Health & Human Development

Developmental Transitions - Interactive Babies

Students in the Year 11 Health and Human Development class studied Developmental Transitions as part of their Unit 2 Outcome 2 curriculum this Semester. As part of their studies, St. Peter’s College was successful in obtaining interactive babies for students to take home to help in the understanding of this vital stage of the lifespan, specifically the key knowledge surrounding the role of parents, carers and/or the family environment in determining the optimal development of children.

Each student in the class was individually prepared with information, the essential child care resources and were given a ‘crash course’ in the babies before they were sent home for between 24 and 48 hours of care. After caring for Lebron for a weekend, I learned how challenging, tiring and demanding parenting can really be. Over the 48 house, Lebron cried, fussed, ate (alot!) and had his nappies and outfits changed on a regular basis. Not only that, I had to take him everywhere with me to ensure I could take care of him properly as my results were being monitored though the inbuilt software. The software within Lebron kept track of things such as temperature, change in outfits and nappies, feeds, and the time it took me to respond to his cries.

Using the experience and the information with the report produced at the end of my care time, I was able to reflect on the different needs and responsibilities of a new born baby and of becoming a parent. Caring for the interactive baby was not only a great opportunity to experience the demands of being a parent, but it also taught me about how others in the community view teen parents and how it feels to be a teen parent living in our community.  

These babies are such a valuable learning experience for us as students, in having sleepless nights, managing multiple tasks at once and still trying to live life as usual. This opportunity gave me a hands on approach to learning the Key Knowledge and live out the Key Skills within the Health and Human Development course, ensuring I could implement this during our School Assessed Coursework (SAC) to the best of my ability. I am grateful for the experience, and know in future, to leave the parenting up to the parents who have the life experience, patients and knowledge to effectively provide and care for children.

- Alysa Goldsmith

- Year 11 Health and Human Development

Sarah Slykerman

7-10 Curriculum Leader - Clyde North Campus

MacKillop "J" Learning Advisor