the body should be well streamlined. This can be affected by the underwater recovery movements, as the propulsive force remain still and streamlined. For example, as the legs kick to provide propulsion, the arms should be extended forward to create the ideal streamlined body position at the front. Similarly, as the arms pull around, the legs should be in the glide phase to create the same streamlined body position at the back. Gliding helps to make the breast stroke movement smooth and reduces the effort required by the arms to move forward, resulting on a more efficient swimming technique. It is important to cultivate a glide so that the proper sequence of arms-breath-leg - glide can be established. The breast stroke starts with the arm pull, breathe, then the kick and finally the glide in a streamlined position. Prone body postion and glide. Stand waist-deep in water, with knees bent or feet flat against the side of the pool. You can hold onto the side of the pool with one hand for support. Breathe in and put your face in the water. Puch off the wall and glide to the prone body position. Lie flat, head facing down with your body in line with the water surface. Keep your face down and arms extended forward. Your eyes should look downwards and slightly forward to avoid straining the neck. Keep your shoulders, hips and legs horizontal as possible, and keep your hips as close as possible to the surface.


Keep your face down and arms extended forward. Your eyes should look downwards and slightly forward to avoid straining the neck. Keep your shoulders, hips and legs horizontal as possible, and keep your hips as close as possible to the surface. Do not let your hips drop in the water. Stretch your legs behind with toes pointed but slope your body slightly to allow the legs to stay beneath the water. Keep your neck and shoulders as relaxed as possible to aid the arm action and reduce strain. Keep your body straight and streamlined to make swimming easier and enhance speed. The head movement should be kept to a minimum, and the shoulder should remain level throughout the stroke. Arm action. The arm pull technique is needed to assist the leg movement and also to keep the breast stroke streamlined and efficient. Cath phase. Begin with the glide position, arms extended out in front of you, fingers and hands together, palms facing downwards. Pitch your hand outwards and downwards to an angle of about 45 degrees at the start of the catch phase. Pull your arms outwards and downwards until they are appropriately shoulderwidth apart. Your elbows should begin to bend, and your shoulders to roll inwards at the end of the catch phase. Propulsive phase. Sweep your arms downwards and inwards, and let the hands pull to their deepest point. The elbows bend to 900 and remain high. At the end of the down sweep, your hands, your hands should sweep inwards and slightly upwards. The elbow should tuck into the side as you pull your hand inwards towards the chest and the chin. Recovery phase. Your hands should recover by stretching forward in a streamlined position. They should recover under, on, or over the water surface ready to restart the arm action. Leg action. The legs are the powerhouse of the breast stroke, and the full leg kick should be a simultaneous and flowing action, resulting in a powerful boost that propels the whole stroke. Start with your legs straight and together. Bend your knees and bring the heels towards your seat with the sole of the feet facing outwards for the frog kick . Sweep the legs outwards and download in a flowing circular path. The heels and soles of your feet should drive around and back to provide power and propulsion to the stroke. Squeeze legs together to come back together to the starting streamlined position with the toes pointed. Breathing action. -. Breast stroke breathing occurs naturally as the breast technique has a body lift, which gives the ideal breathing point for each stroke.


Squeeze legs together to come back together to the starting streamlined position with the toes pointed. Breathing action. -. Breast stroke breathing occurs naturally as the breast technique has a body lift, which gives the ideal breathing point for each stroke. Breathing in takes place every time your arms pull back to all the body to lift and the head to rise. Lift your shoulders to bring your face out of the water to breath. Don t raise your head, let the head naturally rise with the shoulders so your chin is resting just above the water. Inhale through your mouth before letting your shoulder drop as you sweep with your arms. Breath out as your legs kick back and extend your arms forward. The head returns to the water to exhale as the arms stretch forward to begin their recovery phase. Timing. A well-executed breast stroke timing sequence is key to achieving a smooth and efficient swimming stroke as you will effortlessly glide through the water. Try to time your arm action and leg kick so there is always something propelling you through water. The arms will be propulsive while the legs recover and the legs propulsive while the arms recover. To coordinate the leg kick, the arm strokes, and the breathing, think of the phrase pull, breath, kick, glide As your arms complete the power phase, take a breath, and then draw your feet toward the hips. When your arms are about halfway through the recovery phase, begin the leg action. Time the arm strokes and kick so that the arms and legs are both at their full length as the kick finishes. Rest in the phase position as your body glides through the water. Then the glide begins to slow down, it is time to start another stroke. Water treading. To maintain an upright position in deep water by moving the feet with a walking movement and the hands with a downward circular motion African folk songs are classified according to the following. Their origin. Occasion. Function. Type. A. Community of origin. African songs can be classified according to their origin. The origin in this case means the community they are drawn from. Therefore, songs belong to a particular community such as luhya, luo, gikuyu, gusii. Kuria, Kamba, iteso, giriama, digo, Pokomo, gabra, nandi, Kipsigis, Marakwet, pokot, turkana and taita.


The origin in this case means the community they are drawn from. Therefore, songs belong to a particular community such as luhya, luo, gikuyu, gusii. Kuria, Kamba, iteso, giriama, digo, Pokomo, gabra, nandi, Kipsigis, Marakwet, pokot, turkana and taita. These songs are passed on by oral tradition from one generation to the next. The music is related to the culture of a particular or region. For example, you can identify the culture od a particular community or region by their dressing, language used, musical instruments, props, body adornments, ornaments, body movements, vocal embellishments used to enrich music, style of sing and tone among others. B. Occasion. African folk songs can also be categorized according to occasions they are performed. For example:naming folk songs. Initiation folk songs. Marriage folk songs. War folk songs. Funeral folk songs. Worship folk songs among others. C. Function. Folk songs belong to the people with a common culture. Therefore, folk songs keep people connected to their cultures and heritage. They give history of the people and their culture. Folk songs usually pass important information, stories, messages and history from generation to generation. Folk songs are used to express emotions. They narrate stories of joy and sorrows in the simplest way. Folk songs are used as a means of unifying the community members when they come together to sing. This also creates positive outcomes or consequences if they do not watch their actions and intention. Some of the folk songs are purely for entertainment, enjoyment by performers and the audience. D. Type. African folk songs can also be classified according to the type such as:Lullabies. Dirges. Love songs. Protest songs. Children s songs among others. Creating improvised implements to use in performance of Folkdance songs. Folk dances are performed by different participants who plays different roles as follows:Soloist-person who leads the rest of the participants in singing the melodies and dancing during the performance of the dance. Response group-they provide an answer to the soloist during the dance. Instrumentalist-plays instruments to accompany a dance. Dancers- makes dance movements and formation in response to the songs and instruments.


Response group-they provide an answer to the soloist during the dance. Instrumentalist-plays instruments to accompany a dance. Dancers- makes dance movements and formation in response to the songs and instruments. Along side the participants, folk song dances also require other implements so help in identifying different cultures and diversities such as costumes, ornaments, body adornments, body make ups, props etc. During a folk-dance performance, participants wear specially designed cloths, hides or skins called costumes. Costumes are made using locally available materials such as sisal fibre, sisal string, comb and pair of scissors. The participants also decorate their bodies using different paints to make patterns. This is called body adornments. Body adornments are made using the following materials:Water paints. Chalk powder. Objects or items of different shapes and sizes like bottle tops, water bottles, combs, folk and other design shaped objects. Dancers also use beads, necklaces, bracelets and anklets during the dance performance. These are called ornaments. Body ornaments are made using locally available materials such as:Pieces of thread. Pair of scissors. Grains such as beans, maize soaked in water to make them soft A needle. The costumes, body adornments and ornaments vary from one community to another expressing different cultures in Kenya. The following are social importance of songs to the pastoralists:Songs they sing accompany their journey to facilitate movements. They songs are sung during their herding sessions to take away boredom. They are a source of unity and collaboration among the community members. They educate on the importance of the animals and other resources. They tell the history of the community. General uses of Folk songs. As a source of entertainment. As a source of cultural and national unity. In teaching subjects such as history, literature and geography among others. To educate. To rebuke. To advise. To worship. To encourage. To promote culture. To give moral teachings. Economic importance of the songs. Economic importance or economic significance of something refers to the monetary or trade value of an item. Songs have economic importance to individuals, the cultural community and even the country. General these are the economic importance of folk songs:Performers can earn money or income by performing folk songs at private parties. Folk song musicians also earn a living by offering singing lessons. Some musicians are employed as singers or trainers of folk songs by some institutions such as cultural centres, universities and schools among others.


General these are the economic importance of folk songs:Performers can earn money or income by performing folk songs at private parties. Folk song musicians also earn a living by offering singing lessons. Some musicians are employed as singers or trainers of folk songs by some institutions such as cultural centres, universities and schools among others. Folk songs musicians also earn the country foreign exchange when they perform outside the country. Folk musicians also earn the country revenue when they pay taxes. Folk musicians can be independent artists by recording and selling their music.


