If you teach about pregnancy, labor and delivery, then you might also wish to include a lesson on the various types of birthing methods available. Birthing Methods is a great assignment to include if time permits or you need something for a sub that supplements what you might currently be teaching. Check it out!

Set

• Ask students the following: What do you think expecting couples take into consideration when trying to decide on a birth method? Have them share their answers.
• Ask students to share how many different ways they know of to deliver a baby. This will give you an idea of how much they already know prior to the assignment.
• Let students know that they will be learning about 9 different birthing methods as they complete an investigative type activity.

Materials

• iPads or Laptops
• Projector & Screen

Activities

• The number of students in your class will determine whether you assign this as an individual or partner project.
• Explain that…New parents have many options available to them when it comes to delivering their baby. All have pros and cons; some options are recommended by obstetricians and others frowned upon. It’s your job to investigate one option and report back to the group!
• Copy an extra “notes” chart and cut apart the birthing methods. Place them in a can or envelope and have students randomly select their birthing method.
• Once students know their method, they investigate using reliable web-resources. When they have the description, the pros and the cons of their birth method, they create a single flash slide consolidating the information and add one school appropriate image that corresponds with their method.
• Students then share the flash slide of their birth method with the class who write down the info on their delivery option notes chart.
• After all methods are shared, students complete the “My Thoughts” portion of the assignment where they share 3 methods they would consider if they were expecting and why as well as 3 methods they would avoid and why.
• As a final exit slip activity, students must create an index card analogy. On the front…fill in the blanks, draw a corresponding image and be prepared to explain why. Name on the back. The prompt is as follows: Childbirth is like…a________________that_____________.
• Students share their index cards and then they are hung as a bulletin board or wall display for others to read.

Attachments

• Delivery Options (please make a copy)
• Notes: Types of Birthing Methods (please make a copy)
• Notecard Analogy (please make a copy)