Does anyone really know what it is like to have to care for a baby before caring for an actual baby? The 8th grade students at Vernon Middle School are now be able to have a better experience in learning what caring for baby is like with a set of 5 new Real Care babies purchased with support from the Marion Grants Program. The interactive dolls are equipped with sensors to detect student’s interactions with feedings, clothing changes, diaper changes, and even how long the baby sat in a car seat.
Instructor Sandee Wolf-Kerker requested grant funds so that each 8th grader in Teen Living would have the opportunity to experience “real life” situations through technology and curriculum what it would be like to be a teen parent.
According to Sandee, “each student that has taken the class has been able to practice with the baby and experience those responsibilities to make more informed decisions. All students are nervous and excited to be able to experience taking care of a baby… A large amount of students will return the next day and tell me they are not ready to be a parent, it is too much work and they did not get sleep.”
If you are a MISD staff interested in applying for a Marion Grant or would like to donate to make the grants program possible, visit our website to learn more.