1. What is the definition of 'shelf life' in the context of animal products? -. Shelf life refers to the length of time that animal products remain safe to consume and retain their quality under specified storage conditions. 2. Why is it important to understand the shelf life of animal products? -. Understanding shelf life helps in ensuring food safety, minimizing waste by proper storage, and maintaining the nutritional quality of the products. 3. List some methods used to preserve meat in local communities. -. Common methods include salting, smoking, and sun drying. 4. How does smoking preserve meat? -. Smoking preserves meat by impregnating it with smoke s antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and prolong shelf life. 5. What method would you use at home to preserve meat and why? -. Freezing might be preferred for its simplicity and effectiveness in keeping meat safe and preserving its nutritional value. 6. Describe the steps involved in the salting method of preserving meat. -. Meat is first cleaned, then salt is applied generously to all surfaces. The meat is left to sit in salt, which draws out moisture and inhibits bacterial growth. 7. What are the benefits of using modern technology in preserving meat? -. Modern technology, such as vacuum packing and refrigeration, extends shelf life, maintains meat quality, and reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses. 8. How can Maria s family preserve milk to ensure it does not spoil? -. Maria s family can preserve milk by boiling or fermenting it to produce yogurt, all of which kill bacteria and extend the milk's usability. 9. Which method do you use to preserve milk at home and why? -. Boiling due to its simplicity and effectiveness in destroying pathogens, or refrigeration for keeping milk fresh without altering its taste. 10. What are the hygiene practices important for preserving meat and milk? -. Practices include maintaining cleanliness of storage areas, using clean utensils and equipment, and ensuring the meat and milk are handled minimally to avoid contamination. 11. Discuss the advantages of pasteurization in milk preservation. -. Pasteurization eliminates harmful bacteria without significantly changing the nutritional content or flavor of milk, making it safer for consumption. 12. What is the role of temperature control in the preservation of animal products? -. Temperature control is crucial as it helps in slowing down the growth of microorganisms and the rate of chemical changes which spoil the product. 13. How does fermentation extend the shelf life of milk products?


- Temperature control is crucial as it helps in slowing down the growth of microorganisms and the rate of chemical changes which spoil the product.13.How does fermentation extend the shelf life of milk products?- Fermentation converts lactose into lactic acid, lowering the pH and creating an environment unsuitable for many bacteria, thus preserving the milk product.14.Explain how vacuum sealing affects the preservation of meat.- Vacuum sealing removes air from the packaging, reducing oxidative rancidity and slowing microbial growth, thereby extending the meat's shelf life.15.What are the signs that preserved meat has gone bad?- Signs include off odors, slimy texture, discoloration, and mold growth.16.Why is it important to package animal products properly for preservation?- Proper packaging protects the product from environmental contaminants, physical damage, and moisture loss or gain, all of which can affect quality and safety.17.Describe a traditional method of meat preservation used in your community.- Traditional methods might include air drying or fermenting, depending on local practices and climate conditions.18.How do cultural practices influence methods of animal product preservation?- Cultural practices can dictate preferences for certain preservation methods based on taste, the availability of resources, and historical usage.19.What innovations in animal product preservation have emerged in recent years?- Innovations include the use of natural preservatives, improvements in canning technology, and the development of biodegradable packaging materials.20.Evaluate the effectiveness of traditional vs.modern preservation methods for meat.- Traditional methods are often sustainable and adapted to local conditions but may not achieve the shelf life and safety standards of modern methods, which are generally more controlled and efficient but can be resource-intensive.


GRADE 7 TERM 1LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION LESSON NOTESPERSONAL MANAGEMENT SKILLSSELF AWARENESSSELF AWARENESS means having an accurate understanding of ourselves. That includes knowing our strengths, weakness, values, emotions and hopes and how they influence our behaviour in different circumstances. Describing self in relation to the five dimensions of a human beingEvery person should understand themselvesPhysicallySociallyPsychologicallySpirituallyEconomicallyThose who are self aware can objectively evaluate themselves, manage their emotions, align their behaviour with their values and understand how others perceive them. The physical qualities are the things we can see in someone. These include their height, weight, skin colour and any other feature that can be seen in someone. Physical awareness also means that one understands the different gender roles and expectation. For example both boys and girls should be aware of the different changes that takes place in their bodies as they grow and developA person who is physically self aware understands that no physical feature makes someone lesser human beings. They take pride in how they appear and do not wait for validation from other peopleBeing socially aware means that one understands how they react to different social situations and effectively modify their interactions with other people so that they achieve the best results. Psychotically awareness refers to one s preparedness to tackle the challenges that they face in their daily life. A person who is psychologically aware always gives themselves positive affirmation before they confront their challenges. Spiritual awareness means one being aligned with the values they hold dear. It also means working towards finding one s higher purpose. Spiritual awareness enables one to understand the religious beliefs and values that align with their purposeEconomic awareness means one understanding, accepting and seeking to improve their social status in the community. One who is economically aware understands that different people are at different stages in life and everybody else is always eeking to climb a step higher in the social ladder. Identifying personal talents and abilitiesEveryone is good at something. People are good at different activities and skills because they have different strengths. A talent is an inborn ability within a person which makes them excel in a certain activity without actually learning or acquiring it. Talents require recognition so that they can be shaped to the benefit of their owners. People have used their talents to develop themselves as well as make an impact in their communitiesAn ability is someone capacity to do something. It is always acquired through constant practise or training. It is something anyone can have.


People have used their talents to develop themselves as well as make an impact in their communitiesAn ability is someone capacity to do something. It is always acquired through constant practise or training. It is something anyone can have. Making use of our talents and abilities to make a positive impact in the society makes us happy. It is important we can say we are at our bestPupil s activityPage 4-7Dealing with contemporary challenges for self improvementContemporary challenges are challenges we face in the present day. Dome of them are emerging while others have persisted for a while. Examples of modern day challenges includeInternet and online addictionCyber bullyingAddiction to bettingDrug abusePeer pressureUnhealthy eating habitsIf not handled properly, these challenges can affect the normal growth and development of an individualA person who is self aware will not subject themselves to situations that may be a threat to their normal well being. They also tend to know how to handle the challenges whenever they find themselves in such situationsSelf esteemSelf esteem refers to how we feel about ourselves and our abilitiesSelf esteem results from the picture we create about ourselves. This is informed by feedback from other people and the expectations of the societyHigh and low self esteemWhen we create a good picture of ourselves, for example by being responsible for our actions, we feel good about ourselves. This raises our self esteemHaving a high self esteem means generally holding yourself in positive regard. It means one s positive thoughts about themselves outweigh any of negativity. When we create a bad picture of ourselves, for example by not holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We lower our self esteem. Low self esteem is the feeling of not being satisfied with one self. People with low self esteem view themselves in a more negative and critical light. This can affect individual mental well being. Having a high self esteem is important because it enables one toBe themselves and stay in line with their purpose, goals, values and visions in life.


People with low self esteem view themselves in a more negative and critical light. This can affect individual mental well being. Having a high self esteem is important because it enables one toBe themselves and stay in line with their purpose, goals, values and visions in life. Have the ability to express and be able to defend their actions and stand by their principlesAppreciate different opinions leading to positive relations with peopleBe able to face their challenges and overcome themEffects of low esteem includeIt leads to individuals having negative feelingsOne can indulge in drug abuseOne can develop trouble perceiving and relating to situations and peopleIt results in constant fear and guilt which can affect an individual advancement in life hence not being able to realise their full potentialFactors that influence self esteemHaving a self esteem is important for our mental health and well being. Self esteem can be influenced byParents and familyFriends and peersEducationChildhoodAgeMediaOne s own perception or belief about themselvesOne can enhance their self esteem byHaving positive thought about themselvesIdentifying and challenging their negative beliefsBuilding good relations or friendshipTaking on challenges, accepting what is not perfect and being ready to learn new thingsPractising self careMaking room for healthyBecoming mindful of your thoughts and actionsTaking actions based on needs rather than wantsIdentifying their accomplishments and celebrating themselvesManaging emotionsEmotions are personal human feelings that control our moods. They are the driving forces behind our behaviourTypes of emotions in different situationsEmotions can be positive or negativeWhen experience positive emotions during our happy or high momentsWhen we feel low or angry, we experience negative emotionsPeople who accept positive emotions are more likely to cope with stress, are optimistic and are always ready to listen and help othersThose who embrace negative emotions are always unhappy, depressed, gloomy and do not want to talk to other peopleThe different types of emotions includeHappinessSadnessAngerJoySurpriseBoredomFearExcitementReliefAwkwardnessManaging emotions positively under different circumstancesEmotional situations are basic parts of life. Sometimes we struggle with how to deal with them effectively. It can be tempting to act on what you feel right away, but that does not fix the situations caused the emotions.


