The Physical Therapy Department hosted its annual “Baby Day” on Sept. 22. Twenty babies/young children ranging in age from 4 months to 4 years old visited with students in the PT Program’s Pediatric class in the Stokes Center.
During their visit, the babies/children were placed into three different groups: 4-11 months old; 1-2 years old; and 2-4 years old. They were split into groups so that the students in the class could evaluate what motor functions are expected for each group.
Tests were conducted and games were played with each group of children and the Physical Therapy students attempted to gauge the age of each child. The students monitored the children’s motor functions, how they walk, and how they physically and emotionally react to various tests.
“Working with pediatrics is really cool because you get to apply what we learn in class to real kids,” said sophomore Physical Therapy student Julia Bradford.
“It is such a great opportunity to get out of the classroom and see how much of the material we understand and can apply.”
While the primary goal of Baby Day is to provide a learning experience for SFU’s students, it also helps parents better understand how to socialize with their children. Some of the parents who attended last week’s event learned how to better stimulate their children based on their age group.
“Seeing the activities they had my daughter do gave me a great idea of what to continue at home,” said one parent.
“We also love to see how our volunteering helps these healthcare workers prepare for the future.”
The event was organized by PT Clinical Assistant Professor Casey Movinsky, who teaches the department’s Pediatrics course.
“I love this opportunity for my students – it helps them practice their skills and learn hands-on rather than in class,” said Movisnky, who earned her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees at SFU.
Movinsky has had her own children participate in previous Baby Days at the University.
On Oct. 20, Movinsky and her Pediatrics class will host children 2 to 8 years old for a “Kids Day.”
