8S Begin Their Parenting Project Journey
Mr Edwards reports on the latest challenge for 8S – looking after their very own babies 24 hours a day!
It was with much excitement and some trepidation that I suggested we revive the famous Flour Babies project from the 1980s, but we hope very much that it will prove as fun and thought-provoking as ever. The pupils have their very own doll to look after, and a baby manual that they must complete daily, identifying their baby’s welfare and indeed whereabouts, including feeding, changing and babysitting arrangements. On each day there is a feedback sheet to complete, outlining general mood and any high and low moments. The children have already set up Instagram accounts and WhatsApp parent support groups, so there is already evidence of some engagement. Carriers have been made, old baby clothes (perhaps ones they wore themselves?) have been dug out, and ideas shared for future adventures. Their faces and reactions last Friday when I unveiled the project were utterly priceless. From here we will be writing Kitchen Sink realism plays, making podcasts and short films, and holding discussion forums with some of the young mums and dads on the staff.
Will we make it through to the end of the project? Watch this space!
