MOTHERCRAFT IN SCHOOLS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25245, 25 July 1947, Page 2

MOTHERCRAFT IN SCHOOLS

SCOPE OF CHRISTCHURCH COURSE Mothercraft now constitutes a section of the work to be covered by post-primary schoolgirls presenting homecraft for the school certificate examination. To keep teaching uniform throughout the Dominion and to assist teachers taking the subject, the Plunket Society has compiled a curriculum of lectures, demonstrations, and practical sessions. The Education Department has suggested that girls 14 to 17 years of age desiring to take the course be given this instruction in classes of not more than 20. Provision is being made in refresher courses for home science teachers to give special attention to mothercraft instruction. A list of equipment ranging from doll (as model), baby’s bath, and bassinette, to clothing and cot material and feeding preparations has been drawn up by the department. It has been suggested that these be secured as gifts where possible; but requests for assistance in meeting costs will be considered by the department. The scheme was started in Christchurch in 1946, and this year regular classes are being held at all girls’ postprimary schools. Instruction is given by Miss M. S. Moody, tutor nurse of the Plunket Society. In most cases she found that the older girls were more interested in the course, she said yesterday. The mothercraft section of the course was covered in a .term, and every effort made to let all girls take an active part in making up material, preparing milk mixtures, cooking, and various other phases of the work. For this reason smaller groups were easier to instruct.

Shortage of Euipment Shortage of equipment presented a serious handicap, and substitute materials had often to be used. At the end of the course a test of proficiency was given, usually in the preparation of a project on some aspect of mothercraft. Best results were sesecured where parents understood the scheme ana were sympathetic. The mothercraft course in Christchurch involves about 10 lessons. At the outset girls are told of the importance of- early environment on babies, of reducing mortality, and of simplifying the lot of the mother. Improvement of general hygiene and home management are also discussed. Habits recommended in preparation for motherhood are reviewed and prenatal clinics explained. Routine management of the baby follows, with talks on health requirements, cleanliness, and regular habits. One session is devoted to the aspect and equipment of the nursery. Opportunity is given for examination of babies’ clothes, bedding, and prams. Bathing a baby is given special attention, and after the girls have studied requirements, they often watch a baby being bathed while the nurse .gives a commentary on method. Then follows practice in correct methods of dressing. Infant feeding takes an important place in the syllabus, and natural and artificial methods are studied. Experience is given in the preparation of foods. Later lectures refer to the growth and development of babies, feeding the pre-school child, accidents and minor ailments, and finally to the heatlh services available to mothers in New Zealand.