Chapter 19 Parent Letter and Activities

Chapter 19: Prenatal Development and Birth

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Your teen’s health class is currently studying the beginning of the human life cycle. They will examine human life, from conception and implantation through infancy and childhood. They will also learn about heredity and genetics and what role they play in fetal development. Your son or daughter will also learn the importance of prenatal care.

The following topics will be explored in this chapter:

The Beginning of the Life Cycle.

Prenatal Care.

Heredity and Genetics.

Infancy and Childhood.

Please reinforce our classroom work by discussing with your son or daughter one or more
of the following topics: Ask your teen to explain the stages of fetal development. Discuss the dangers of using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs during pregnancy. Point out family traits, such as height, hair color, and eye color, to your son or daughter and ask him or her to explain how such characteristics are passed on. Have your teenexplain the developmental stages and tasks of childhood by using neighborhood children as examples. Share stories from your son’s or daughter’s childhood that illustrate these stages. Discuss with your son or daughter the importance of health screenings for children.

Please plan other activities you think will help your teen understand the concepts
presented in this chapter. Thank you for supporting our classroom work. Feel free to
contact me if you wish to discuss your teen’s health education.

Sincerely,

Health Teacher