Child Development

Child Development curriculum encompasses all aspects of learning about children, including;

"where do they come from?"

These students are in my first period Child Development class. One of them is experiencing the 'empathy belly'.

It is a teaching manipulative that simulates carrying a baby between 8 and 9 months of pregnancy. The 'belly' is fashioned like a full body vest that comes complete with a rubber bladder, which can be filled with warm water. This adds to the weight and warmth. Additionally, there are two pockets located inside the vest, that hold two round, solid metal, weights that give a simulated effect of a baby's limbs pushing against the 'mom'. A separate instrument is designed to freely hang inside the vest, to give the feeling of a baby's movement. The entire vest is attached by velcro at the back of the student to simulate tightness in the chest area. The navy blue apron is merely a covering that represents a maternity smock, and gives the overall appearance more credibility.

Because of the added weight and constriction, all students were under voluntary status, but they had to bring a signed permission slip from parents, to participate. I actually had more guys volunteer than I would have guessed.

The activity consisted of each volunteer wearing the empathy belly and demonstrate a few actions. They had to sit down and get up unaided from a chair, pick up toys and magazines from the floor (that their two year old and spouse had left laying around the house!), and try to tie their shoes.

At the conclusion of the activity, I had a variety of responses. Several girls said that they did not want to get pregnant if that is what it feels like. I also had another student put the 'belly' on, but wanted it off before she even started any demonstrations!

Over all, the activity gave the students something to talk and think about!