They are the driving forces behind our behaviourTypes of emotions in different situationsEmotions can be positive or negativeWhen experience positive emotions during our happy or high momentsWhen we feel low or angry, we experience negative emotionsPeople who accept positive emotions are more likely to cope with stress, are optimistic and are always ready to listen and help othersThose who embrace negative emotions are always unhappy, depressed, gloomy and do not want to talk to other peopleThe different types of emotions includeHappinessSadnessAngerJoySurpriseBoredomFearExcitementReliefAwkwardnessManaging emotions positively under different circumstancesEmotional situations are basic parts of life. Sometimes we struggle with how to deal with them effectively. It can be tempting to act on what you feel right away, but that does not fix the situations caused the emotions. More often than not, it leads to more problemsDuring an emotional moment, one shouldPause, sit down, take a deep breath and ask themselves what happened before they started feeling emotionalIdentify and state why they are feeling that wayAcknowledge the emotion and make sense of what they are feeling and understand that it is normal to feel that wayAllow themselves to feel that particular emotionEvaluate critically how they should react. Their reactions should not worsen the already bad situation. Emotions can also be handled by diverting one s attention to things that are exciting or things that actually matter. One can play games or engage in their hobbies as a way of managing different emotionsEmotions should never be suppressed. Suppressing emotions means actively pushing uncomfortable thoughts, feelings or memories out of one s consciousness simply because you do not know how to handle them. Suppressing emotions can cause different health conditions like depression, high blood pressure, low energy and heart diseasesAlways communicate what you need and face your emotions with the aim of making things better for you and those you interact with.


One can play games or engage in their hobbies as a way of managing different emotionsEmotions should never be suppressed. Suppressing emotions means actively pushing uncomfortable thoughts, feelings or memories out of one s consciousness simply because you do not know how to handle them. Suppressing emotions can cause different health conditions like depression, high blood pressure, low energy and heart diseasesAlways communicate what you need and face your emotions with the aim of making things better for you and those you interact with. The effects of negative emotions on self and othersNegative or poorly managed emotions can lead toSomeone feeling miserable and sadSomeone disliking self and othersLack of confidence and self esteemConflicts among friends and family membersGradual loss of sensible thinking and judgementDelay in progress in different aspects of lifeLifestyle diseases for example depressionNegative emotions hold us back and delay our progressManaging stressStress can be defined as state of emotional tension resulting from unfortunate or demanding circumstances, some of which we do not have any controlIt is also being overwhelmed with or being unable to cope with emotional or mental pressureA person who is stressed has the following characteristicsFrequent headachesExhaustions or trouble sleepingIs easily annoyedDepressionBecoming less social, lovely and sadThe common sources of stressProblems with friends, siblings or parentsFinancial problems in the familyNegative thoughts or feelings about oneselfBullyingStress can be managed. Its effects can be positive or negative depending on how it has ben managed. Effects of stress in day to day livesWithdrawal from othersAnger and violenceAnxietySchool drop outsMental breakdownPoor decision makingDepression and lack of motivationLack of sleepManaging stressful situationsThe activities we choose to engage in can influence how we control our moods.


The effects of negative emotions on self and othersNegative or poorly managed emotions can lead toSomeone feeling miserable and sadSomeone disliking self and othersLack of confidence and self esteemConflicts among friends and family membersGradual loss of sensible thinking and judgementDelay in progress in different aspects of lifeLifestyle diseases for example depressionNegative emotions hold us back and delay our progressManaging stressStress can be defined as state of emotional tension resulting from unfortunate or demanding circumstances, some of which we do not have any controlIt is also being overwhelmed with or being unable to cope with emotional or mental pressureA person who is stressed has the following characteristicsFrequent headachesExhaustions or trouble sleepingIs easily annoyedDepressionBecoming less social, lovely and sadThe common sources of stressProblems with friends, siblings or parentsFinancial problems in the familyNegative thoughts or feelings about oneselfBullyingStress can be managed. Its effects can be positive or negative depending on how it has ben managed. Effects of stress in day to day livesWithdrawal from othersAnger and violenceAnxietySchool drop outsMental breakdownPoor decision makingDepression and lack of motivationLack of sleepManaging stressful situationsThe activities we choose to engage in can influence how we control our moods. Stressful situations can be positively dealt with by simply concentrating on the things that boost our mood and make us feel appreciatedDuring stressful situations, you canRead interesting storiesOrganise your roomDo relaxation exercisesPlay with your favourite petListen and dance to your favourite tunesAsk for help from friends, family members or teachersMake a gratitude list a list of what you are grateful or proud of achieving COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNINGCommunityA community refers to people living in the same area or people who have common interestThe following are some of the characteristics of people in a communityThey live in the same geographical areaThey share common goals, challenges and aspirationsThey have similar interest or social networkCommunity serviceCommunity service is work performed by a group for the benefit or betterment of their community without expecting any form of compensationExamples of place where people can offer community services includeCommunity libraryHospitalsMarket placeChildren s homeHomes for the elderlyWe do community services becauseIt keeps one in regular contact with others and help them develop a solid support system which turns protect them against stress and depression.


Its effects can be positive or negative depending on how it has ben managed. Effects of stress in day to day livesWithdrawal from othersAnger and violenceAnxietySchool drop outsMental breakdownPoor decision makingDepression and lack of motivationLack of sleepManaging stressful situationsThe activities we choose to engage in can influence how we control our moods. Stressful situations can be positively dealt with by simply concentrating on the things that boost our mood and make us feel appreciatedDuring stressful situations, you canRead interesting storiesOrganise your roomDo relaxation exercisesPlay with your favourite petListen and dance to your favourite tunesAsk for help from friends, family members or teachersMake a gratitude list a list of what you are grateful or proud of achieving COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNINGCommunityA community refers to people living in the same area or people who have common interestThe following are some of the characteristics of people in a communityThey live in the same geographical areaThey share common goals, challenges and aspirationsThey have similar interest or social networkCommunity serviceCommunity service is work performed by a group for the benefit or betterment of their community without expecting any form of compensationExamples of place where people can offer community services includeCommunity libraryHospitalsMarket placeChildren s homeHomes for the elderlyWe do community services becauseIt keeps one in regular contact with others and help them develop a solid support system which turns protect them against stress and depression. It challenges one to do difficult tasks and learn positive qualities such as patience, empathy and accountabilityIt helps one learn new skills such s first aid skills, landscaping skills, leadership skills and problem solving skills among others in the communityIt offers one an opportunity to help those in need hence gain self fulfilmentCommunity service learningCommunity service learning CSL refers to a combination of classroom learning and community learning service. It give learners an opportunity to work with the community members to solve local problemsIt also offers learners an opportunity to connect classroom learning with real life experiences in their school community and the neighbourhood.


Stressful situations can be positively dealt with by simply concentrating on the things that boost our mood and make us feel appreciatedDuring stressful situations, you canRead interesting storiesOrganise your roomDo relaxation exercisesPlay with your favourite petListen and dance to your favourite tunesAsk for help from friends, family members or teachersMake a gratitude list a list of what you are grateful or proud of achieving COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNINGCommunityA community refers to people living in the same area or people who have common interestThe following are some of the characteristics of people in a communityThey live in the same geographical areaThey share common goals, challenges and aspirationsThey have similar interest or social networkCommunity serviceCommunity service is work performed by a group for the benefit or betterment of their community without expecting any form of compensationExamples of place where people can offer community services includeCommunity libraryHospitalsMarket placeChildren s homeHomes for the elderlyWe do community services becauseIt keeps one in regular contact with others and help them develop a solid support system which turns protect them against stress and depression. It challenges one to do difficult tasks and learn positive qualities such as patience, empathy and accountabilityIt helps one learn new skills such s first aid skills, landscaping skills, leadership skills and problem solving skills among others in the communityIt offers one an opportunity to help those in need hence gain self fulfilmentCommunity service learningCommunity service learning CSL refers to a combination of classroom learning and community learning service. It give learners an opportunity to work with the community members to solve local problemsIt also offers learners an opportunity to connect classroom learning with real life experiences in their school community and the neighbourhood. This is done through curricular and co-curricular programmes and projectsThe focus of CSL is not only learning but also service to the community an the beneficiary is not only the learner but also the community servedThe major goal of CSL is to educate learners about their roles as engaged citizens and leaders in the communityExamples of CSL activities includeSteps involved in carrying out CSL projectA project is a series of tasks that need to be completed to reach a specific outcomeA community services learning project can therefore be defined as a series of learning and services tasks are aimed to meet an identified need or solve an identified problem in the communityTo plan and carry out a CSL activity, one must follow these stepsIdentification of the problem in the communityThis done through discussions with different people conducting surveys and reading or watching news on community needs.


