Students in teacher Marina Scheiner’s Child Development class at Smith-Cotton High School recently created books to help educate new mothers.

Scheiner said: “We have been learning about the potential damage to the fetus during pregnancy as a result of lifestyle and behavior choices by the mother.  In particular, we are learning about the effects on the fetus as a result of smoking, drinking alcohol and inadequate nutrition. “

Her students wrote and illustrated “mini books” as a way of showing their understanding of the concepts; the books were written and illustrated from the perspective of the baby to the mother. The assignment then grew into a community service project, as the books were donated to the Pettis County Health Department Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program so that “newly pregnant women will benefit from our students’ knowledge and creativity,” Scheiner said. “This is a great example of learning having relevance for the student and benefiting members of our Sedalia community.”

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