Child development through a cinematic lens

In this step we will look at childhood through the perspective of cinema in order to help us reflect on experiences of childhood development in different settings and circumstances. Whilst watching each of the three clips, consider the five components of the WHO nurturing care framework: adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, security and safety, opportunities for early learning, and good health. Also, pay attention to your own reactions and responses as a viewer and consider similarities and differences to what you see on screen and your experiences in your own setting.

First watch this trailer for the documentary “Babies” that was released in 2010 and simultaneously follows four babies around the world – from birth to first steps.

While watching this clip consider these questions, then share your responses in the comments below:

• How might strategies for optimising early childhood development differ across these contexts?
• Does your country have a strategy for early childhood development?

In the next two clips, you will hear from a young girl with visual impairment and her family in Tibet, in an excerpt from the 2006 documentary “Blindsight”.

While watching this clip consider these questions, then share your responses in the comments below:

• Do you have your own personal or professional experiences of children with disability? What role did stigma play in these experiences?
• What services are available for children with disability in your context?

Try reading and responding to others’ comments while forming or after posting your own response. Remember that you can ‘like’ other learners’ comments, and/or reply to them to initiate a conversation. If you want to see whether anyone has replied to a comment you’ve made, just open the ‘Replies’ tab at the top of the page.