It challenges one to do difficult tasks and learn positive qualities such as patience, empathy and accountabilityIt helps one learn new skills such s first aid skills, landscaping skills, leadership skills and problem solving skills among others in the communityIt offers one an opportunity to help those in need hence gain self fulfilmentCommunity service learningCommunity service learning CSL refers to a combination of classroom learning and community learning service. It give learners an opportunity to work with the community members to solve local problemsIt also offers learners an opportunity to connect classroom learning with real life experiences in their school community and the neighbourhood. This is done through curricular and co-curricular programmes and projectsThe focus of CSL is not only learning but also service to the community an the beneficiary is not only the learner but also the community servedThe major goal of CSL is to educate learners about their roles as engaged citizens and leaders in the communityExamples of CSL activities includeSteps involved in carrying out CSL projectA project is a series of tasks that need to be completed to reach a specific outcomeA community services learning project can therefore be defined as a series of learning and services tasks are aimed to meet an identified need or solve an identified problem in the communityTo plan and carry out a CSL activity, one must follow these stepsIdentification of the problem in the communityThis done through discussions with different people conducting surveys and reading or watching news on community needs. Doing all these will help you identify a need or a gap that needs to be solved. A gap or problem is the difference between where we are and where we want to be. Learners intending to do a CSL activity brainstorm and discuss to come up with one problem for the project of activityDesigning solutions to the problemsDuring this stage, listen to as many suggestions on the solutions as possible. Narrow down to the most cost effective but efficient solution to the problemPlan to implement the solution when, what, who, how In this stage think about the possible steps, resources, the learning skills required, shared responsibilities and the time it will take to complete the projectWhen planning one should ask themselves questions likeWhat will we accomplish? How long will the project take? Who will we work with? How can we engage people of different talents, abilities and perspectives? What training sensitivity is required for us or our patrons to accomplish the goals? What needs to be accomplish our goals? Who will do want?


What training sensitivity is required for us or our patrons to accomplish the goals?What needs to be accomplish our goals?Who will do want?What resources do we need to be successful and how will we get them?Implementation of the solutionThis is the stage where you set out offer a solution to the problem or implement your planAction is taken by volunteering, serving or being an advocate for something. As you take the action it is important to document the actions through pictures , videos, reports, journals or any other formReporting and reflectingThis is an ongoing process and it happens before writing and after the action stage. The different means of reflection include writing journals, discussions, songs, skirts, diagrams, reports, taking pictures or videos and so onReflecting helps one to examine what they learnt and analyse whether the projects made a difference. One also gets to examine how they feel about volunteering. INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP SKILLSHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS.


GRADE 7 RATIONALIZED AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION LESSON NOTESSTRAND ONE -CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES. 1.1 Controlling soil PollutionIt is very important to human beings and animals to conserve the agricultural environment. This can be done by learning about soil pollution and how to control it when carrying out agricultural farming activities or practices. Soil pollution is the contamination of soil with harmful substances. The harmful substances in the soil are known as pollutants or contaminantsCauses of soil pollution in farmingExcessive use of artificial fertilizers. -. These fertilizers introduce pollutants such as Nitrogen compounds and heavy metals into the soil which accumulate in the soil to toxic levels and become harmful to crops and soil living organisms. Excessive use of agricultural chemicals agrochemicals such as herbicides and pesticides. -. These chemicals become pollutants when they get into the soil. They accumulate into the soil and become toxic to soil living organisms. Throwing plastic wastes in the garden. -. Plastic wastes are not broken down by soil living organisms. They contaminate the soil and interfere with the growing crops or reduces agricultural space. Throwing Chemical containers. -. Chemical leftovers from these containers get into the soil and become pollutants. The pollutants accumulate to toxic levels and become harmful to the soil living organisms. Surface run off carrying contaminated water- Surface run-off that contains any contaminants deposits them to the soil when passing over. Industrial wastes- Waste from industries have dangerous chemicals and heavy metals if not disposed off well ends up in the soil. The contaminants get into the soil and affect soil micro-organisms. What is the effect of soil pollution? It causes production of crops that are not safe for consumption or use by human beings. This poses health risks. Soil pollution also affects soil fertility and soil pH affecting agricultural production. This affects food security. Control of soil pollutionHow can soil pollution be controlled in Farming? Soil should be protected from pollution to make agricultural produce safe. Safe soil pollution control practices are measures that are taken to reduce the pollutants in the soil. Safe Soil pollution Control measures include the following methods:o Reusing of plastic materials such as using bottles for drip irrigation. O Use of correct types and amount of artificial fertilizer and agrochemicals. O Safe disposal of used agricultural chemical containers. O Safe disposal of plastic wastes, containers and straws. O Recycling waste materials into other useful products.


O Safe disposal of used agricultural chemical containers. O Safe disposal of plastic wastes, containers and straws. O Recycling waste materials into other useful products. O Practicing organic farming which is the growing of crops and rearing livestock without using artificial fertilisers and agricultural chemical. O Planting trees and cover crops to reduce surface run-off than carry contaminants and distribute over the soil surface. Creating Awareness on Prevention of Soil Pollution in Framing. The farming community may not know that the practices they carry out on the farm pollute the soil. We can make the members of the community aware of soil pollution by creating a message to make them aware of soil pollution and how to prevent it. Therefore, the awareness message on soil pollution is aimed at sensitizing members of the public on the harmful effects of soil pollutants in farming. The awareness message should target the different categories of the people in the community. The awareness message should be designed to educate the public on a wide range of soil pollution control measures such as:Safe disposal of used agricultural chemical containers. Use of correct types and amount of fertilisers and agricultural chemicals. Reusing of plastic materials such as using bottles for drip irrigation. Safe disposal of plastic wastes, containers and straws. Recycling waste materials into other useful products. Practicing organic farming which is the growing of crops and rearing livestock without using artificial fertilisers and agricultural chemical. Planting trees and cover crops to reduce surface run-off than carry contaminants and distribute over the soil surface. The awareness message can be passed using the following methods:Dramatization. Presenting songs. Poems. Displaying posters etc. 1.2 -Constructing Water Retention structures. In rainy seasons a lot of water flows into rivers in form of surface runoff and finally gets into lakes and oceans. Surface run off is the water flowing on the ground after a heavy rainfall. The water may be conserved to be used for farming during the dry season. Surface run off causes a lot of damage to property if not properly collected Some of the damages caused by surface run off include:Soil erosion. Deposits contaminants such as fertilizer, oil, pesticides and dirt into water bodies causing water pollution. Destruction to crops. Destruction to buildings and other infrastructure such as roads. Surface run off is conserved or collected in structures such as:Water retention ditches. Earth basins. Water retention pits. What is the importance of conserving water in Farming?


Earth basins. Water retention pits. What is the importance of conserving water in Farming? Surplus or excess water can be conserved and used during the times of water scarcity in the farm. Conserving water reduces the cost of farming. This is because money that would be used to buy water in the farm is saved. Conserving water ensures availability of water for human life and livestock. A lot of water is wasted during rainy season. Rain water which forms surface run-off after heavy downpour is prevented from damaging property. A trench is constructed along the contour to collect and hold surface off when there is heavy rainfall. The trench should be dug along the contours. The surface run-off collects at the retention ditch as it rains. The water collected in the water retention ditches is used by the crops growing around it. Steps followed when constructing a water retention ditch. Determine the contour lines using an A-frame. Mark the contour lines with pegs. Dig the soil along the marked line to make a trench about 0.6m or 60 cm deep and 60 cm wide. Remove the soil with a spade and throw it downward to form an embankment. Plant grass or any other crop on the embarkmentPhotographs showing water retention ditches2. Construction of an earth basin. An earth basin is a small pond or a depression that is constructed on the surface of land to collect surface run-off water after rains for use in farming. Water is collected in the earth basin when there is heavy rainfall and also runoff collects in the earth basin. Water is drawn from the earth basin for irrigation. An earth basin holds surface runoff form the surrounding area. It can store this water long after the rains. This water is used in growing crops. Steps followed when constructing an earth basin. Clear the area where the earth basin is to be constructed. Excavate the basin by digging the soil and throwing it to the sides to form an embarkment. Leave the upper side of the basin open to allow the flow of run odd into the basin. Plant a crop or grass around the earth basin to prevent soil erosion. This are small depression in which crops grow and are used to trap water around the base of the crop to be used by the crop. This reduces run-off. Surface runoff collects in water retention pits when it is raining. The water collected in the retention pits may be used to grow crops such as vegetables, bananas and Napier grass.


