Child Studies

Content

Child Studies introduces students to child development concepts from birth to five years.

Topics may include:

• Decision-making to being a parent
• Conception, diet during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum depression
• The responsibilities of raising children: their physical and mental health, physical development and learning
• Australian guidelines and legislation regarding such topics as car seats, cots, discipline, sleep and child protection

Students explore the stages of pregnancy and create healthy meal plans for pregnant women. They examine family structures, analyse what it takes to be a parent and devise and sew an item to support a pregnant woman.

Students explore the postpartum period for mothers, including immediately after childbirth and postpartum depression.

Students will observe and discuss how play and socialisation encourage children to develop their social and emotional skills, fine and gross motor skills, and cognitive abilities.

Assessment

Tasks may include:

• Discussions:
• Why couples plan to have children
• The costs of raising children; what equipment, clothing and furniture babies need
• Toys and gender roles
• The impact of technology and media
• The roles and obligations of parents     
• Investigation: Conception and the stages of pregnancy
• Research: The genetic conditions related to pregnancy 
• Investigation: Which nutrients are best for a pregnant woman and child? 
• Practical: Cooking a nutritious meal for a pregnant woman
• Research Task: The stages of pregnancy
• Practical: Designing and sewing an item intended to comfort a pregnant woman
• Research: Postpartum depression

Additional Information