Exploring History and Literature Through 'Call the Midwife'

Core Skills Analysis

History

• Learned about the social conditions and healthcare challenges faced in mid-20th century England.
• Explored the role of midwives and the evolution of maternity care practices.
• Understood the impact of historical events like World War II on healthcare services.
• Gained insights into the cultural and societal norms of that era regarding childbirth and medical care.

English Literature

• Analyzed the storytelling techniques used in the series to portray historical events and personal narratives.
• Explored themes of compassion, resilience, and community in the context of healthcare.
• Examined how characters' dialogues and monologues reflect the social dynamics of the time period.
• Identified literary devices used to evoke empathy and provoke thought about healthcare disparities.

Tips

To further enhance learning from watching 'Call the Midwife,' students can engage in discussions or debates on the historical accuracy of the show, research primary sources to compare with the portrayed events, create a mini-project on the evolution of midwifery practices, or even volunteer at a local maternity clinic to gain practical insights into modern healthcare.

Book Recommendations

• The Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times by Jennifer Worth: A memoir that inspired the TV series, offering firsthand accounts of midwifery in post-war London.
• Babies in Waiting by Rosie Fiore: A novel set in the 1950s exploring the lives of midwives and mothers in a changing society.
• At the Coalface: My Life as a Midwife by Ellie Durant: An autobiographical account of a midwife's experiences, shedding light on the challenges and joys of the profession.