This reduces run-off. Surface runoff collects in water retention pits when it is raining. The water collected in the retention pits may be used to grow crops such as vegetables, bananas and Napier grass. Water retention pits traps surface run off and allow it to seep into the soil. A series of pits may be dug into the ground where run off occurs and the pits joined with furrows so that when one pits is full, water can spill over to the next pit. Steps followed when constructing a water retention pit. Measure the spacing of the pits and mark with pegs. Dig the pits about 20-30 cm deep and spaced at 90 cm. The pits are planted with a crop. They help to hold surface run-off preventing soil erosion. Photographs showing water retention pits with crops in them. Crops that can be established in water retention structures:Bananas. Arrow roots. Napier grass. Sugarcane. 1.3 -Conserving Food Nutrients. Ways of conserving vitamins and mineral salts in vegetables during food handling, preparation and cooking. Washing - Wash vegetables before cutting. Soaking or washing time should be reduced to minimize nutrient loss.it is advisable to wash vegetables with cool water rather than hot water. It is also advisable to wash vegetables before cutting. Avoid cutting then washing as this may cause leaching of nutrients. Peeling Most vegetables have more nutrients preserved when consumed with out peeling. Therefore, excessive peeling should be avoided to ensure more nutrients are conserved. Cutting most vegetables loss nutrients once cut because they are exposed to air. Therefore, it is advisable after cutting vegetable they should be stored in air tight containers. Ensure you remove excess air from the containers. Cooking time -cooking time affects nutrients such as vitamin C which is lost when cooking food for long time. This is also determined with cooking method used. Incase boiling is much involved and cooking time is long, then the vegetable tend to lose a lot of nutrients. Covering - cooking vegetables with the lid on can help to retain some of the watersoluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and the B vitamins, by trapping steam inside the pot and reducing the amount of nutrient loss through leaching into the cooking water. Ways to cook vegetables to preserve nutrientsChoose the right chopping method. The wrong chopping method can also lead to loss of nutrients. ... Be careful about the size of the vegetables. ... O Cook food for the right time. O Use the right amount of water.


... o Cook food for the right time. O Use the right amount of water. O Avoid re-heating the food. 1.4 -Growing Trees. Importance of Trees in conserving the environment. Trees are planted to help conserve the environment and provide other benefits to farmers. Farmers derive various benefits from trees such as:Timber poles. Firewood. Shade. Food and livestock feed. Organic matter that increases soil fertility. Conservation of both soil and water. Difference between afforestation, reafforestation and deforestation. Afforestation refers to planting trees where tress had never existed. Reafforestation means planting of tress where forests have been cleared. Deforestation-this is indiscriminate removal of trees from forested areas. Roles of tress in soil and water conservationThey protect the soil from raindrop erosion by reducing the force with which it fall on the ground. Trees provide shade hence reducing loss of moisture through evaporation. Trees act as windbreaks preventing wind erosion. Roots of trees binds the soil particles together. Trees also reduce speed of running water thus reducing its erosive power which reduces soil erosion. Tree leaves decay decompose to supply humus to the soil which improves soil fertility and water infiltration. Agroforestry-refers to the growing of crops, trees and rearing of animals on the same piece of land. The planting of trees and shrubs helps to conserve soil and water as described in the roles of trees above. State and explain nine nursery management practice done in a tree nursery. Mulching-alight mulch should be applied to prevent excessive evaporation and moderate soil temperatures. Watering-tree nursery should be watered regularly preferably in the mornings and evenings. Weed control-weeds should be removed through uprooting to avoid competition for nutrients and moisture. Pricking out-where seedlings are overcrowded, some should be removed pricked out and planted in another nursery bed. Root pruning-regular root pruning is done to make lifting of seedlings easier during transplanting and reduce chances of damage to seedlings. Shading-a shade should be erected over the nursery to reduce the impact of raindrop hence controlling splash erosion. Pest and disease control- sterilize the soil through heat treatment or application of appropriate chemicals. Hardening off-practice of preparing seedlings to adapt to the prevailing conditions in the seedbed.it is achieved through gradual reduction of shade and reduced watering.


Shading-a shade should be erected over the nursery to reduce the impact of raindrop hence controlling splash erosion. Pest and disease control- sterilize the soil through heat treatment or application of appropriate chemicals. Hardening off-practice of preparing seedlings to adapt to the prevailing conditions in the seedbed.it is achieved through gradual reduction of shade and reduced watering. Transplanting-should be done at the onset of rains to give young trees a good start. This makes the soil to stick around the roots and makes it easy for removal of polythene sleeves during transplanting. After transplanting seedlings should be watered, mulched then provided with a temporary shade to conserve moisture. Care and management of trees. Protection-young trees should be protected from damage by animals. This can be done for individual trees or the entire farm. Pruning and training-pruning is the removal of extra or unwanted parts of plants. The unwanted parts may be due to breakages, overcrowding, pest or disease attack and low productivity. Grafting old trees-this is the practice of uniting two separate woody stems, root stock and scion. Old agroforestry trees that have good characteristics can be used to unite with scions from different trees that are compatible with it. STRAND 2-FOOD PRODUCTION PROCESSES. 2.1-Preparing planting sites and establishing crops. Determine appropriate tilth for selected planting materials. Planting sites are prepared according to the type of planting materials. Different planting materials require different planting sites preparations. The size of the planting materials determines the soil fineness or the tilth of the planting site. Soil tilth refers to the degree of fineness or coarseness of a soil in relation to its suitability for planting a specified planting material. Soil tilth is described as fine, medium or coarse depending on the physical condition of the soil. Small sized planting materials require fine tilth. Examples of crops that require fine tilth include:Millet. Sorghum. Wheat. Medium sized planting materials requires medium tilth. Examples of crops that require medium tilth include:Maize. Beans. Large sized planting materials require coarse tilth. Examples of crops that require coarse tilth include:Tubers. Suckers. Cuttings. 2.2 - Selected Crop Management Practices. Crop management is a set of practices carried out in an already established crop on the field to provide it with proper conditions for healthy growth.


Cuttings. 2.2 - Selected Crop Management Practices. Crop management is a set of practices carried out in an already established crop on the field to provide it with proper conditions for healthy growth. Weeding in a Crop FieldFarmers should get rid of weeds that grow in crop fields by removing them physically. Weeds should be removed in crops to avoid competition for nutrients and moisture with established crops. There are various methods used to control weeds in the farm. Some are physical, cultural, chemical and biological methods. Chemical methods are where farmers use herbicides to control weeds. Biological methods are where farmers use living organisms to control weeds. Cultural methods farmers used some farming practice to control weeds in the farm such as mulching. Physical methods involve where farmers use mechanical force to remove weeds. Farmers can use the following physical methods to remove weeds:Uprooting. Tilling. Slashing. Uprooting weeds- refer to pulling out the roots of weeds from the soil. Slashing weeds-involves the use of a cutting tool such as a slasher, sickle or pangas to cut off weeds at the ground level to remove their shoots. Tilling-involves breaking and turning slight cultivation the soil to remove weeds using a jembe or a panga. Thinning and Gapping in a Crop Field. Thinning is the removal of excess seedlings in a crop field. When farmers carry out thinning, they uproot excess plants from the garden to prevent overcrowding. Gapping is the replacement of seeds that did not germinate or dried after planting. In gapping farmer replace crops that refuse to grow may be due to pest and diseases. Thinning helps to prevent overcrowding of plants which causes competition for nutrients, sunlight and moisture. When thinning, care must be taken to avoid damaging the roots of the remaining plants. Thinned-out plants can be used for gapping or as livestock feed. Carrying out thinning and gapping helps to maintain optimum plant spacing and optimum plant population in the crop field. Earthing Up in Crop Production. Earthing up is the heaping of soil around the base or root zone of the crop. Earthing up is carried out to strengthen the roots and hold them firmly in the soil. In tubers, earthing up provides room for tubers to increase in size. Earthing up helps to conserve moisture around the base of the growing crops. Earthing up encourages development of propping roots in cereal crops like maize.


In tubers, earthing up provides room for tubers to increase in size. Earthing up helps to conserve moisture around the base of the growing crops. Earthing up encourages development of propping roots in cereal crops like maize. This prevents lodging falling of crops after bearing in cereals. Hardening in Crop Management. Hardening is a practice carried out after harvesting crops to prepared produce for storage. It is also called curing if produce. Hardening harvested produce makes their skins tough to avoid peeling and rotting in the store. It is also known as curing in some crops. Tubers such as Irish potatoes and bulbed onions are hardened just before harvesting to prepare them for storage by heaping the produce under shade and covering with grass for about four days. They are turned daily to ensure even drying. Hardening prevents the delicate skin of Irish potato tubers from peeling off during storage. Hardening also helps to remove excess water in mature bulbed onions preventing rotting in the store. Hardening can be done both in the field immediately after harvesting the crops. Hardening makes the crop not to lose quality during transportation. Importance of Management Practices in Crop Production. Crop management involves agricultural practices carried out to improve the growth and development of crops throughout their growth period. Crop management practices are specific to specific crops. Well managed crops make maximum use of soil as a resource and give good returns to the farmer s efforts. Management practices are important because; Improves crop yields for food security. Improves the quality of produce. This makes the produce attractive and marketable. Good management practices increase the storage shelf life of the produce. 2.3 Preparing Animal Products: Eggs Honey. Most domestic animals are keep for their products. Animal products include milk, meat, eggs, honey, skin, wool and fur. Sorting and Grading Eggs. Sorting is the process of placing items into a certain order so that they can be analysed in a more effective way. Grading is classifying items according to quality or size. Sorting separates eggs according to the following factors:Size Cleanliness. Shell Colour. Texture. Shape. Quality. When sorting and grading, eggs are examined carefully and then separated according to their size, weight, conditions of the shell, shell colour, shape and cleanliness. The graded eggs should be placed in plastic or cardboard trays. The broad end of the egg should be packed facing upwards.


