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Educators rely on several different types of tools to help them effectively develop and teach early parenting education. We explore these essentials and include resources to learn more below.
Successful childbirth education starts with a plan. Effective teaching strategies help childbirth educators create engaging classes and improve learning outcomes for expectant parents.Before class begins, you need a plan for what to teach, how to divide up the time and the overall structure of your class. Your plan should include a detailed outline of each topic and how you plan to teach it. A breakdown of the time and method to teach (also called a lesson plan) helps you stay on track. This comprehensive plan is often called a curriculum.
Resources for Building Your Curriculum
If you are a new educator or do not yet have a curriculum, we have lots of resources that can help. (If you're experienced, these will be helpful for you, too!)
Check out these articles and resources for inspiration:
Steps for Creating a Curriculum
Ready-Made Teaching Curriculums
Teaching graphic that reads “Step Two: Use Engaging Visuals” with a person holding a blank presentation board.Listening to someone else talk is one of the least effective teaching methods. Mix up your classes with engaging visuals, interactive activities that allow parents to participate and discussions with parents leading the way.
Visual Aid Inspiration
The visual aids you use in class should help you look the part of an expert and professional in your field. They should be appealing, informative and have a contemporary style. The activities you provide in class can be enhanced with good visuals and make learning fun. Our Childbirth and Breastfeeding Curriculums include activities and suggestions for visual aids.
If you are just starting to build your collection or you are looking for some new ideas, check out these articles and resources:
Incorporating Learning Models into Childbirth Education
Spring Cleaning Your Teaching Supplies
Dynamic Classes With PowerPoint
Effective childbirth educators reinforce important concepts throughout class to improve understanding, retention, and birth preparation for expectant parents.Once class is over, parents may have weeks or months before they welcome their baby. It is important to have a way to reinforce and remind parents of what they learned, such as an informative handout or booklet they can refer back to.
Reinforce Concepts and Learning
Parents learn at different speeds and won't retain everything you cover in class. If they don't have a trustworthy guide to reference, they may rely on social media or internet searches fraught with misinformation. Our best selling book, Preparing for Birth covers all essential topics for pregnancy, labor and beyond.
These helpful articles to share more for how you can enhance learning:
Meeting Expectant Parents Where They Are
Disclaimer: All content provided is for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and no alterations in lifestyle should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Consult your physician on any topics regarding your health and pregnancy. Plumtree Baby, LLC does not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages.
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