July 28, 2020 | by: Stacie Bingham, LCCE, CD(DONA), CBS(LER)
With so many perinatal classes being moved online due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, I have found one rousing tool that makes classes especially engaging: Using video clips from movies to enhance the tedium that can sometimes be associated with distance/online learning. Hollywood movies during class are unusual, and we know learners pay attention to things that are different. Movies can make us laugh or cry, and endorphins show up when we have expressions of emotion. Movies can be nostalgic – and guess what? We know feelings of nostalgia actually help build our mental toughness by providing a boost when we face difficult situations.
Since the goal of our classes is to share information that families will be applying days, weeks, or even months in the future, making things memorable should be one of your top priorities. Here is a handful of some of my favorites – adjust them as needed to make them work for you!
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February 27, 2020 | by: Stacie Bingham, LCCE, CD(DONA), CBS(LER)
It was 78 degrees here in Central California yesterday. I took it upon myself to go and smell in (sneeze out) some spring. That got me thinking about cleaning, and beautifying, and gardening and growing. I wondered what aspects of “spring” I could inject into some of my teaching activities? I took a trip to my local Dollar Tree to find out.
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June 25, 2019 | by: Stacie Bingham, LCCE, CD(DONA), CBS
This month's Brilliant Activities for Birth Educators idea is written by the creative Stacie Bingham, who often contributes such fun activities. Stacie is so effective at making information both fun and memorable! Today's idea is a riff on birth choice cards or a birth plan activity that covers variations and interventions in labor very well.
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October 30, 2018 | by: Stacie Marie Bingham, LCCE, CD(DONA), CBS
When it comes to birth, the brain isn’t far away. Utilizing novel activities peaks people’s attention. Playing with small toys, shaping Play-Doh, or eating a sweet treat couples a creative activity with a meaningful message – and families are more likely to remember the main idea.
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January 11, 2018 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
We invite any educator to create a new teaching activity for a childbirth, breastfeeding, parenting or newborn caring class. The materials for this teaching activity must be purchased and not cost more than $20 US dollars. The activity should be creative, engaging and based on best practice.
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