When sorting and grading, eggs are examined carefully and then separated according to their size, weight, conditions of the shell, shell colour, shape and cleanliness. The graded eggs should be placed in plastic or cardboard trays. The broad end of the egg should be packed facing upwards. Eggs should be handled with care during sorting and grading to prevent breakages and loss. Eggs on clean cardboard tray Eggs on clean plastic tray Reasons for sorting and grading eggs. For incubation purposes. For selling purposes. When marketing eggs consider what the consumers or buyers want. Consumers will buy most attractive products. Consumers prefer eggs with strong smooth shells and those that are clean. Therefore, sorting and grading eggs has the following importance. High quality eggs fetch high market prices. Grading encourages farmers to produce high quality eggs, assuring the of high profits. Sorting of eggs helps to grade them. Buyers prefer large eggs for consumption. Those who need eggs for incubation usually but the medium sized eggs. Consumers prefer eggs with strong, smooth shells and those that are clean. Processing of HoneyHoney processing is the extracting of honey from the combs to make it easy to package into containers. Honey combs are harvested from the bee hive or any site where the honey bees have built their combs. Raw honey may also be in form of honey crushed and stored with combs together. Comb honey may contain some impurities. Steps followed when processing honeyCollect all the tools required such as muslin cloth, glass bottle, wooden spoon and wooden rods. Break the honey combs into small pieces. Place the broken pieces of honey combs on a muslin cloth. Wrap honey combs with the muslin cloth. Crush and strain honey from honey combs into a container using the wooden rods. Honey combs to broken into small pieces. Place the broken pieces of honey combs on a muslin cloth. Wrap honey combs with the muslin clothCrush and strain honey combs into a container using the wooden rods. Packing Honey. Once honey is harvested from the combs, it is packed into suitable containers for use or storage or for sale. Honey stored in suitable containers remain clean and safe for consumption and can be stored for longer period of time. Honey should be stored in containers that do not allow moisture into honey. When honey is stored in an open place, it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and spoils quickly.


Honey stored in suitable containers remain clean and safe for consumption and can be stored for longer period of time. Honey should be stored in containers that do not allow moisture into honey. When honey is stored in an open place, it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and spoils quickly. Honey should be stored in plastic, glass or Aluminium containers and sealed tightly to prevent air and moisture from getting into the honey. Packed honey should be stored at room temperature in a dry place to avoid crystallization. Honey stored in closed containers that do not allow in moisture. Importance of Processing Raw Honey. To ensure clean and quality honey is produced. To obtain other products such as bee wax. To make honey safe for consumption. To remove impurities such as wax, dead bees, bee wings and legs. To enable honey, stay for longer period without spoiling before use. To add value to the final product. Processing makes honey lighter and easier to transport. The Value of Preparing Animal Products. Some animal products cannot be used in their raw form until they are prepared or processed first. Animal products need to be transported from where they are produced to where they consumers are located hence the need to prepare them. Unprocessed animal products get spoilt quickly if stored fro along time. Processing and packing animal s products prevents interference with product quality. Preparing animals products through processing adds vale and increases the consumer s choice for many products. 2.4 Cooking: Grilling, Roasting Steaming. Good cooking allows us to enjoy a healthy meal and snacks. Participating in preparation of food enables you to learn different methods and improves your skills in cooking. There are different methods of cooking food. The choice of a cooking method is determined by several factors. Factors determining the choice of a cooking method. The type of food to be cooked. Time available. Fuel or means of cooking. Equipment available. Methods of cooking different types of foods. 1. Grilling. This is dry method of cooking food. Grilling food is done by using direct heat, over, under or In front of a fire. It can be done using an electric, gas or charcoal grill. Grilling is a very popular method of cooking during festivities. Some of the foods suitable for grill include green maize, plantains, fish, beef, chicken, sausages, tomatoes and bacon. Equipment used for grilling food. Charcoal grill. Electric grill. Gas grill. Improvising grilling equipment. Requirements. Wire mesh. A stand.


Requirements. Wire mesh. A stand. Charcoal holder. Guidelines for cooking food by Grilling method. The following guidelines should be followed when grilling different types of foods to ensure the food is well cooked. Foods to be grilled for example, meat, should not be too thick to allow them to cook properly. The grill should be preheated to the correct temperature before. The food must be attended to constantly to prevent burning or over-cooking. The food should be turned frequently to ensure even cooking. Safety measures during grilling of food. Wear protective clothing to prevent contaminants from coming into contact with the food surfaces and equipment. The hair should be entirely covered and kitchen shoes worn. Hands should be washed before handling food, after visiting toilet, handling money, refuse, touching other parts of the body or blowing the nose. Finger nails should be kept short and clean. Jewellery such as rings, watches and bracelets should not be worn as they trap dirt. Bad habits such as smoking or tasting food using fingers should be avoided. -. Persons with contagious diseases should not handle food. Planning, preparing, cooking and presenting grilled food. Grilled Chicken. Requirements. A grill. Tongs. Fork. Tray. Chopping board. Knife. Ingredients. 1 chicken leg. 1 head garlic crushed. 1 small piece of crushed ginger. Lemon juice. Salt. A little oil. Method. Clean the chicken under running water and dry it using paper towels. Make deep cuts into the chicken to spread the meat and allow the marinade to penetrate. Marinate in a mixture of salt, ginger, garlic, lemons and oil for about 1 hour. Heat up the grill and place the chicken on a rack. Grill on medium heat and brush with oil from time basting until cooked on both sides. Serve the chicken. NOTE: Should chicken not be available, practice grilling other locally available foods such as green bananas, green maize, fish and tomatoes. Presenting Grilled chicken. Requirements. The grilled chicken. Carving knife. Carving board. Platter. 4 plates. 4 forks. 4 knives. A clean table cloth. Method. Use clean utensils. Cut the grilled chicken into small pieces and place them on a platter. Garnish the grilled chicken. This means using other foods like sliced tomatoes and onion rings to make it attractive. Accompany the grilled chicken with a carbohydrate and vegetable of choice.


Garnish the grilled chicken. This means using other foods like sliced tomatoes and onion rings to make it attractive. Accompany the grilled chicken with a carbohydrate and vegetable of choice. NOTE Should chicken not be available, practice presenting other grilled locally available foods such as bananas, green maize, fish and tomatoes. What are the advantages of Grilling food? Grilled food has less calories and fat content. Grilling is a quick and easy method of cooking. Nutrients are preserved as there is little loss. What are the disadvantages of Grilling method of cooking? Requires constant supervision. Inconvenient. Some skill is needed. Fire and burn hazards. Health concerns. 2. Roasting. Roasting is a dry method of cooking. The food is cooked close to a strong source of heat in an oven. Examples of food that can be roasted include tender cuts of meat, potatoes and green bananas. An oven. Equipment suitable for Roasting food. Roasting can be done using very basic kitchen equipment such as:Guidelines for cooking food by Roasting. The following guidelines should be followed when roasting different types of food. The meat to be roasted should be seasoned before putting it in the roasting pan. The food to be roasted should be of good quality. Frequent basting is necessary to keep meat moist and ensure even cooking. Basting involves the application of fat, oil or any other juices on meat during roasting to keep it moist. Do not prick the surface of meat as this will allow juices to drain out and leave the roasted meat dry. The kitchen thread is used to tie the meat to maintain its shape during roasting. Safety measure during Roasting. Wear oven gloves when putting food in and removing it from the oven. Place the hot roasting pan on a heat proof mat after removing it from the oven. When cutting the hot meat, hold it firmly with a fork. Be careful when using hot ash to roast to avoid burns. Planning, Preparing, Cooking and Presenting roasted food. Roast Potatoes. Requirements. A cooker. A skewer. Ingredients. 10 small potatoes. 1 tablespoon oil. 1 4 tablespoon salt. 1 tablespoon crushed garlic. MethodPeel the potatoes and parboil them for 10 minutes. Drain the water from the potatoes. In a larger bowl, combine oil, garlic and salt. Stir the potatoes until evenly covered. Place potatoes in a single layer on roasting pan.


