Group Learning Games

Skills for Childbirth Educators

The Great Debate

The Great Debate - I use this game when discussing birth planning and interventions instead of a lecture. I let the class decide the topics they want to discuss, then give them 3 weeks to research the topics. It works well because they start making decisions about how they want to handle labor based on their research, not based on what the teacher said. It also gets them talking about interventions and research on interventions, two things they need to do to discuss their birth plan with their caregiver. I only allow 25 minutes for the two debates, which includes 5 minutes to review notes before debates and time for me to answer questions that come up.

Positive Communications

Positive Communications - I use this occasionally when I have a very timid class. It gives them practice asking questions. It could also be used as a way to assess understanding of interventions.

The Options Game

The Options Game - I use this game to 1) review the risks and benefits of different options for labor and 2) to assess my students understanding of the intervention material we covered in the previous class. You may want to rework some of the questions to reflect your classes biggest fears or concerns. I never use all the questions in one class. I pick and choose which situations I want cover. After each card I take about 5 minutes to answer any questions and review any other relevant information.

Jigsaw

Split the class into groups of two to four students. Give each group a piece of a problem to solve. For example, when studying comfort measures, ask each group to come up with effective strategies for coping with a specific source of pain and discomfort during labor. This can be done with interventions (determine the appropriate situations in which to use a particular intervention), or while studying healthy pregnancy (have each group provide 5 to 10 suggestions on one aspect of pregnancy health such as nutrition, exercise, prenatal care, etc.).

You May Also Be Interested In: The Coach's Notebook explains a variety of comfort measures and techniques for childbirth. The Christian Childbirth Resource Directory lists websites, books and organizations all created to help you honor God through childbirth. Birthing Naturally Books publishes books to help you grow closer to God during this special time of life. Find childbirth professionals near you in the Natural Childbirth Directory.

© Copyright 2000-2007 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally

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