Seventh grade students in Mrs. T-K's FACS class recently got a taste of parenting in their "Tater Tot" unit. What started as a fun and exciting project with making clothes and beds for their babies quickly turned into a massive undertaking of learning and coping with stressors, much like real parenting. Students were responsible for caring for a potato for 2 full weeks. Although potatoes don't cry or soil themselves, students still felt the pressure of ensuring the safety and protection of their tot, interacting and completing activities with them, and knowing their whereabouts 24/7. It is hard enough as a middle school student to juggle your textbooks, binders, and laptop; add a "child" to the mix and the stress instantly increases.
During this unit, students created a baby book for their tot to mark important milestones, such as "first word," "first steps," "baby's first Halloween," and more. Their tots also experienced illness, which students had to research common childhood illnesses, their symptoms, treatment options and cost. Of course, students learned about the financial responsibility of caring for a child by researching the cost of diapers, formula, a crib, clothes, supplies, babysitting, and so much more!
One of the most enlightening aspects of this unit was learning about childhood development. Students learned about the various stages of child growth, from newborn to age 18. They discovered physical needs at each stage, and how parents can meet children's social and emotional needs to help them thrive.
Even the tater tot "grandparents" played a vital role in this experience. Grandparents were spotted babysitting the tots during Fall Family Fun Night, and had to sign off every night that their child was taking care of their tot. Special thanks to the grandparents involved in this project!
By the end of the two week period, students had a new appreciation for parents and were ready to get back to being kids again, with fewer responsibilities and less stress. One student reflected, "I learned that parenting is hard, troublesome and tiring. I need to become more responsible before I ever have kids in the very long and distant future." Another student wrote, "One challenge I faced was having to bring the potato everywhere I went because, at the time of it, I was so exhausted from other things I simply forgot. I luckily was able to get through it and be with my kid every day. These challenges are just a fraction of what real parents have to deal with so congrats to them!"
The seventh grade students clearly learned from their experience, grew in their understanding of the challenges and joys of parenting, and realized they want to keep enjoying being a kid for a while longer.
written by Millie TK