In a larger bowl, combine oil, garlic and salt. Stir the potatoes until evenly covered. Place potatoes in a single layer on roasting pan. Roast for 30 minutes in the preheated oven turning occasionally to brown on all sides. Presenting Roasted potatoes. Requirements. Roast potatoes. 1 tomato. Parsley or coriander. Serving dish. 4 plates. 4 forks. 4 knives. A clean table cloth. Method o Use lean utensils. O Serve the roast potatoes in the serving dish. O Garnish the roast potatoes with sliced tomatoes and parsley. What are the advantages of Roasting food? Nutrients especially vitamins are preserved. Creates an appealing texture and taste for food as well as improves appearance of food. Roasting does not require special skills and equipment. What are the disadvantages of Roasting food? It takes time for thorough and effective coking to be done. 3. Steaming. This is a type of cooking method where food is cooked using steam from boiling water. The food may or may not come into contact with the steam. Steaming is suitable for vegetables, fish fillet and cake puddings. Steamed foods are light and easy to digest. Steamed food is therefore, suitable for sick people and people who are recovering from sickness. Steamed food does not lose nutrients. They also retain their natural flavours. During steaming, different dishes can be cooked at the same time. This helps to save on time and fuel. Equipment suitable for steaming food. A food steamer. Improvised steaming equipment. Steaming equipment can be improvised using:The plate method of steaming food. The bowl method of steaming food. A colander. An improvised steamer. Procedure for streaming foods. Guidelines on steaming foods. Steam must be produced continuously when steaming. The water bath must, therefore, have enough water. This ensures that the pan containing the boiling water is not damaged. In order to maintain the temperature of the water bath, always add into it boiling water. Iii. The steamer or pan must have a tight-fitting lid to avoid loss of steam. Iv. When using a commercial steamer, follow the manufacturer s instructions. Safety precautions when steaming food. Be careful when removing the lid to prevent scalding. Be careful when removing the water bath from the cooker. Remove the lid towards self to prevent scalding. Use kitchen gloves to remove the host sufuria from the cooker.


Be careful when removing the water bath from the cooker. Remove the lid towards self to prevent scalding. Use kitchen gloves to remove the host sufuria from the cooker. Planning, preparing, cooking and presenting steamed food. Steamed spinach. Ingredients. 2 bunches of spinach. 2 litres of water. 1 4 tale spoon salt. Method. Wash the spinach. Remove the stacks. Shred the spinach and put it in a bowl. Add salt and stir. Cover the bowl with a fitting lid. Place it in a bigger sufuria with the water bath. Boil the water for five minutes. Stand back when removing the lid to prevent scalding. Be careful when removing the sufuria with boiling water from the cooker. Remove and serve. Presenting steamed vegetables. You will require:Steamed spinach. Serving dish. 4 plates. 4 knifes. A clean table cloth. Methods. Use clean utensils. Serve in a serving dish. Garnish the steamed vegetables. Importance of steaming. Steamed food is light and easy to digest. Advantages of Steaming food. Steamed food is healthier. Steamed food does not lose nutrients and appearance. Steamed food retains its natural flavour. During steaming different dished can be cooked at the same time hence saves energy. Disadvantages of steaming food. Requires great care to avoid scalds. STRAND 3- HYGIENE PRACTICES. 3.1 Hygiene in Rearing Animals. Hygiene practices in rearing of domestic animals. When rearing animals, farmers are advices to maintain high hygiene standards. This helps to prevent spread of diseases and also in production of high-quality produce. The following are hygiene practices in rearing animals:Animals should be provided with clean feeder. This enables feeding of clean food that is not contaminated. Provide animals with clean waterer. Animal house should be thoroughly cleaned and have adequate ventilation for free air circulation. Ensure animals are cleaned to prevent any spread of diseases and parasites. Tools used on animals should be sterilized before using on other animals. Equipment used to handle animals products should be thoroughly cleaned after usage. 3.2 Laundry loose coloured items. Reason for laundering loose coloured clothes. Clothes that can easily loose their colour during laundry should be handled with care in order to keep them colourful for longer. If proper care is not taken during laundry, the loose dye may discolour other clothes therefore damaging them.


Reason for laundering loose coloured clothes. Clothes that can easily loose their colour during laundry should be handled with care in order to keep them colourful for longer. If proper care is not taken during laundry, the loose dye may discolour other clothes therefore damaging them. Materials used for laundering loose coloured clothes. Different materials are used for laundering loose coloured articles. Some of these materials include:Vinegar. Salt. Lemon. Procedure used for laundering a loose coloured article. Loose coloured articles will fade if they are not cared for properly during the laundry process. Fading makes clothes less attractive. Requirements; Basin. Warm and cold water. Bar soap or mild detergent. Salt. Vinegar or lemon. Iron box. Loose coloured article. PegsProcedure;use mild detergent or bar soap to help minimise loss of colour. Wash the article in warm soapy water using kneading and squeezing method. This method involves gently applying pressure on the article repeatedly while it is still in the soapy water and squeezing it gently. Rinse the article in warm water to remove all traces of soap and dirt. Make the final rinse in cold water into which salt and vinegar has been added. Salt helps to fix the colour while vinegar and lemon brightens colours. Squeeze the article to remove excess water Hang the article to inside out under the shade to avoid the colour from fading, do not hand loose coloured clothes near other clothes to prevent transfer of colour. Iron the article from the wrong side when slightly damp using a moderately hot iron. Air the article so that it can dry completely. Fold and store appropriately in a clean place. Measures to be observed when laundering-coloured clothes. Loose coloured clothes should not be soaked to prevent loss of colour. Loose coloured clothes should be washed using a mild a detergent to minimise loss of colour. Loose coloured clothes should be washed using kneading and squeezing method to prevent loss of colour. Loose coloured clothes should not be wrung to prevent loss of colour. Salt is added to the final rinsing water to fix colour. Vinegar and lemon can also be added to the final rinsing water to brighten colour. Loose coloured clothes should be hanged inside out under the shade to prevent the colour from fading. Loose coloured clothes should not be hanged close to or overlapping each other to prevent transfer of colour. STRAND 4 PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES. 4.1 Sewing Skills: Knitting.


Loose coloured clothes should not be hanged close to or overlapping each other to prevent transfer of colour. STRAND 4 PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES. 4.1 Sewing Skills: Knitting. What is knitting? Knitting refers to the process of constructing fabric. It can either be done by hand or machine. It is achieved by applying continuous yarn or set of yarn to form a series of interlocking loops. Tools used in knitting include:A pair of scissors-cut yarn after finishing knitting. Knitting needles-used for hand knitting to produce knitted fabric. Yan-used for knitting. Tape measure-used to measure size of items being made. Basic knitting stitches. Knitting process is based on two simple stiches, namely the knit stich and the purl stich. Therefore, the basic knitting stitches are knit and purl. A knit stich look like a flat V-shaped and is mainly found on the right side of a knitted article. A purl stich looks like a raised bump on both sides of a knitted article. The following items can be knitted at home:Tool bags. Scarfs. Gloves. Mats. Table wipers. Safety precautions to observe when knitting Ensure you work in a well-lit area. When cutting using a pair of scissors, keep fingers away from the blades. Do not use your teeth to cut yarn. Do not sit too close to each other as you knit. Store scissors, all knitting materials and tools properly after use. Ways of taking care and storing knitting tools and materials. Always put scissors in scissors case after use. Wind yarns neatly after use and store them in a box. Avoid dropping pair of scissors. Oil scissors regularly and store knitting equipment in a clean dry place. Framed suspended gardens are structures which are creatively build to provide space and support for crops to be grown vertically. Suitable Crops for Suspended Gardening. Framed suspended gardens are suitable for growing climbing, shallow rooted and crops whose fruits are not too heavy to be supported by the frames and ornamental plants. Suspended gardens are suitable for growing off-season crops that require small spaces, use of little water and grow quickly. Kitchen gardens made of framed structures serve as a quick way of providing fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs to households at low cost. Creeping crops such as squash, sweet melon, cucumber, butternuts, creeping beans and strawberries can grow well when given support.


Suspended gardens are suitable for growing off-season crops that require small spaces, use of little water and grow quickly. Kitchen gardens made of framed structures serve as a quick way of providing fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs to households at low cost. Creeping crops such as squash, sweet melon, cucumber, butternuts, creeping beans and strawberries can grow well when given support. Suitable sites to prepare Framed Structures for Suspended Gardens. Framed gardens can be used as movable free standing structures in places where a temporary garden is needed since they can be moved easily. They can also be attached to other structures like fences, walls or balconies to save valuable floor space. Suspended gardens are also called hanging gardens which are used to grow crops in small spaces. Hanging gardens are artistically build structures that provide space and support for crops in the aerial space. The gardens can be made on framed vertical structures placed along fences, gates, pathways and on different types of trellises as shown in the pictures below. Arbor arch-this are arch-shaped structures whose walls and roof consists of open framework to support creeping and climbing crops. Pergola-This is an outdoor garden structure with a roof made of cross-beams where creeping and climbing crops are grown to provide shade along sidewalks, passageways or sitting areas. In the School Compound Framed structures can be prepared in following areas. Near school gates for beauty. At school roundabouts. At the flag posts. Along walls of the hostelsFramed suspended wall gardensArbor arch garden. Suspended boxes garden. Pergola gardens. Framed Structures designs for Suspended gardens. The designs for suspended gardens depend on the materials, space available and the sites for the gardens, though the owners choice and preferences are considered. When designing framed structures for suspended gardens, it is important to consider the following:The shape the garden will take. The space available for the garden. The site where the garden is to be placed in relation to the surrounds. The type of plants to be grown in the framed structures. The sketch plans should show measurement to give an idea of the amount of materials required. The plans should also specify the types of materials to be used. The material selected by farmer for constructions of suspended framed garden should have the following characteristics Cheap. Easily available. Long lasting. Easy to work with. Examples of the material for construction of the framed suspended gardens can be:Available timber. Left over wires. Nails.


