This month’s Brilliant Activities for Birth Educators idea focuses on the theme of “red and green” as a way for class participants to say “yes or no” or “agree or disagree” and test their knowledge on a variety of topics. It is a great activity that is easy to run, requires no special supplies, works equally well in person or virtually, and is enjoyed by all. To find all the Brilliant Activities for Birth Educators ideas for free, check out this link.

Introduction

Families come to your childbirth classes with knowledge and lived experiences even before they walk in the classroom door or join your virtual class meeting. During class they expand out what they know with new information based on evidence and best practice with your guidance. You can use the technique of participants holding up red and green items to determine what your class already knows, to introduce new topics and even as a review at the end of class, or the beginning of the next one to reinforce previous learning.

Materials

In-person

• Red and green strips of paper (laminated for easy reuse)
• A random collection or small red and green items that people can choose
• One set for you to provide the answer with

Virtual

• Each participant grabs a red and green object near them. It is fun to see the interesting things that people have handy.
• One set for you to provide the answer with

How long to plan for this activity

This is a fast paced activity when used to review or introduce a topic. You can generally move through it within five minutes. When using this technique to cover new material and allow time for discussion and explanation. Plan for additional time - but no longer than 15-20 minutes, to keep engagement high.

Suggested topics that can be covered using this technique

• Warning signs of pregnancy or typical discomforts
• Normal newborn characteristics or concerns
• Foods to eat or avoid during pregnancy
• Signs of labor or typical end of pregnancy experiences
• Lactation concerns or normal situations
• Postpartum warning signs or typical experiences

You can also identify additional suitable topics from your learning objectives that would also work well in this format.

How to conduct this activity

Introduce the topic and let the participants know that you will list a variety of situations on a common theme. Read out a statement, or show the statement as part of a slide deck. Remember to make your slide deck interesting by using relevant and fun images on each slide.

If the student believes that the situation or statement, is true/normal/accurate, they should hold up the green object. If they believe that the statement is inaccurate or could be a cause for concern, they should hold up the red object. Each participant can have their own set of objects and respond independently or you can offer them a chance to collaborate and discuss with each other before responding as a team, if they are partnered.

How you could modify this activity

Instead of red/green objects, you could do a thumbs up or thumbs down in person. For a virtual meeting platform you could use a smile/frown or thumbs up/down emoji reaction.

What families say about this activity

Families report that this red/green activity demonstrates and reaffirms to them that they do know the material and will remember important information when they need it in the weeks or months ahead.  They laugh at the objects that folks have chosen to use and feel a sense of camaraderie with their cohort when they have similar responses.

Conclusion

Using inexpensive and easily accessible materials, this red/green activity is simple to conduct, fun to participate in, translates well virtually or in person and can be used to cover a wide variety of topics. Consider using this teaching idea to review or reinforce previously discussed topics or introduce new material. Either way, it is a fun and effective teaching tool!

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