ABOUT THE NETWORK
KARIN ATHANAS
AAFCS Executive Director
"AAFCS recognizes that strong partnerships are key to advancing the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Through our collaborative network, Family and Consumer Sciences professionals remain current, competent, and compassionate ready to meet evolving needs. Our newsletter and website are excellent ways to stay informed and inspired by the incredible work and resources shared by our partners
Interested in becoming a partner? Let us know we’d love to connect and explore how we can work together to strengthen the FCS community!”
TROUTWOOD, INC.
LEARNING PERSONAL FINANCE SKILLS WITH TROUTWOOD
Troutwood gives educators and professionals the tools to teach real-world financial skills budgeting, investing, goal setting, and more. Our platform is intuitive, engaging, and built to be used right away with teacher guides, students guides and videos. With the help of Finn, Troutwood’s interactive guide, gain the confidence to make smart money decisions that last a lifetime
From the classroom to life beyond school, Troutwood bridges the gap between education and financial independence. Whether you’re introducing key concepts or reinforcing essential habits, our tools help you build lessons that matter
Join educators across the country bringing financial literacy to life
FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION
The Learning Center by the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) offers free, classroom-ready lessons, activities, and multimedia tools focused on economics, personal finance, and decision-making. Educators can also earn the free Financial Intelligence Teacher (FIT) Credential and assess student learning with the no-cost Financial Intelligence Test (FIT).
Using these great resources: Access free lessons and credentials here. Contact LearningCenter@FEE.org for implementation support FEE and AAFCS can collaborate on webinars or workshops to expand financial literacy education
The Learning Center is expanding with new lessons and tools based on educator feedback.
FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION AND AAFCS
The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) provides free resources to help educators teach personal finance effectively, integrating AI tools and the C3 Inquiry Learning Process to enhance engagement and critical thinking. The curriculum emphasizes proactive money management, including financial responsibility, emergency savings, and overcoming a scarcity mindset. Students learn to set SMART financial goals, prioritize spending using the 80/20 budgeting rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings), and automate savings for longterm security. FEE also promotes ethical wealth-building through generosity, negotiation skills, and responsible financial decision-making. Additionally, students gain essential financial literacy skills to avoid debt traps, recognize scams, and learn from mentors and role models. By combining technology with practical financial principles, educators can equip students with the tools to achieve financial stability, build long-term wealth, and make informed money decisions for a secure future.
Watch Now in the THINK FCS Library
MONEY HABITUDES®
We deeply appreciate everything that teachers do to inspire, educate, and empower their students every single day. In honor of all your hard work and dedication, Money Habitudes is excited to offer a special discount just for you!
Enjoy $50 off our Activity Plus Workshop –available in both English and Spanish versions – as our way of saying thank you. Simply use the coupon code TEACH25 at checkout to claim your savings.
Let us support you as you continue to make a positive impact. Happy Teacher Appreciation!
NASCO EDUCATION
SAVE 20% DURING OUR CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT!
Use discount code 60075 until 5/31/25. Some exclusions apply.
SHOP HERE
THE #1 WAY TO KEEP YOUR FCS KITCHENS ORGANIZED
Give each student group a color-coded set of cookware and utensils.
It’s a fast, visual way to keep stations tidy and students on task.
SHOP HERE
WE’RE BURSTING AT THE
SEAMS
WITH NEW PRODUCTS!
Don’t miss this gorgeous Janome Artic Crystal Sewing Machine with 15 built-in stitches!
Explore everything new here!
UL STANDARDS & ENGAGEMENT
This webinar presented by UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) and AAFCS promoted consumer safety and provided details on safety standards. The session explored how safety standards impact everyday products like smart devices, toys, and home appliances, helping to prevent risks such as electrical hazards, battery fires, and counterfeit product dangers.
Participants gained insight into real-world risks, compelling statistics, and scenarios that highlighted potential hazards in daily life. By connecting safety standards to personal experiences, the discussion emphasized the importance of consumer education and proactive safety initiatives
The webinar concluded with actionable steps for participants to get involved in the standards development process, advocate for safer products, and engage their communities in safety awareness efforts
Watch Now in the THINK FCS Library
REALITY WORKS
Discover new hands-on tools and free soft skills lessons to engage your FCS students. Our 2025 FCS Program Catalog features resources for early childhood education, career readiness, culinary arts, and more - all designed to make learning interactive and real-world.
Get your catalog and free lessons today here!
TONIES
DISCOVER CHILDREN’S
IMAGINATION THROUGH TONIES
The Toniebox is a screen-free audio player designed especially for young children The Toniebox helps nurture emergent literacy, sparks creativity, and significantly reduces screen time all while keeping kids entertained and engaged.
Utilizing the Toniebox has many educational benefits. It is a powerful tool in early childhood environments
Learn more about Tonies and how the Toniebox can enhance your early childhood education here.
TONIES AND AAFCS
The webinar explored the Toniebox, a screen-free, tactile audio player designed to promote early literacy, creativity, and reduce screen time for young children. With a durable, squeezable design and seven-hour battery life, the Toniebox is ideal for schools, libraries, clinics, homes, and community programs. It plays preloaded or custom audio content through RFID-enabled figurines and works offline after the initial setup, making it accessible for families with limited internet access
Research findings presented showed a 32% improvement in emergent literacy scores and a 25% reduction in screen time among users Additional benefits include improved attention, engagement, comprehension, and vocabulary The Toniebox catalog features partnerships with Disney, National Geographic, Dr. Seuss, and others, offering a wide range of educational and entertainment options.
The session also highlighted the Toniebox’s use for children on the autism spectrum and its growing role in educational, therapeutic, and community settings. Future developments include expanded research initiatives and new content focusing on early learning, mindfulness, and discovery.
The AAFCS Collaborative Network aims to provide FCS professionals with the resources and support to advance their work in improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
1 | 2025