Examples of the material for construction of the framed suspended gardens can be:Available timber. Left over wires. Nails. Metal bars. Wooden planks. Poles. Construction of Framed Structures for suspended gardens. The type and size of framed structures for the suspended gardens to be constructed depend on the space and available materials. The following types of farmed gardens can be constructed. Arbor arch gardens. Triangular wooden framed gardens. Pergola gardens. Suspended boxes gardens. Tyre gardens. Trellis gardensProcedure for constructing wooden boxes. Cut the pieces of wood for the frames of the boxes. Join the wood pieces with nails or screws at the four corners to make the frames. Fix a wire mesh at the bottom of the frame and hold with staples. Fix a plywood piece to hold back the wire mesh from outside and secure with nails. The box is ready for use. Its depth depends on the crop to be planted. Establishment of Selected Off-season Crops on Suspended gardens. Framed suspended gardens are appropriately used for growing off-season crops since it is possible to economise the little water available. The gardens should be placed where they will get a lot of sunshine but sheltered from the winds. The framed structures can be placed one over the other to form wooden staircase garden as shown in the following photograph. Crops established in the framed suspended gardens needs to be given care in order to grow strong and healthy to give expected produce. The management practices carried on the off-season crops in suspended gardens help crops to grow strong and health. The management practices are carried out on daily basis according to assigned tasks. The practices are carried out as follows:Weeding-done by uprooting weeds. Mulching-done by spreading dry leaves or pebbles around the base of the plant. Watering-dine by use of drip irrigation using pipes or perforated pipes or bottles. Wick irrigation is also recommended. Pests and disease control-done by uprooting or removing the affected plant parts. Care should be taken when carrying the management practices to avoid damaging the crops. Observe safety precautions when working with tools and equipment. We should make the school community aware of the importance of using framed suspended garden to grow off-season crops in our schoolWhen educative messages are used, the school community is made aware of how to grow crops in small areas. Various methods of disseminating passing out the educative messages can be used.


Observe safety precautions when working with tools and equipment. We should make the school community aware of the importance of using framed suspended garden to grow off-season crops in our schoolWhen educative messages are used, the school community is made aware of how to grow crops in small areas. Various methods of disseminating passing out the educative messages can be used. These methods include:Printing the messages on T-shirts, caps, key holders and wrist bands, then selling or wearing these items during holidays or school open days. Printing posters with the message and placing them in open places such as head teacher s waiting room at school gates, school canteen and all the notice boards. Role playing and reciting poems during school open days. Most agricultural products are perishable. This means they are easily spoilt when stored for a long period after harvesting. Hence, they need to be processed to increase the storage. Meaning of Value Addition in Crop Produce. Value addition is the process of changing a product from its original form to a better form. It involves transforming of raw materials into forms that can have a long storage shelf life and are more profitable in the market. Value addition involves changing raw agricultural produce into new products which have more value. Value added products have a long storage life. Examples of value addition in crop produce are as shown below. Fresh mango fruits to dried mango pulp. Groundnuts in pods to parked roasted groundnuts. Raw potatoes tuber to Fried and packed potato crisps, Raw cassava root tuber to Dried and milled cassava flour. Adding value to a product can be done in a number of different ways which give us new products. Some methods used include: drying, frying and roasting. They help to remove excess water from the crop produce. It prevents fungal attacks on the produce which brings about rotting. Processing Crop Produce for Value Addition. Processing crop produce changes them from their raw form into a better form which can be easily used. The method of value addition depends on the type of crop produce, uses of the produce and the length of storage intended. Some value addition processes are lengthy and expensive but they produce a stable product for consumption or sale. The methods of adding value to selected crop produce are as follows. Comparison between Processed and Raw Crop Produce. Processed crop produce have many benefits to the farmer and the consumer or example:They sell at higher prices than the raw produce in the market.


The methods of adding value to selected crop produce are as follows. Comparison between Processed and Raw Crop Produce. Processed crop produce have many benefits to the farmer and the consumer or example:They sell at higher prices than the raw produce in the market. Processed produce have a longer storage life span than the raw product. Importance of Value Addition in Crop Produce. Value addition in crop produce plays a role in reducing food wastage, improving food security and conserving the agricultural environment. Value addition of crop produce helps to:Increase the storage life of produce. Improve the selling price of produce for the farmer. Reduces the loss of produce after harvesting. It makes the produce attractive to the customers and therefore increases the demand of the produce. It makes the crop produce available in the market for a longer time and hence promotes food security. It makes it possible to store produce in small space. It makes transportation of produce easier and less costly. Water is used for washing clothes. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium salts. It is wasteful during laundry work since more soap is required to form lather. It forms scum with soap and can, therefore, discolour clothes. It also causes scales and fur to be deposited in machines and pipes. Soft water is water that does not contain dissolved salts of calcium and magnesium. It readily forms lather with soap. Warm water easily lathers with soap. Cold water is usually used for final rinsing to freshen articles. Soap. Soap is used together with water to remove dirt. There are soaps and soapless detergents. Soap detergents are made of animal fats or vegetable oils while soapless detergents are made of chemicals. Forms of Soap and soapless detergents. Soaps and soapless detergents are available in different forms depending on their use. Examples of soap detergents. Liquid soaps are soaps that come in liquid form. Cake or bar soap are soaps that are in solid or bar shape and are mostly used for laundry. Toilet soaps are used for skin care, they have high content of fat and have more moisturising properties than bathing soaps. Medicated soaps contain substances that destroy or remove harmful bacteria from the skin. Examples of soapless detergents. Foam soaps are liquid soaps which are dispended through a special pump mechanism that mixes the liquid soap with air to produce a foam. Powder soaps are soaps in powder foam. They are more affordable and effective.


Foam soaps are liquid soaps which are dispended through a special pump mechanism that mixes the liquid soap with air to produce a foam. Powder soaps are soaps in powder foam. They are more affordable and effective. Liquid soaps come in liquid form and are meant for washing dishes and cleaning hands. Paste soaps are semi solid soaps that look like bar soaps which have not hardened. NOTE: Soaps like vanilla soap, peppermint soap, tea soap and lemon grass soap have oils from those herbs or plants. They have a good fragrance. Basic ingredients and substances added during soap making. The major raw materials used in production of soap are:Fats. Alkali. Examples of oils or fats used to make soap include palm oil, coconut oil, cotton-seed oil, olive oil, tallow or mutton fats. The alkali lye used to make soap include caustic soda. The best water to use in soap making is rain water or distilled water. Other substances can be added to enhance the properties of the soap during manufacturing process. These include:Dirt suspending agents holds particles of dirt in suspension. Fragrance perfumes are added to enhance good scent. Dyes colourants are used to improve appearance of the soap in terms of colour. Disinfectants are added to destroy disease causing bacteria and microorganisms. Qualities of an effective cleaning agents. An effective cleaning agent is important in household cleaning if good results are to be achieved. A good effective cleaning household agent has the following qualities characteristics features. Should be gentle on the hand. Lathers easily with water. It should have an appealing fragrance. It should not contain substances that can harm fabric. It should have good cleansing power in both warm and cold water. It should rinse easily and leave no streaks or scum. Preparing homemade soap using natural, safe and locally sustainable ingredients. Soap is made from fats or vegetable oils with and alkali. The purpose or quality of soap determines the ingredients to use in making soap. For example. Soap with high oil content is gentle to the skin. Preparing homemade soap using natural ingredients. Requirements. 2 tablespoons salt. 2 teacups water. Kg fat. A cooker. 1 teacup ashes. Rubber gloves. Method. Sieve the ashes into a clear container. Bean pods and maize stalk ashes are the best because they are fine.


Method. Sieve the ashes into a clear container. Bean pods and maize stalk ashes are the best because they are fine. Add the two cups of water into the container and stir well. Strain the liquid into another container using fine cotton cloth. This liquid is called lye. Leave it to stand for 24 hours. Place the fat in a small pan or sufuria and melt it over heat. Add the lye to the melted fat stirring all the time, using a stick. Let the mixture boil slowly while stirring. Add salt and continue stirring until most of the water evaporates and the soap is almost ready to solidify. Pour the liquid into a mould and leave it to cool and harden. Remove the soap from the mould and cut it into the desired pieces and store in a dry place. CAUTION.Wear protective gear. Handle fire with care. Ensure fire is put off when not in use. Always add the lye carefully to the melted fat while stirring. Salt is added to hasten the hardening process. NOTE: Ensure there is enough air circulation for proper drying. To improve the soap you may add one or more of the following. Dye. Perfume. Disinfectant. Glycerin. The Use of safe and locally sustainable resources in preparing home-made soap. Homemade soap manufactured from locally sustainable resources are safe to use. These soaps can be improved so as to have better appeal in various ways.