Learning About and From Babies

We invited some babies and toddlers to come in today so that we could observe them and learn from them. We had multiple purposes for this activity. We wanted to observe them as scientists observe the world around them and we wanted to use what we observed to learn more about empathy. The crew was very excited about having the babies visit and everyone had a great time. We weren't really able to have a good discussion while the babies were in the room because we were enjoying them so much and being so entertained by them. Once they left, though, we were really able to focus on our observations and what we learned. It was pretty powerful. I will attempt to capture a few of the ideas we discussed below but I know I won't be able to fully describe all the wonderful thoughts and discussions.

I have created a photo album of pictures and short videos of our time with the babies and our discussion. After the discussion, I asked if anyone wanted to share what they learned on video and a few wanted to try. Not all of us wanted to share at this point, though. Please be sure to take a look.

Baby Day Photo Album

Ms. Allison and I are already thinking about  next time and what we will keep the same and what we will do differently. We should be ready soon.

Thank you so much to the parents who were so kind and brought their babies in to share with us. They were all great! I wished that they could have stayed all day.

Things that came up in our discussion:

• Babies can't use their words to ask for what they want so they cry or just take things. First graders can use words.
• Babies needed to return to their mom's when they got nervous, worried or upset. First graders turn to friends, teachers or parents when they get upset.
• Babies notice when other babies feel sad and often feel sad along with the sad baby. First graders notice when their friends are sad and try to help them.
• Babies need to be spoken to softly and kindly or they get upset. First graders (and everyone) need to be spoken to softly and kindly, too.
• Babies like to be smiled at. First graders (and everyone) like to be smiled at.
• It took the babies a little while to feel comfortable in our circle but once they did, they began to explore and have fun. Some first graders (and others) need time to feel comfortable when they are in a new place or with new people.
• You can see how babies are feeling pretty easily but you don't always know why they are feeling that way. The same is true of everyone.
• You have to act like a scientist to try and figure out why a baby is upset. You can watch them and try different things to make them feel better. This works really well with our friends, too.

 Then later in the morning, Mr. Bob, shared a great story about his hearing with us and showed us his new hearing aids. This gave us another chance to feel empathy for someone else and we were fascinated. We really, really love Mr. Bob!